11

US-based Charlie Puth has released his new effort with Hikaru Utada, the Japanese-American singer-songwriter who has charmed fans with her timeless voice and presence. The message is simple and not new. Yet, the sound, even if it’s familiar to those who remember mid- ‘90s R&B, will be attracted to listen to it. I mean, wouldn’t you feel at “Home” (2026), this way?  

The “See You Again” songwriter, Puth, wrote “Home” for his best friend, partner, wife, and mother-to-be, acknowledging that a house doesn’t feel like a home without the one and only special person – the one you’d always run home to, regardless of the circumstances.

Sources reveal that Puth is expecting their first child, making the song not only personal to him, but a relaxing listen for anyone who needs a reminder to always cherish those present, still in our lives.

Utada, who has been active since 1999, returns in this laid-back yet groovy number, strong in her own right, singing in mainly Japanese but also in English, and harmonising beautifully with Puth. Given her airy yet agile delivery, you can sense a certain longing. After all, Utada is known for her memorable third single “First Love”, from her Japanese debut album.

In contrast, Puth is hushed and soft throughout, complementing how he looks in the video, rather lost.

The Japanese lyrics in the song roughly translates to mean that even when things may appear ordinary, there is always something delightful and special to look forward to every single day. Then in the verse that’s entirely Japanese, it roughly translates to mean that there’s someone you cannot live without, even if the house is luxurious, there’s no point.

To Utada, doing this with Charlie Puth is a fun challenge, given that Japanese and English have very different structures and phonetics. So to have this duet come to life feels unexpected and a nice change for those who aren’t as bilingual/non-Japanese speakers.

Notably, the two never meet even at the conclusion of the video. This decision accentuates the perspective that loneliness should be experienced by both parties rather than a single one.

Utada was born in New York City to Japanese parents and has alternated between Japan and the US, due to her parents’ occupation as a record producer and an enka singer.

The music video, available on YouTube since 10 March 2026, has garnered at least 1.3 million views.

“Home” will be part of “Whatever’s Clever, Puth’s latest album. This would set the tone for his tour in April 2026, bearing the same name.