Left and Right (Charlie Puth song)
{{Use American English|date=June 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Left and Right
| cover = Left and Right - Charlie Puth.png
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Charlie Puth featuring Jung Kook
| album = Charlie
| released = {{start date|2022|06|24}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Pop
| length = 2:34
| label = Atlantic
| writer = * Charlie Puth
| producer = Charlie Puth
| chronology = Charlie Puth
| prev_title = That's Hilarious
| prev_year = 2022
| next_title = Smells Like Me
| next_year = 2022
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Jung Kook
| type = single
| prev_title = Stay Alive
| prev_year = 2022
| title = Left and Right
| year = 2022
| next_title = Dreamers
| next_year = 2022
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|a7GITgqwDVg|"Left and Right"}}}}
}}
"Left and Right" is a song by American singer Charlie Puth featuring South Korean singer Jung Kook of BTS, released through Atlantic Records on June 24, 2022, as the third single from Puth's third studio album Charlie. It was written by Puth and Jacob Kasher Hindlin with the former also serving as producer. Available digitally and as a limited edition CD and cassette, the duet marks the second time Puth and Jung Kook have collaborated, the first being their performance of "We Don't Talk Anymore" at the Genie Music Awards in 2018.
A catchy, upbeat pop song, the lyrics of "Left and Right" focus on memories of a past love and how consumed by thoughts of that former relationship one can become. An accompanying music video was released the same day as the song and depicts Puth and Jung Kook visiting a therapist's office for help with their lovesickness.
The single debuted at number one in India, the Philippines, and Vietnam; number two in Malaysia and Singapore; and number three in Hungary, Indonesia, and Taiwan. It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and debuted at number five on the Billboard Global 200, earning Puth and Jung Kook their first top-10 entries on the latter. The single also spent three consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Japan Hot Overseas chart. It has been certified Platinum in Canada and Gold in the US.
Background and release
Jung Kook's appreciation for Charlie Puth's music has been documented numerous times, going as far back as 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com.au/news/prd07v/a-complete-timeline-of-charlie-puth-bts-jungkook-s-bromance|title=A Complete Timeline Of Charlie Puth & BTS' Jungkook's Bromance|date=July 10, 2018|website=MTV Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625070021/https://www.mtv.com.au/news/prd07v/a-complete-timeline-of-charlie-puth-bts-jungkook-s-bromance|archive-date=June 25, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 25, 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/06/17/entertainment/kpop/korea-bts-jungkook/20220617122059448.html|title=Jungkook, Charlie Puth collaborating on 'Left and Right'|last=Shin|first=Min-hee|date=June 17, 2022|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617033156/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/06/17/entertainment/kpop/korea-bts-jungkook/20220617122059448.html|archive-date=June 17, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 26, 2022}} He first released a solo cover of Puth's "We Don't Talk Anymore" in 2016, which caught the singer's attention. A history of subsequent communication between the two via Twitter, and a second cover with bandmate Jimin in mid-2017, culminated in a joint performance of the song at the Genie Music Awards in 2018.{{cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/watch-charlie-puth-and-bts-jungkooks-pop-gem-left-and-right/|title=Watch Charlie Puth and BTS' Jungkook's Pop Gem 'Left and Right'|last=Dongre|first=Divyansha|date=June 24, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624052219/https://rollingstoneindia.com/watch-charlie-puth-and-bts-jungkooks-pop-gem-left-and-right/|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}}
Puth originally teased "Left and Right" as a solo track in February 2022 on TikTok.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlie-puth-bts-jungkook-left-and-right-3254770|title=Listen to Charlie Puth and BTS' Jungkook's new song 'Left and Right'|last=Ziwei|first=Puah|date=June 24, 2022|website=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624051558/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlie-puth-bts-jungkook-left-and-right-3254770|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}} In April, he tweeted about a dream he had, of BTS featuring on the song, increasing speculation that a project between both parties was in the works.{{cite web|url=https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/charlie-puth-bts-song-rumored-collab|title=Charlie Puth Hinted At A Possible Collab With BTS|last=Melendez|first=Michelle|date=June 7, 2022|website=Elite Daily|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608074842/https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/charlie-puth-bts-song-rumored-collab|archive-date=June 8, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 25, 2022}} He began hinting at an upcoming collaboration with an unnamed artist through various clues in subsequent videos on the platform in June. During an interview at iHeartRadio's Wango Tango on the 5th of that month, Puth revealed he had indeed collaborated with a K-pop artist, but did not know when the song would be released; the collaborator remained unnamed at the time.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlie-puth-seemingly-confirms-bts-collaboration-on-the-way-3241376|title=Charlie Puth seemingly confirms a BTS collaboration is on the way|last=Yeo|first=Gladys|date=June 7, 2022|website=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613172437/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlie-puth-seemingly-confirms-bts-collaboration-on-the-way-3241376|archive-date=June 13, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}} On June 17, Puth simultaneously confirmed the collaboration's occurrence and that the contributing artist was Jung Kook of BTS, with the release of the first official teaser on TikTok. In the clip, he video-calls the aforementioned, who is in a recording studio, and asks him to sing various lines from the song—the full snippet plays at the end—while standing to the left of the microphone, and then the right. Puth also announced that the single would be released on the 24th if it reached 500,000 pre-saves.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/bts-jungkook-charlie-puth-collaborate-new-single-left-and-right-3249682|title=BTS' Jungkook and Charlie Puth tease joint single, 'Left And Right'|last=Chin|first=Carmen|date=June 17, 2022|website=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617063539/https://www.nme.com/news/music/bts-jungkook-charlie-puth-collaborate-new-single-left-and-right-3249682|archive-date=June 17, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/charlie-puth-bts-jungkook-collaboration-left-and-right-1235089413/|title=Charlie Puth And BTS' Jungkook Have Cut a Collaboration 'Left and Right'|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=June 17, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617095525/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/charlie-puth-bts-jungkook-collaboration-left-and-right-1235089413/|archive-date=June 17, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}} In a later interview with Billboard, Puth commented on the process saying, "The song was done. I sat on it for a couple of weeks and then I texted him the mp3. We were able to really get it done."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-interview-new-album-jung-kook-collaboration-1235141173/|title=Charlie Puth Talks 'Personal' Self-Titled Album, Working With Jung Kook & More|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|date=September 19, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919184440/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-interview-new-album-jung-kook-collaboration-1235141173/|archive-date=September 19, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=October 5, 2022}}
Two additional teasers followed via Puth's Instagram on the 23rd. In the first, he sings the lines "Memories follow me left and right/ I can feel you over here/ I can feel you over here/ You take up every corner of my mind". The second showed both singers "bob[bing] their heads while seated in an old sedan and beatbox[ing] along to the song's beat while using the click of the car door locks as an additional rhythm track". The single was released as promised the following week, at midnight.
Music and lyrics
"Left and Right" is a "breezy, sentimental", "bubbly pop tune" with Puth "croon[ing] in his signature falsetto" and featured vocals from Jung Kook of BTS. It was written by Puth and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, with the former also responsible for production. The song's lyrics find both singers "pining over a past relationship" and "overwhelmed with thoughts of their respective exes" as they sing the lines "Memories follow me left and right/ I can feel you over here/ I can feel you over here/ You take up every corner of my mind".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/bts-jungkook-charlie-puth-left-and-right-video-preview-1235104787/|title=BTS' Jungkook and Charlie Puth Are Hopeless, Goofy Romantics in 'Left and Right' Video Preview|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=June 23, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623150628/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/bts-jungkook-charlie-puth-left-and-right-video-preview-1235104787/|archive-date=June 23, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-jungkook-bts-left-and-right-1373629/|url-access=subscription|title=Charlie Puth and Jungkook of BTS Find Themselves Lovestruck in 'Left And Right'|last=Bouza|first=Kat|date=June 24, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624083645/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-jungkook-bts-left-and-right-1373629/|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 24, 2022}} The song's "minimalistic pop production accentuates the singers' mellow, dulcet vocalizations", meshing "fresh percussion-guitar sounds" with a "bright, rhythmic melody". The chorus and hook both utilize panning, with the audio moving from left to right, in a similar vein to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. According to Puth, the song should be listened to with headphones "to get the full effect" of the audio technique.{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/music/charlie-puth-and-bts-jungkook-drop-new-single-left-and-right/|title=Charlie Puth Visits the 'Love Doctor' in New Music Video for 'Left and Right' with BTS' Jungkook|last=Schonfield|first=Alexandra|date=June 24, 2022|magazine=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624131847/https://people.com/music/charlie-puth-and-bts-jungkook-drop-new-single-left-and-right/|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}}
Reception
= Commercial performance =
"Left and Right" debuted at number 49 on the Week 26 issue of the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart as the highest-charting new entry for the period dated June 19 to 25.{{cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=052&aid=0001758081|script-title=ko:아이브·임영웅, 26차 가온차트서 각각 2관왕 영예|last=Kwak|first=Hyeon-soo|date=June 30, 2022|work=YTN|language=ko|trans-title=Ive and Lim Young-woong, honored with 2 crowns each in the 26th Gaon Chart|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630030639/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=052&aid=0001758081|archive-date=June 30, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 29, 2022|via=Naver}} It also entered the corresponding issues of the Download and Streaming charts at numbers five{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=26&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week|script-title=ko:2022년 26주차 Download Chart|website=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|trans-title=Download Chart – Week 26 of 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630020326/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=26&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week|archive-date=June 30, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 29, 2022}} and 181{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=26&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week|script-title=ko:2022년 26주차 Streaming Chart|website=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|trans-title=Streaming Chart – Week 22 of 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630020458/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=26&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week|archive-date=June 30, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 29, 2022}} respectively. Two weeks later, it peaked at number 15 on both the Digital and Streaming charts.{{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=28&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart: 2022 Week 28|website=Circle Chart|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714022641/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=28&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|archive-date=July 14, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 13, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=28&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|title=Streaming Chart 2022 Weeks 28|website=Circle Chart|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714025038/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=28&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|archive-date=July 14, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2022}} In Japan, the single debuted at number two on the Oricon Daily Digital Single Chart for June 24, with 6,236 downloads,{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/d/2022-06-24/|script-title=ja:デイリー デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング 2022年06月24日付|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|trans-title=Daily Digital Single (Single Song) Ranking dated June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625090636/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/d/2022-06-24/|archive-date=June 25, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 29, 2022}} and number four on the subsequent weekly chart issue dated July 4, with 9,981 cumulative downloads for the period June 20 to 26.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/w/2022-07-04/|script-title=ja:週間 デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング 2022年07月04日付 （2022年06月20日～2022年06月26日）|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|trans-title=Weekly Digital Single ranking dated July 4, 2022 (June 20, 2022–June 26, 2022)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629033545/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/w/2022-07-04/|archive-date=June 29, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 28, 2022}} It entered the top 20 of the Weekly Streaming Chart in its second week, with 3,304,935 streams.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/st/w/2022-07-11/p/2/|script-title=ja:週間 ストリーミングランキング 2022年07月11日付 （2022年06月27日～2022年07月03日）|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|trans-title=Weekly Streaming Ranking dated July 11, 2022 (June 27, 2022–July 3, 2022)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706060813/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/st/w/2022-07-11/p/2/|archive-date=July 6, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2022}} "Left and Right" also debuted on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart issue dated June 29 at number 24—its peak.{{cite web|url=https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100&year=2022&month=07&day=04|script-title=ja:Hot 100 [2022/06/29 公開]|website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|trans-title=Hot 100 [Published on 2022/06/29]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629063702/https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100&year=2022&month=07&day=04|archive-date=June 29, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 29, 2022}} It was the second most-downloaded song of the week, accumulating 9,907 sales with only three days of availability.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/113808/2|script-title=ja:【ビルボード】Official髭男dism「ミックスナッツ」DLソング通算3週目の首位、チャーリー・プース×JUNG KOOKが初登場2位|date=June 29, 2022|website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|trans-title=[Billboard] Official Hige Dandism "Mixed Nuts" tops DL Songs for third week, Charlie Puth x JUNG KOOK debut in 2nd place|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629214356/https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/113808/2|archive-date=June 29, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 29, 2022}} The single also debuted atop the Hot Overseas chart for the same issue date and spent three consecutive weeks at number one.References for "Left and Right" on the Billboard Japan Hot Overseas chart:
- {{cite web|url=https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2022&month=07&day=04|script-title=ja:Hot Overseas [2022/06/29 公開]|website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|trans-title=Hot Overseas [Published on 2022/06/29]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629102927/https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2022&month=07&day=04|archive-date=June 29, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 29, 2022}}
- {{cite web|url=https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2022&month=07&day=11|script-title=ja:Hot Overseas [2022/07/06 公開]|website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|trans-title=Hot Overseas [Published on 2022/07/06]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706064447/https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2022&month=07&day=11|archive-date=July 6, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2022}}
- {{cite web|url=https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2022&month=07&day=18|script-title=ja:Hot Overseas [2022/07/13 公開]|website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|trans-title=Hot Overseas [Published on 2022/07/06]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713064102/https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2022&month=07&day=18|archive-date=July 13, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2022}}
In the United States, "Left and Right" debuted at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, for the week post-dated July 9, 2022, as the highest new entry on the chart. It was the best-selling song of its release week and topped the corresponding issue of the component Digital Song Sales chart.{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/06/charlie-puth-bts-jungkooks-left-and-right-debuts-at-no-22-on-billboard-hot-100/|title=Charlie Puth, BTS' Jungkook's 'Left and Right' debuts at No. 22 on Billboard Hot 100|last=Hicap|first=Jonah|date=July 6, 2022|work=Manila Bulletin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706082147/https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/06/charlie-puth-bts-jungkooks-left-and-right-debuts-at-no-22-on-billboard-hot-100/|archive-date=July 6, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=November 17, 2022}} The single charted for 17 consecutive weeks on the ranking,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/Charlie-Puth/chart-history/HSI|title=Chart History – Charlie Puth: Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117203743/https://www.billboard.com/artist/charlie-puth/chart-history/hsi/|archive-date=November 17, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=November 17, 2022}} and received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in November, for surpassing 500,000 sales in the country.
Globally, "Left and Right" accumulated 76.5 million streams and debuted at number five on the Billboard Global 200, earning Puth and Jung Kook their first top-10 entries on the chart. It also entered the Global Excl. US chart at number two, Puth's first top-10 in territories outside of the US and Jung Kook's second after "Stay Alive".{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/harry-styles-charlie-puth-jung-kook-global-charts-1235110509/|title=Harry Styles' 'As It Was' Makes History Atop Global Charts, Charlie Puth & Jung Kook's 'Left and Right' Launches in Top Five|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=July 5, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705190423/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/harry-styles-charlie-puth-jung-kook-global-charts-1235110509/|archive-date=July 5, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 5, 2022}} The single sold 45,000 downloads worldwide and was the best-selling song for the week ending June 30, surpassing the next best-performing single, Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill", which sold 21,000 downloads, by a margin of two-to-one.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/charlie-puth-jung-kook-left-and-right-new-around-the-world/|url-access=subscription|title=New Around the World: Charlie Puth & Jung Kook Hit Far and Wide With 'Left and Right'|last=Frankenberg|first=Eric|date=July 7, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708013626/https://www.billboard.com/pro/charlie-puth-jung-kook-left-and-right-new-around-the-world/|archive-date=July 8, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=November 17, 2022}}
= Accolades =
In July, Esquire ranked "Left and Right" at number nine on its list of the "11 Best Songs for Summer '22",{{cite magazine|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/g40546784/best-songs-summer-2022/|title=The 11 Best Songs for Summer '22|last=Hassan|first=Ammal|date=July 8, 2022|magazine=Esquire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708222805/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/g40546784/best-songs-summer-2022/|archive-date=July 8, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=September 9, 2022}} while Cleveland.com included it at number 15 on its "Song of the Summer 2022" list published in August.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/08/song-of-the-summer-2022-its-lizzo-vs-harry-styles-vs-everybody-else.html|title=Song of the Summer 2022: It's Lizzo vs. Harry Styles vs. everybody else|last=Morona|first=Joey|date=August 3, 2022|website=Cleveland.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803135314/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/08/song-of-the-summer-2022-its-lizzo-vs-harry-styles-vs-everybody-else.html|archive-date=August 3, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=September 9, 2022}} Billboard included the song on its year-end list of the 17 best collaborations of 2022.{{cite magazine|url=
https://www.billboard.com/lists/biggest-song-collaborations-2022/|title=Here Are 17 of the Biggest Song Collaborations of 2022|last=Dailey|first=Hannah|date=December 30, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230210122/https://www.billboard.com/lists/biggest-song-collaborations-2022/|archive-date=December 30, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=February 2, 2023}}
"Left and Right" was nominated for Song of Summer at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, but lost to "First Class" by Jack Harlow.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/mtv-vmas-2022-winners-list-3299368|title=Here are all the winners from the MTV VMAs 2022|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=August 29, 2022|website=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829005540/https://www.nme.com/news/music/mtv-vmas-2022-winners-list-3299368|archive-date=August 29, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=September 9, 2022}} It received subsequent nominations in the Music Video and Collaboration Song categories at the 48th People's Choice Awards, and eventually won the latter.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-peoples-choice-award-winners-list-1235182274/|title=Taylor Swift, BTS & Lizzo Among Top Winners at 2022 People's Choice Awards: Full List|last=Grein|first=Paul|date=December 6, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207080219/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-peoples-choice-award-winners-list-1235182274/|archive-date=December 7, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=December 7, 2022}} In 2023, the song won Song of the Year by Streaming – Western at the 37th Japan Gold Disc Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.golddisc.jp/award/37/Prize_2.html|script-title=ja:The Japan Gold Disc Award 2023 – 第37回 日本ゴールドディスク大賞|website=www.golddisc.jp|language=ja|trans-title=The Japan Gold Disc Award 2023 – 37th Japan Gold Disc Award|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309200918/https://www.golddisc.jp/award/37/Prize_2.html|archive-date=March 9, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=March 9, 2023}} It was nominated for Best Music Video at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards, but lost to "Yet to Come" by BTS.{{cite magazine|url=
https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-iheartradio-music-awards-winners-list-1235293648/|title=Here Are the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners: Full List|last=Atkinson|first=Katie|date=March 27, 2023|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328040833/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-iheartradio-music-awards-winners-list-1235293648/|archive-date=March 28, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2023}}
Music video
Puth shared a teaser clip from the music video a day prior to its release. The montage featured both singers dressed in "a series of outfits as they sing back-to-back and Jung Kook tries to listen to a conversation on the other side of a wall using a glass and hangs on to a car hood for dear life as it speeds through town".
Initially announced for a simultaneous debut alongside the single, the music video premiered on YouTube an hour after the single went live on digital platforms on June 24.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-jungkook-left-and-right-stream-bts-1235105516/|title=Charlie Puth's 'Left and Right' With BTS' Jungkook Has Arrived: Watch the Video|last=Atkinson|first=Katie|date=June 24, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624041017/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-jungkook-left-and-right-stream-bts-1235105516/|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}} Directed by Drew Kirsch, the "colourful" visual opens with Puth visiting the office of an elderly male therapist identified as "The Love Doctor" in an attempt to fix his heartache.{{cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/908381/charlie-puth-visits-the-love-doctor-in-new-music-video-left-and-right-featuring-bts-jungkook/|title=Charlie Puth Visits The Love Doctor In New Music Video 'Left And Right' Featuring BTS' Jungkook|last=Romualdi|first=Melissa|date=June 24, 2022|website=ET Canada|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624152603/https://etcanada.com/news/908381/charlie-puth-visits-the-love-doctor-in-new-music-video-left-and-right-featuring-bts-jungkook/|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 24, 2022}} He narrates his thoughts about his ex to the man through the song's lyrics. Jung Kook appears next, in solo shots for his verse and joint scenes with Puth at the doctor's office, as the passenger in a car driven by the latter—at one point he is seen "playfully seated on the hood of the car" before sliding off the moving vehicle—and singing back-to-back with Puth in a white room about their lovesickness.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2022/06/24/Charlie-Puth-Jungkook-Left-Right-music-video/9591656077118/|title=Charlie Puth, Jungkook are lovesick in 'Left and Right' music video|date=June 24, 2022|agency=UPI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624134753/https://www.upi.com/entertainment_news/music/2022/06/24/charlie-puth-jungkook-left-right-music-video/9591656077118/|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}} A QR code and special phone number are later shown on-screen, encouraging fans to text it to receive bonus content from Puth. The video also contains product placement for Chime, a Gen Z-targeted financial company.
Rolling Stone India{{'}}s Divyansha Dongre wrote that the music video "captures the duo's mischievous, playful aura vividly." Jason P. Frank of Vulture felt that "the idea behind this video is not super-clear. What is clear is that Jung Kook is overflowing with charisma and also that his lip ring is hot."{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/06/charlie-puth-feat-jung-kook-of-bts-is-real.html|title=No, It Wasn't All a Dream: Charlie Puth (Feat. Jung Kook of BTS) Is Real|last=Frank|first=Jason P.|date=June 24, 2022|website=Vulture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624154030/https://www.vulture.com/2022/06/charlie-puth-feat-jung-kook-of-bts-is-real.html|archive-date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 1, 2022}}
Live performances
Puth performed "Left and Right" live for the first time—he sang the song solo—during his appearance on the Today Show on July 8, 2022, as part of the Citi Concert Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/video/charlie-puth-performs-light-switch-live-on-today-143659077552|title=Charlie Puth performs 'Light Switch' live on TODAY|date=July 8, 2022|website=Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708153454/https://www.today.com/video/charlie-puth-performs-light-switch-live-on-today-143659077552|archive-date=July 8, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2022}} On September 24, he performed the song solo again, as part of his set at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City for the event's 10th anniversary.{{cite web|url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/best-live-music-moments-global-citizen-accra-nyc/|title=22 of the Best Musical Moments From Global Citizen Festival: Accra and NYC|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Leah|last2=Lowery|first2=Tess|date=September 27, 2022|website=Global Citizen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927212435/https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/best-live-music-moments-global-citizen-accra-nyc/|archive-date=September 27, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=October 5, 2022}} The following month, Puth appeared on the October 12 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and performed the song together with "Loser".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-left-and-right-loser-fallon-1234609576/|url-access=subscription|title=Watch Charlie Puth Perform 'Left and Right', 'Loser' on 'Fallon'|last=Zemler|first=Emily|date=October 12, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012070530/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charlie-puth-left-and-right-loser-fallon-1234609576/|archive-date=October 12, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=October 13, 2022}} He was the guest performer for the November 15 episode of Season 22 of The Voice and sang a medley comprising "Left and Right" and "That's Hilarious".{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1354179/find-out-the-heartthrob-whos-performing-on-the-voices-season-22-live-show|title=Find Out the Heartthrob Who's Performing on The Voice's Season 22 Live Show|last=Strout|first=Paige|date=November 11, 2022|website=E! Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111180625/https://www.eonline.com/news/1354179/find-out-the-heartthrob-whos-performing-on-the-voices-season-22-live-show|archive-date=November 11, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=November 16, 2022}}
Track listing and formats
- Cassette/CD single (Original and Alternate Cover)/Digital download/Flexi disc
- "Left and Right" – 2:34
- Deluxe 2-Disc CD Package
- "Left and Right" – 2:34
- "Left and Right" (Instrumental) – 2:32
- Digital single (Acapella)
- "Left and Right" (Acapella) – 2:34
- Digital single (Instrumental)
- "Left and Right" (Instrumental) – 2:32
- Sam Feldt Remix
- "Left and Right" (Sam Feldt Remix) – 2:42
- Galantis Remix
- "Left and Right" (Galantis Remix) – 2:42
Personnel
Adapted from the CD single liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Left and Right|others=Charlie Puth|date=2022|type=liner notes|publisher=Atlantic Records|id=075678631276|location=United States}}
Mixed at Larrabee Studios, North Hollywood, California.
- Chris Galland – mix engineering
- Scott Desmarais – assistant mix engineering
- Rob Florent – assistant mix engineering
- Jeremie Inhaber – assistant mix engineering
- Jacob Kasher Hindlin – songwriting
- Jung Kook – vocals
- Emerson Mancini{{efn|credited as Michelle Mancini; song was released prior to Mancini's coming out as transgender.{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/music/mastering-engineer-emerson-mancini-says-kendrick-lamar-song-led-him-to-come-out/|title=Mastering Engineer Emerson Mancini Says a Kendrick Lamar Song Led Him to Share His Trans Identity|last=Irvin|first=Jack|date=October 7, 2022|magazine=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007125121/https://people.com/music/mastering-engineer-emerson-mancini-says-kendrick-lamar-song-led-him-to-come-out/|archive-date=October 7, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=September 12, 2023}}}} – mastering
- Manny Marroquin – mixing
- Jan Ozervan – guitar
- Pdogg – recording engineering
- Charlie Puth – vocals, songwriting, production, mixing
- Benjamin Sedano – recording engineering
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col 2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{col 2}}
=Monthly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Monthly chart performance for "Left and Right" ! scope="col" | Chart (2022) ! scope="col" | Position |
| scope="row" | South Korea (Circle){{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=07&hitYear=2022&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart 2022.07 Month|website=Circle Chart|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813061313/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=07&hitYear=2022&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|archive-date=August 13, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=August 11, 2022}}
| 26 |
|---|
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2023 year-end chart performance for "Left and Right" ! scope="col"| Chart (2023) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| South Korea (Circle){{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=2023&hitYear=2023&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart 2023|website=Circle Chart|access-date=January 12, 2024}}
| 142 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Left and Right"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Charlie Puth|title=Left and Right|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certmonth=9|certyear=2023|access-date=October 21, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Charlie Puth|title=Left and Right|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2022|access-date=November 26, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Charlie Puth & Jung Kook|title=Left and Right|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=13506|access-date=November 12, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Charlie Puth feat. Jung Kook|title=Left and Right|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=December 30, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Charlie Puth (ft. Jungkook of BTS)|title=Left and Right|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=charlie-puth-ft-jungkook-of-bts-left-and-right|access-date=March 11, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Charlie Puth ft Jung Kook|title=Left and Right|award=Silver|relyear=2022|certmonth=9|certyear=2024|id=20354-6917-1|access-date=September 21, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Charlie Puth|title=Left and Right|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2022|access-date=November 15, 2022|refname=RIAA Gold}}
{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=single|title=Left and Right (feat. Jungkook of BTS)|artist=Charlie Puth|award=Gold|streamsonly=true|relyear=2022|certmonth=10|certyear=2023|access-date=November 28, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true|streamsonly=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Left and Right" ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format(s) ! scope="col" | Version ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | Various
| June 24, 2022 | {{hlist|CD single|digital download|streaming}} | rowspan="2" | Original | rowspan="6" | Atlantic | style="text-align: center;" |{{cite web|url=https://shop.charlieputh.com/products/charlie-puth-feat-jung-kook-of-bts-limited-edition-cd|title=Charlie Puth (feat. Jung Kook of BTS) Limited Edition CD Single|website=Charlie Puth Shop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618002445/https://shop.charlieputh.com/products/charlie-puth-feat-jung-kook-of-bts-limited-edition-cd|archive-date=June 18, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=June 24, 2022}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/entertainment/charlie-puth-jungkook-single-left-and-right-is-out/|title='Left and Right': Charlie Puth releases single with BTS member Jungkook|last=Gupta|first=Manas Sen|date=June 24, 2022|magazine=Lifestyle Asia|access-date=June 24, 2022|quote=Charlie Puth's highly anticipated first single with BTS' Jungkook, titled "Left and Right," released on 24 June on multiple audio streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | United States
| July 5, 2022 | {{hlist|Adult contemporary radio|Contemporary hit radio}} | style="text-align: center;" |{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases|website=All Access|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622111152/https://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|archive-date=June 22, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=June 24, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|title=Top 40 Mainstream Future Releases|website=All Access|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629043414/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|archive-date=June 29, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=July 1, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Various
| August 12, 2022 | rowspan="2" | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Sam Feldt Remix | style="text-align: center;" |References for "Left and Right" (Sam Feldt Remix) digital release in various territories:
|
| August 19, 2022
| Acapella | style="text-align: center;" |References for "Left and Right" (Acapella) digital release in various territories:
|
| scope="row" | United States
| August 26, 2022 | Cassette | Original |
| scope="row" | Various
| September 9, 2022 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Galantis Remix | style="text-align: center;" |References for "Left and Right" (Galantis Remix) digital release in various territories:
|
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Charlie Puth}}{{Jungkook}}{{Authority control}}
Category:Atlantic Records singles
Category:Number-one singles in India
Category:Number-one singles in the Philippines
Category:Songs written by Charlie Puth