Shawn Mendes has been prominent in the music scene for a while. He’s created popular music since he was just starting his career as a teenager. Fans love him for his pleasing vocals and his musical talent. Mendes is known for producing relatable songs, and his fifth studio album is no different and certainly lives up to expectations. His newest album, “Shawn,” was released on Nov. 15, and includes 12 songs for a total running time of 31 minutes. The collection presents listeners with modern-day pop that embraces low-tempo and calm melodies. I can see this album becoming immensely popular.
Prior to the release of the album, Mendes dropped four singles: “Why Why Why,” “Isn’t That Enough,” “Nobody Knows” and “Heart of Gold.” All display Shawn Mendes’s obvious lyrical and instrumental talent because of their beautiful melodies and gorgeous guitar tablature. Out of the singles, the song that sticks out to me most is “Why Why Why.” In this deeply honest song, Mendes shares about his previous health issues that caused him to take a step down from performing. He sings, “I stepped off the stage with nothing left, All the lights were f****n’ with my head, But here I am singing songs again, Why, Why, Why?” Mendes candidly mentions insecurities and anxiety, making it painful and meaningful. Additional aspects of the song I enjoy are the emotion in his voice adding to the message, and the repeating catchy chorus that stresses the doubtful thoughts spinning in his head. This euphonious song is my favorite on the album.
The record commences with a beautifully orchestrated song called “Who I Am.” In this opening heart-rending song, Shawn discusses his struggles of finding his true identity despite the challenge of receiving mass pressure from loved ones. Furthermore, Shawn sings, “Losing myself tryna make you proud, Sorry gotta do it, gotta let you down, ‘Cause I don’t really know who I am right now.” Lyrics like this, inform listeners that he needs to allow himself to change to figure out who he wants to be, even if that isn’t what is wished of by others. Although the song has a sad vibe, it also has something empowering because it displays the theme of being confident in who you are. Self-discovery is a major theme in the album. Similarly, “The Mountain” is about Mendes’s journey in being able to disregard any public misconception of him. He says, “You can say I´m too far gone, But I’ve never been better, So call it what you want,” conveying that he is allowing himself to explore and follow what feels right to him by ignoring the criticism.
Another song on the album about dealing with tough emotions, “Heavy,” is about developing the courage to ask for help and companionship. Mendes sings, “You´ve been rock steady, Tryna help me through, Now I´m finally ready, To let you.” These lyrics explain that opening up and seeking support from people who are present for you is beneficial, so there is an uplifting sense to the song. Additionally, the soft guitar background present throughout the song gives it an intimate feel, making it a pleasing listen.
Something interesting about the album is that Mendes concluded the collection with a spin on the song, “Hallelujah.” Accompanied by smooth acoustics and a soft singing voice, I couldn’t help but like his version of the song. In all, by adding this song at the very end, Mendes tied up the album in a very admirable way. According to NME, Mendes said the lyrics to “Hallelujah” resonate with him right now as his relationship with God has become significant, and he has been in an existential place where he is discovering life faithful to himself.
Overall I think this album is gorgeous and perfect with all the acoustic ballads. I’d definitely recommend it to guitar lovers! I’m also beyond obsessed with Shawn Mendes’s voice. Because I was genuinely pleased by the entirety of the album, I would give it five out of five stars. It is undoubtedly worth the listen-through.
“Shawn:” ★★★★★
