Shawn Mendes gained fame after releasing covers on the Vine platform back in 2013. He signed with Island Records in 2014. Through all his music, he has remained steadily on the charts ever since his single “Life of the Party.”
“Shawn” is Shawn Mendes’ fifth studio album, following a four-year gap after “Wonder.” In 2022, Mendes canceled the remaining tour dates for the “Wonder” tour to prioritize his mental health. This album reflects on his journey back to music since then. It touches on themes like self discovery and mental health through a more folk-pop lens, which is very different to his traditional pop music.
“Who I Am”
This opening track is pretty short in my book, but I do believe it unveils the theme throughout the album: self discovery. Whether it’s by choice or not, Shawn is definitely holding back in terms of vocals on this track. Other than that, I do enjoy the simple, melodic strum of the guitar.
Favorite lyrics: “I feel pressure from the people that I love, and it hurts / But I know I gotta do it, gotta put me first”
“Why Why Why”
This song was one of the first releases of the new album, and it shook the internet because Shawn has never stepped into the folky world. Shawn surprised us all by releasing two singles on his birthday, Aug. 8. Now, this track is one of the few upbeat songs on the album, and it definitely delivered. I enjoyed Shawn’s realness, vulnerability and willingness to open up about his personal struggles. It lets us listeners realize just how human our favorite artists are, and sometimes we need to allow them space to explore themselves privately with no judgments.
Favorite lyric: “I stepped off the stage with nothing left / All the lights were f*ckin’ with my head”
“That’s the Dream”
I adore everything about this song. To me, this is the most Shawn-feeling song on the album, so it has a special place in my heart. The instrumentals follow a vibey beat, backed up by the Shawn we all know and love. He’s such an effortlessly beautiful singer, and that’s really all I have to say for this one. I’m starting to really enjoy the overall vibe of this album, how it just feels like you have to listen to it in front of a beautiful, foggy mountain scene.
Favorite lyric: “I know that space is supposed to help, but I feel like a shadow of myself”
“Nobody Knows”
This is one of my favorite tracks from the album. I’m in love with Shawn’s vocals throughout this one and the sultry vibe of the instrumentals. It’s completely different than anything he’s ever done, so it’s refreshing to hear him in this genre.
Favorite lyric: “When you’re so in love, and your souls touch / But it’s still not enough”
“Isn’t that Enough”
“Isn’t That Enough” was the second track released on Aug. 8, and it really deals with Shawn’s first time back in the studio recording. The pre-chorus is my favorite part of the song because of how catchy it is. I love the whistling at the end of the song.
Favorite lyric: “I’m still changing”
“Heart of Gold”
This song is about the loss of Shawn’s childhood friend, Deijomi. He passed away in 2018, and Shawn was unable to attend the funeral due to his world tour at the time. I think this song does a beautiful job of describing the unpredictable path of grief. It hits us all differently. Sometimes it packs the biggest, most gut-wrenching punch when we find out about a sudden loss. Other times, it will hide until a random day. One random day the pain washes over us. It’s uncontrollable, and I think that’s the biggest message in this song.
Favorite lyric: “I didn’t cry, I didn’t even feel the pain / And then it hit me all at once, when we talked about you yesterday”
“Heavy”
“Heavy” is undoubtedly the most relatable song on this album. It deals with the troubles of carrying your burdens alone, and how this can take a toll on one’s mental health. I like that Shawn included the part of him being “ready” to let someone else help him. This part of the song serves as a message of hope for all of us, that asking for help can relieve that pain we all let build up inside us.
Favorite lyric: “I’m tired of all these nights awake, carryin’ this weight’
“That’ll be the Day”
I am undeniably obsessed with this song. From Shawn’s low-tone throughout it to the unique sound of the mandolin, it’s truly an intoxicating listen. I just want to listen to it while I drive as the rain covers the windshield.
Message wise, Shawn talks about not ever letting go of a past relationship, no matter the reality of moving on to another life. He’ll still think of this past love even when he’s in a new relationship because nothing will be as strong or feel as right as the past lover.
It’s almost scary to think about. The fact that your significant other could still be in love with someone else, and you would never know it. Or maybe never actually admit it to yourself.
Favorite lyric: “It’s not ever gonna change, you can fight the truth / ‘Til your face turns blue, this love is here to stay”
“In Between”
This song didn’t necessarily stick out to me. He has really pretty vocals here that mesh well with the guitar and keyboard. Again, he references a past relationship that he still grasps quite tightly. One of the recurring themes seem to reflect Shawn’s hesitance in moving on with romantic relationships, even though he has mended his relationship with music.
Favorite lyric: “It’s so like you to get clever when you don’t want to cry / The way you hold a pen could make me fall in love”
“The Mountain”
This one’s okay, nothing substantial. I can’t tell if the lyrics are genius or cliche, but I’m leaning more toward the latter. I think it’s fun that Shawn basically calls out anyone who has ever questioned him or hated on him. He gives people permission to say whatever, to “call it what you want,” but Shawn will be Shawn regardless.
Favorite lyric: “You can say I like girls or boys, whatever fits your mold”
“Rollin’ Right Along”
I like all the instrumentals in this one, and it definitely has a country backbone. The lyrics mention Shawn’s reflection on a past relationship, again. However, this time, he decides that life is moving on with or without him, so he is going to move on with it.
Favorite lyric: “I was tryna grow up way too fast, when time’s the only thing I can’t get back”
“Hallelujah”
The majority of this song is a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” but the last verse was written by Shawn. I think he covered this song beautifully, but I wish we got one final, fully original song from Shawn.
Favorite lyric: “It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah”
