Shawn Mendes, who is merely 19 years old, continues to mature as an artist on his enjoyable and well-rounded, self-titled third studio album.

Canadian pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes has returned with his highly-anticipated, third studio album, Shawn Mendes. The 19-year old wunderkind built up the buzz with four compelling singles, including crown jewel, “In My Blood”. While the youthful Mendes continues to develop his artistry, his self-titled album marks his best yet.  It’s not sans flaw, but there’s much more to love than to criticize.

 “In My Blood”

Mendes masterfully exhibits vulnerability, resolve, and soulfulness on the emotionally-driven, and powerful “In My Blood”.  From the start, he exhibits his best attribute – his voice.  On the first verse, Mendes shares his struggles: fears, insecurities, and loneliness.  He casually sings portions of this verse in his lower register, amplifying his vulnerability.  The second verse is shorter, but a more melodic. By the pre-chorus/chorus sections, the full scope of his vocal expressiveness is unleashed. The soulful beastliness of his vocals, plus the ad-libs, arrive in their full, youthful glory on the titular lyric, “It isn’t in my blood.”

Like “In My Blood,” Mendes is honest about his feelings on the brief but highly effective “Nervous.” In the nutshell, this groovy pop-soul cut finds the singer “stressed out” about a girl.  With masterful falsetto (notably much more mature), he takes us on an adrenaline-filled, anxious, self-conscious journey that is relatable to both adolescents and adults.

“Lost in Japan”

Mendes continues to flaunt his prodigious pipes on “Lost in Japan”.  Released shortly after “In My Blood,” “Japan” served as a stark contrast.  Contextually, it connects to “Nervous” regarding the more pronounced pop-soul sound than we’ve been accustomed to from Shawn.  This is a groovy, danceable joint, characterized by superb production comprised of cool synths, a robust bass line, and tasteful piano.  The chorus is best part of the record – the celebrated centerpiece.

“Where Were You in the Morning?” caps off the pop-soul three-peat. Clearly, Shawn Mendes isn’t a kid anymore.  Clearly, Mendes (and/or the protagonist) has experienced a one-night stand. He doesn’t get sexual lyrically, but boy and girl had ‘something’ that turned out to be temporary as she was gone the next morning. Mendes remains a force to be reckoned with vocally. Once more, he shows off some sick falsetto. He’s backed by guitar-driven, soulful-pop production, a backdrop he excels at.

“Like to Be You”

On “Like to Be You,” Mendes enlists Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Julia Michaels for the assist.  Keeping things short and sweet, Mendes momentarily moves away from pop-soul for more of a stripped, singer/songwriter affair.  It’s effective if less thrilling compared to what precedes it. “Fallin’ All in You” details ‘one night of fun’ transforming into a ‘thing.’ “Ooh, you know I’ve been alone for quite a while, haven’t I,” he sings on the pre-chorus later adding, “But since you came along / I’m thinking baby / You are bring out a different kind of me.” The falsetto is ripe on the chorus, where’s he’s totally into her – “There’s no safety net that’s underneath.”

Mendes goes ‘skeletal’ on the fun, modern pop of “Particular Taste.” Starkly different from anything he’s recorded up to this point, it’s refreshing.  Who has the particular taste? The high-maintenance girl that Shawn apparently can’t get to entertain him.

“Why”

“Why” isn’t only one of the biggest surprises of Shawn Mendes, but also one of its biggest triumphs. Mendes gives one of the truly elite vocal performances of the LP showing off his gorgeous tone – can you say chills?  The chorus is simply stunning, filled with reflective questions about the relationship.

“I pretend that

I’m not ready

Why do we put eat other through hell?

Why can’t we just get over ourselves?

And you say ‘hi’ like

You just met me.”

Beyond the excellence of the lead vocals, “Why” is a production showcase.  The way the background vocals are used to accentuate the lead, the addition of vocal effects for a cool change of pace – there’s some awesome, thoughtful touches.

Smartly, “Because I Had You” picks up the pace following the balladry of “Why.” It doesn’t achieve the same highs but continues to exhibit artistic progression.  The blend of full- voice and falsetto on the chorus is a selling point.  “Queen” benefits from its fun groove, relatively light production, and royal lyrics, particularly on the refrain.  

“Youth” 

“Youth” featuring Khalid keeps things relatively simple.  It’s a solidly produced pop track, leaning more on subtlety than overtness.  The palette of sounds is generally ‘kinder gentler,’ including restrained but consistent rhythmic guitar and piano.  Where vocal matters are concerned, “Youth” is balanced between both singers. They combine forces to sing on the chorus which is a relatively simple but effective statement about maintaining youth. Once again, Mendes strikes gold, even if “Youth” isn’t particularly a flashy duet.

Love and the plight of love continues to dominate Shawn Mendes. Mendes needs to know “If this is mutual” on “Mutual,” “…Before I go / and get way too involved.” Fittingly, “Mutual” is set in a minor key. Like several songs from the album, the length resides north of two-minutes but south of three.  On the lovely penultimate cut “Perfectly Wrong,” Mendes asserts, “Me and you / We are made to break,” later singing on the chorus, “You’re perfectly wrong for me / All the stars in the sky could see / Why you’re perfectly wrong for me.” Give this teen credit – he portrays vulnerability well, particularly as he gets riled up on the bridge.

“When You’re Ready” concludes Shawn Mendes in ‘dedicated’ fashion.  “Even ten years from now if you haven’t found somebody / I’ll promise, I’ll be around,” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “Tell me when you’re ready / I’m waitin’.” At 19, that’s a mature, but potentially far-fetched profession of love from Mendes. Still, his heart’s in the right place, and it definitely suits his personality.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Shawn Mendes takes another step forward in his artistic maturity on Shawn Mendes.  There are ample hits on this album, even beyond the advance singles.  Vocally, he’s a ‘force to be reckoned with’ getting better and better.  The progression of his falsetto is one of the crowning achievements of album number three. There are times where Mendes gets a bit ‘bogged down’ by matters of the heart and it comes off ‘sappy,’ but it’s easy for many of us to forget he’s just 19.  Ultimately, the album’s a bop.

Gems: “In My Blood,” “Nervous,” “Lost in Japan,” “Where Were You in the Morning?” “Fallin’ All in You,” “Why” & “Youth” 

Shawn Mendes • Shawn Mendes • Island • Release: 5.25.18

Photo Credit: Island