Canadian pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes masterfully exhibits vulnerability, resolve, and soulfulness on his powerful new single, “In My Blood.”

2018 just got a bit brighter for everybody.  Why? The lovable Shawn Mendes returns, and he has a new album on the horizon.  Now totally ancient at the age of 19, Mendes drops his highly-anticipated promo single, “In My Blood.” From the start, he exhibits his best attribute – his voice.  A beautiful, somewhat mysterious intro sets the tone of the emotionally-driven, yet resolute nature of “In My Blood.”

“Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can’t
It isn’t in my blood.”

Mendes follows-up with the first verse, setting up his struggles – his fears, insecurities, and loneliness.

“Laying on the bathroom floor, feeling nothing
I’m overwhelmed and insecure, give me something
I could take to ease my mind
Just have a drink and you’ll feel better
Just take her home and you’ll feel better
Keep telling me that it gets better
Does it ever?”

He sort of casually sings portions of the first verse in that signature lower register, giving off a “talk-singing” vibe. There’s rhythm and pitch, but at this point, it’s not necessarily your typical, straightforward melody.  This amplifies the singer/songwriter vibe and actually heightens Mendes’ vulnerability – brilliant (Gradually the melody becomes clearer, helping to build up intensity).  The second verse is shorter, but arguably a bit more melodic. By the pre-chorus/chorus sections, the full scope of his vocal expressiveness is unleashed.  There is power vocally, and the music itself matches, with superb rock-pop production.  The soulful beastliness of those Mendes vocals, plus the ad-libs, arrive in their full, youthful glory on the titular lyric (“It isn’t in my blood”).

“Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough
Someone help me
I’m crawling in my skin
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can’t
It isn’t in my blood...”

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that Shawn Mendes is just 19 years old (to be fair, he’ll be 20 in August 2018).  His maturity and more notably his voice is awe-inspiring to say the least.  Think about it, who sings like this young man? He’s blessed, and he shares that blessing once again on the fantastic “In My Blood.”

Shawn Mendes • In My Blood – Single • Island • Release: 3.22.18

Photo Credit: Island