Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber, Monster | Track Review 🎵

Canadian pop standouts Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber join forces on “Monster,” the second single from Mendes’ fourth LP, Wonder.

It finally happened – a collaboration between two former teen heartthrobs.  That’s right! 🏆 Grammy-nominated Canadian pop artist 🎙 Shawn Mendes and 🏆 Grammy-winning Canadian pop artist 🎙 Justin Bieber join forces on 🎵 “Monster,” which is set to appear on Mendes’ highly anticipated fourth studio album, 💿 Wonder (arrives December 4, 2020). So, do these two standouts deliver the goods on “Monster?” Why, of course they do!

Within Wonder, “Monster” appears on the second half of the album as the ninth track.  Sleekly produced, 🎙 Frank Dukes, 🎙 Matthew Tavares, and 🎙 Kaan Gunesberk give Mendes and Bieber a sweet backdrop to work with.  There’s a soulfulness about this pop track, which starts with the production.  Of course, with two skilled, soulful vocals, it’s reflected within the vocal performances.  Fittingly, Mendes kicks things off, impressing with his gorgeous, vulnerable pipes. What is the theme? The ups and downs of fame and superstardom. “You put me on a pedestal and tell me I’m the best,” he sings on the first verse, later adding, “Spill my words and tear me down until there’s nothing left.” Justin Bieber takes a similar perspective on the second verse, singing, “I was fifteen when the word put me on a pedestal.” He goes on to mention the mistakes he’s made (which were very public) and adds on the bridge how hard it’s been to redeem himself (“I had a chip on my shoulder, had to let it go / ‘Cause unforgiveness keeps them in control”).  The centerpiece, of course is the chorus, which is quite powerful and emotional.  Both artists sing the chorus following their respective verses, with Mendes assisting Bieber post-second verse.

“What if I, what if I trip?
What if I, what if I fall?
Then am I the monster?
Just let me know
And what if I, what if I sin?
And what if I, what if I break? Yeah
Then am I the monster? Yeah
Just let me know, yeah.”

Final Thoughts 💭

Just to reiterate, if I didn’t make it perfectly clear, both Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber deliver the goods on “Monster,” PERIOD.  Both sing marvelously, and both do a fine job capturing the plight of fame.  “Monster,” additionally, is well-written and well-produced.

🎙 Shawn Mendes • 💿 Wonder • 🏷 Island • 🗓 12.4.20

[📷: Island]