Shawn Mendes, Wonder | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated Canadian pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes shines on his honest and relatable new single, “Wonder.”

He’s back! Who? Shawn Mendes!  Strike that – Shawn HEARTTHROB Mendes.  After his successful third studio album, it’s ‘on to the next one’ for the Canadian superstar. That ‘next one’ begins with the fine, brand-new single, “Wonder,” which proves to well-rounded and incredibly relatable.

“Wonder” commences lushly with warm, choral vocals; it’s a welcoming aesthetic. This particular sound that appears on the intro later returns on the chorus.  In the meantime, post-intro, the listeners are treated to gorgeous and vulnerable lead vocals by the heartthrob.  Shawn has plenty of questions and hypothetical scenarios on the verses.  “I wonder, wouldn’t it be nice / To live inside a world that isn’t black and white?” he sings on the first verse.  On the second, he gets even more vulnerable and personal, also conveyed vocally: “I wonder, when I cry into my hands / I’m conditioned to feel like it makes me less of a man.”  Man, that’s a powerful moment from Mendes.

Also, powerful, is the chorus, which is epic.  Here, Mendes definitely packs more of a punch.  There’s more oomph, which is extended following the second verse towards the end.  On the chorus, the biggest ‘wonder’ he has is “What it’s like to be loved by you.”

“Right before I close my eyes
The only thing that’s on my mind
Been dreaming that you feel it, too
I wonder what it’s like to be loved by you.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Shawn Mendes makes a fine return with “Wonder.” The record reminds me a lot of “In My Blood,” but with less of a pop/rock infused sound.  This joint places more weight on keyboards and a more modern pop sound.  Mendes doesn’t compromise himself mind you, but his sound has changed to some extent. The biggest takeaway is his honesty and how he opens up about things that affect him – it’s a great message.

Shawn Mendes • “Wonder” • Island • Release: 10.2.20

Photo Credit: Island