Shawn Mendes, Youth | Track Review 🎵

Teen pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes announces his self-titled third album & releases his third single, “Youth,” featuring Khalid.

After releasing two singles – “In My Blood” and “Lost in Japan” – Shawn Mendes finally announced the arrival of his third studio album.  It’s amazing that the 19-year old Canadian heartthrob is already on his third album, simply titled, Shawn Mendes.  Arriving May 25, 2018, fittingly, he released a new single in advance, “Youth,” featuring the ubiquitous, now 20-year old Khalid.

“Youth” 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 a balanced collaboration throughout its course. Shawn Mendes and Khalid split the first verse, with Khalid singing the first half and Mendes singing the back half. Mendes leads the charge on the pre-chorus, while Khalid has a couple of lyrics as well.  Both combine forces to sing on the chorus which is a relatively simple but effective statement about maintaining youth.

“You can’t take my youth away
This soul of mine will never break
As long as I wake up today
You can’t take my youth away.”

Mendes and Khalid switch roles on the second verse, beginning with Mendes on the first half and Khalid on the second.  The second pre-chorus ends up being abbreviated, covered mostly by Mendes, while the second iteration of the chorus is like the first, followed by a post-chorus.  Like two verses, the bridge is split, reiterating lyrics from the first verse. They close out effectively the chorus.

Final Thoughts

Once again, Shawn Mendes strikes gold – or nearly strikes gold.  Maybe “Youth” isn’t the greatest pop duet ever, but it’s definitely a blessing to the ears to hear two distinctly-voiced, incredibly gift young men join forces.  This isn’t a flashy record, nor do Mendes or Khalid over-sing, but it’s consistent, enjoyable, and well-rounded.

Shawn Mendes • Shawn Mendes • Island • Release: 5.25.18

Photo Credit: Island