A few things come to mind when I think of the name “Shawn Mendes”: “popular Canadian singer-songwriter” and “ guy who likes making catchy pop music”. However, his fifth studio album, Shawn, offers something deeper and more authentic. Released on November 15, 2024, Shawn is an intimate collage of his journey toward self-discovery—and it’s definitely worth listening to.
Shawn marks an important milestone for Mendes’ career as his first album since Wonder in 2020 and signals a return from his two-year hiatus from his cancellation of the Wonder World Tour in 2022. While this break had certainly left fans in a drought, his return brings something personal, sincere, and worth the wait. This album spans 12 songs, marking the entrance of his folk era as he delineates his soul-searching experience while bringing a raw vulnerability up front.
“Who I Am” commences the album with an intimate and mild feel. With just an acoustic guitar and a mellow voice, Mendes guides the listener through his self-exploration while balancing his life with the weighty expectations placed on him. The song of raw emotion serves as a preview of what’s to come: a depiction of his introspection and his readiness to take on the challenges that may come. “Losin’ myself tryna make you proud / Sorry, gotta do it, gotta let you down / ‘Cause I don’t really know who I am right now”.
Deeper into the album lies “Heart of Gold,” one of its highlights. The song has a soft rock vibe, with kicking drums and warm harmonies layered under lyrics that share something much deeper. Mendes pays tribute to a friend lost from an overdose, expressing the beauty of grief and the heartfelt memories of his friend, exclaiming, “You had a heart of gold. You left too soon.”
Following that track is “Heavy”, bringing a steady storm of strong sentiments as Mendes navigates the challenges of isolation brought by stardom. Mendes’ choir-like chorus of pure vocals and heavy harmonies is packed with raw vulnerability, a cathartic release of sheer emotions. Yet, after years of loneliness and disconnection, Mendes shares how he’s finally taking steps to seek help. “I’ve been so lonely, runnin’ from home / I’ve been on my own now for way too long / You’ve been tryna talk to me to give me the truth / Now I’m finally ready to let you.”
Finally, nearing the end of the album is “The Mountain” where Mendes shares a little more of his path of self-exploration, this time in the realm of sexuality. A calm feeling washes over the song as Mendes maps out his journey of navigating his sexuality while also triumphing over the challenges on this path by expressing his forgiveness for himself and his mistakes.
Shawn marks a great return for Mendes as an intimate illustration of his self-discovery while navigating the challenges that come with it. He reintroduces himself with emotional transparency as he breaks down walls, forming a deeper connection with listeners and showing a vulnerable side of himself sure to touch the audience. I will definitely be revisiting this album later.
You can stream Shawn on Spotify and Apple Music.