Shawn Mendes’ latest album, Shawn, isn’t just another release; it’s a true piece of art. From start to finish, Mendes invites us into his most private thoughts, blending his struggles, dreams, and moments of self-discovery into one beautiful journey. With every track, he shares pieces of himself, and by the end, we see an artist who’s grown more than we ever realised. As a longtime listener, I found myself both surprised and deeply moved—it’s Shawn as we’ve never seen him before.
The album opens with Who Am I, a powerful entry point that feels like reading from Shawn’s personal diary. Here, he lays bare his struggle to stay true to himself amidst the pressures of fame, confessing the toll it took to cancel his tour and prioritise his own mental health. “Sorry, gotta do it, gotta let you down,” he sings, with an honesty that sets the tone for what’s to come. This vulnerability is both refreshing and captivating—it’s clear that Shawn’s done with just giving fans the highlights; he’s ready to share the whole story.
Some familiar tracks make an appearance, like Why, Why, Why and Nobody Knows, which give continuity to his journey. But it’s the new songs, like That’s My Dream, that really shine. Here, Mendes reflects on a love that could have been, singing, “Got this wedding in a week, can’t believe that you won’t be here with me.” As a listener, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s thinking of Camila Cabello, a connection his fans know well. The track beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling of dreaming about a life with someone while questioning if it was ever meant to be.
But for me, Heart of Gold stands out as the album’s heart and soul. In this deeply personal song, Mendes opens up about a childhood friend who passed away from an overdose, a memory he admits to burying for years. The lyrics are haunting and honest, and it’s Shawn’s ability to confront such a painful experience that makes this song unforgettable. Listening to Heart of Gold feels like Shawn’s letting us in on a side of himself he’s never shown before—it’s therapy through music, and it’s brave.
The album takes us further into Shawn’s struggles with Heavy, a song about the weight of loneliness and the pressure to hold everything together. “It’s been so heavy, I’ve been so lonely,” he sings, expressing the mental toll he’s faced in isolation. It’s both heartbreaking and a reminder that even artists at the top of their game need support and connection. That’ll Be the Day continues this theme of longing, as Shawn reflects on a love he may never fully let go of. “When I’m with someone else, I’ll be thinking of you,” he admits, capturing the ache of a love that lingers in the background.
In The Mountain, Shawn’s growth and newfound confidence come through clearly. “I took a pill to be free,” he sings, unapologetic about his journey and the lessons learned. Here, he seems to reclaim his narrative, letting go of outside judgment and embracing his evolution with quiet pride. It’s a powerful statement, and it feels like a defining moment for him.
The album’s closing track, Hallelujah, a cover of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song, rounds out the journey beautifully. It’s a declaration that, after all the ups and downs, Mendes has found a sense of peace and clarity. This final song feels like a celebration of self-discovery—“I’ve found myself, and it’s been worth it.”
As a longtime fan, I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive going into Shawn; it’s a departure from the style I was used to, and I didn’t know if this new direction would resonate with me. But by the end, I realised this is the Shawn Mendes I’ve been waiting for—a mature, unapologetically honest artist who’s comfortable with his imperfections and ready to share his full story. This album feels like Shawn’s rebirth, a celebration of who he’s finally become. And as a fan, I couldn’t be more proud.
☆☆☆☆☆
You can buy ‘Shawn’ via his official website.
