Shawn Mendes Takes A Leap Into Self-Discovery On ‘Shawn’

Shawn Mendes’ fifth studio album ‘Shawn’ is an immersive, deeply personal reflection of an artist who has spent the last few years navigating through some turbulent waters — both personally and professionally. 

After taking a well-deserved mental health break and cancelling the ‘Wonder: The World Tour’ in 2022, Mendes returns with a fresh sound that mixes vulnerability with an unmistakable maturity. If ‘Wonder’ was about discovery, ‘Shawn’ feels like the beginning of a new chapter — one where Mendes has come to terms with himself, his fame, and his evolution as an artist.

Mendes introduced this new era with the infectious ‘Why Why Why’, a track that immediately captures the essence of his evolving sound. The song feels like a reflective exploration of his past relationships, his struggles with fame, and the pressure of constantly being in the spotlight. His lyrics — raw, almost confessional at times — are paired with upbeat, breezy production that gives the song a lightness, masking the heavy themes underneath.

On the album opener ‘Who I Am’ Shawn shares, “Everything’s hard to explain out loud / ‘Cause I don’t really know who I am right now”. Mendes’ evolution as a songwriter is evident throughout the 12-track album. There are moments of classic Mendes — you know, the acoustic guitar-driven tracks that made us all fall in love with him in the first place — but there are also new sonic territories explored. Take ‘Isn’t That Enough’, released alongside ‘Why Why Why’. The song’s mellow, dreamy vibe contrasts with its earnest, soul-searching lyrics, making it an emotional standout. Mendes has clearly found new ways to experiment with production, as the song builds with a quiet intensity, leaving you with a sense of both longing and hope.

Then there’s the playful and catchy ‘Nobody Knows’ which Mendes premiered during his televised performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. It's a bold departure from his usual ballads, with a more pop-centric, almost funky feel. It’s a song that stands out in the tracklist for its upbeat energy, with Mendes offering a glimpse of how he’s embracing fun, carefree sounds alongside his more sombre moments. 

With a shuffling beat taken directly from the best country singles of the ‘90s, ‘That's the Dream’ is a terrific way to express longing. Mendes sings over a lap steel guitar, "I know we made our promises / but promises are hard to keep / But why'd I have to go and leave when I know nothing good comes easily".

But it’s the introspective tracks where Mendes truly shines. ‘Heart of Gold’, released just before the album’s drop, is one of the highlights. It's a song that feels both like a plea and a promise, sung with a rawness that pulls at the heartstrings. With lyrics that reflect self-doubt and desire for personal growth, Mendes demonstrates an admirable level of honesty and vulnerability in his writing. He gives the poignant ballad a soft rock feel from the ‘70s. His superpowers are evident in ‘Heavy’, which is about finding beauty in mourning and honouring a kind spirit, "You had a heart of gold / You left too soon / It was out of your control". The song beats sensitively and gently.

The album closes with a stunning cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, a fitting end to a project that feels like a journey of self-discovery. Mendes’ version of the song is hauntingly beautiful, stripped-down, and emotive — a perfect example of his ability to bring new life to classic tunes while maintaining their essence.

The intimacy of ‘Shawn’ is not just in its lyrics, but in the way Mendes approaches his artistry. Whether he’s singing about heartbreak, self-doubt, or hope, you can feel the weight of his experiences. Mendes has taken a huge leap forward with this album, showing his growth not just as a musician but as a person. It’s clear that ‘Shawn’ is a turning point — an album full of heart, vulnerability, and a renewed sense of purpose. Fans of Mendes’ earlier work will undoubtedly find plenty to love, but it’s also an exciting new chapter for those who’ve been with him from the start.

Danielle Holian

@danielleholian_

Image: ‘Shawn’ Official Album Cover