Shawn Mendes – Wonder (Album Review)

Mendes hits highs both vocally and lyrically on his latest album “Wonder.”

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TOP 5

5. TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE

In “Teach Me How To Love,” Shawn Mendes experiments with a mix of R&B and funk with expressive raw emotion, frequently doing so with a piercing falsetto.

Mendes’s joy is infectious on “Teach Me How to Love,” as the song begs a deep desire for sexual exploration.

4. 24 HOURS

Soft and soulful, this love ballad is simple in the best way.

In the second verse on “24 Hours,” Mendes quotes lyrics from one of Elvis Presley’s most famous and popular love songs, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” This track skips being overly experimental and sticks to a straightforward sincerity of the relatable longing to be with that special someone.

3. MONSTER

Fellow Canadian pop artist Justin Bieber joins Mendes for this pop collaboration that explores the ups and downs that come with fame and superstardom.

In “Monster,” Bieber and Mendes work really well together. While Mendes mourns the loss of his youth to fame, Bieber vulnerably reflects on past mistakes, as, he and Mendes explore what it means to let go of the expectations that labeled them and learn to love themselves.

2. WONDER

The dreamy, ethereal quality of the instrumentals on “Wonder” combine with catchy hooks that build on powerful lyrics.

In “Wonder,” Mendes explores themes like toxic masculinity, the negative impact of feeling ashamed to show emotions and learning to overcome stereotypes with the inspiration of new love. The only negatives of the album’s title song would be that it’s a bit repetitive in parts.

1.CALL MY FRIENDS

There are some nice experimental tones on this track. Starting out with some soulful piano lines, Mendes reflects on loneliness and growing up too fast.

“Call My Friends” is easily the most memorable, if not the best song on Wonder. The song’s high energy is infectious and the lyrics that touch on missing friends and family feel particularly relevant for many people right now.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1.INTRO (3/5)

2. WONDER (5/5)

3. HIGHER (4/5)

4. 24 HOURS (5/5)

5. TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE (4/5)

6. CALL MY FRIENDS (5/5)

7. DREAM (4/5)

8. SONG FOR NO ONE (3/5)

9. MONSTER (5/5)

10. 305 (4/5)

11. ALWAYS BEEN YOU (3/5)

12. PIECE OF YOU (3/5)

13. LOOK UP AT THE STARS (3/5)

14. CAN’T IMAGINE (4/5)

OVERALL RATING

(B)

Shawn Mendes has a good voice and knows how to work it! On “Wonder,” the Canadian pop singer’s fourth full-length album, Mendes captures the bliss, pain, and open vulnerability of love.

The songs on Wonder often use otherworldly and dreamlike instrumentals and experimental beats to match slinky heartfelt ballads that bring more of a personal connection than Shawn Mendes’ more popish tunes. Mendes clearly loves to reflect on love, and his passion combined with an unflappable sense of cheer shine throughout the album, as, the 22-year-old artist shows off his creative visions as he continues to build on his craft as an artist. While at times the lyrics for some of these tracks can feel simple, it’s no doubt “Wonder” has heart and strong commercial appeal.