Shawn Mendes’ emotional return provides a deep and introspective glimpse into his life today.
STREAM
TOP 5
5. That’s The Dream
Shawn tells us his dream, even if it’s not meant to be.
This song carries a soft, soothing vibe with its gentle guitar, heartfelt vocals, and tender harmonies. Once again, Shawn delves into the pain of leaving behind a deeply meaningful relationship, even though it wasn’t what he truly wanted. He reflects on a promise of forever that he couldn’t keep, burdened by the weight of his inner struggles. What makes this so poignant is how it reveals the bittersweet reality of choosing himself, a decision that inevitably altered the good things in his life.
4. Rollin’ Right Round
Are we about to experience the rise of a pop-country king?
This track stands out in Shawn’s discography with its intriguing, country-inspired vibe, diverging from his typical pop sound. “Rollin’ Right Round” offers a glimpse into how achieving fame at a young age impacted him, highlighting the lost opportunity to experience key developmental years. The song delves into themes of life lessons and heartbreak, capturing Shawn’s journey of moving forward despite the intensity of his emotions. Yet, even as he strives to move on, his steps are shadowed by a sense of nostalgia and the vivid memories that linger.
3. Heart Of Gold
This is Shawn’s loving remembrance for his lost friend.
“Heart Of Gold” stands out as a poignant track on Shawn. While it diverges from the overarching themes of the album, it remains deeply emotional, focusing on processing grief and sorrow after a tragedy. The song carries a more upbeat tone compared to others on the record, driven by Shawn’s soothing yet passionate vocals. In it, he vulnerably shares the story of losing a close friend to drugs, reflecting on his regret for not being present or allowing himself to grieve when it happened. Despite the pain, Shawn’s lyrics are filled with love and admiration, keeping the memory of his friend alive in a heartfelt tribute.
2. Who I Am
We don’t always know who we are, do we?
“Who I Am” delves into Shawn’s journey of self-discovery amid the turmoil and anxiety he faced. The track, guided by a gentle acoustic guitar, carries a slow and tender melody, creating an intimate atmosphere. As his first full release after the cancellation of his “Wonder” tour, Shawn uses this moment to openly reflect on the emotions surrounding that decision. What stands out is his admission of losing himself in an attempt to meet the expectations of others—fans, loved ones, and those who depended on him—at the expense of his own well-being. This raw and honest portrayal resonates deeply, as it captures a universal struggle of sacrificing personal needs for the sake of others.
1. Why Why Why
The stress and anxiety of growing up and messing up
“Why Why Why” stands out with its slightly more upbeat tempo and a minimalist beat that pairs well with choir-like harmonies in the chorus, giving the track a light yet impactful vibe. The song continues the album’s overarching themes of anxiety and regret, zeroing in on Shawn’s reflections about letting people down—particularly his fans and ex, Camila Cabello. He candidly addresses the lingering thoughts and unresolved feelings that still trouble him, admitting to being haunted by the familiar struggles of their past relationship. Despite moving forward, Shawn hints at moments of nostalgia and even fantasizing about what could have been, adding a bittersweet layer to the song.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
Become an RGM+ Member to view this section.
To discover the ratings we’ve assigned to each track on this album, subscribe below.
RGM RATING
(B+) (88%)
Shawn Mendes, the young Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame during his teenage years, has made a heartfelt return with his new album, Shawn, following an emotional hiatus. This slow, introspective project shifts its focus to raw lyricism and the simplicity of his acoustic guitar, almost reminiscent of his early days—back when he captivated the world with bedroom covers featuring just his voice and strings. Shawn serves as a deeply personal exploration, with Mendes vulnerably sharing life experiences, navigating the complexities of accountability, and wrestling with feelings of blame and regret. It’s an authentic and melancholic body of work that reflects his journey of self-discovery.
