Description
Shawn Mendes – Handwritten – Blue Vinyl Record
Released on April 14, 2015, Handwritten marked the debut studio album from Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes. Coming off the success of his Vine and YouTube covers, Mendes quickly transitioned from an internet star to a legitimate pop artist, securing a record deal with Island Records at just 16 years old. The album blends acoustic-driven pop, heartfelt ballads, and catchy radio-ready anthems, positioning Mendes as one of the most promising young voices in pop music.
Mendes’ acoustic pop roots are at the forefront of Handwritten, with the album relying heavily on guitar-based melodies, stripped-down production, and personal, youthful lyrics. Thematically, the songs revolve around love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and teenage emotions, with Mendes drawing inspiration from artists like Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. The album’s relatable, earnest songwriting helped him quickly build a devoted fanbase, setting the stage for his future superstardom.
Key Tracks and Highlights
Life of the Party – Mendes’ debut single and the song that launched his career, featuring a stripped-down piano melody and emotional lyrics about embracing individuality.
Something Big – A high-energy, feel-good anthem with handclaps and an infectious chorus, showing his ability to craft radio-friendly hits.
Stitches – The breakout hit of the album, blending acoustic melodies with pop production. It became a No. 1 hit in multiple countries and solidified Mendes as a major pop star.
Never Be Alone – A heartfelt, acoustic-driven ballad that highlights Mendes’ vocal sincerity and songwriting skills.
A Little Too Much – One of the most personal tracks, addressing self-doubt and resilience with soft acoustic backing.
Aftertaste – A more upbeat breakup song, combining folk-pop energy with anthemic hooks.
Handwritten debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making Mendes one of the youngest artists to achieve this feat. Critics praised the album for its sincerity, strong melodies, and acoustic authenticity, though some noted its lack of innovation compared to Mendes’ influences. However, the album’s success proved that Mendes was more than just a social media sensation—he was a serious musician with staying power.
Handwritten serves as the starting point of Mendes’ evolution from a teenage acoustic-pop artist to a global superstar. While his later albums would explore more mature themes and expansive production, Handwritten remains a charming, heartfelt debut that introduced the world to his talent. For fans of acoustic pop and singer-songwriter ballads, this album remains a nostalgic and essential listen.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Life Of The Party
Stitches
Never Be Alone
Kid In Love
I Dont Even Know Your Name
Something Big
Strings
Aftertaste
Air
Crazy
A Little Too Much
This Is What It Takes
