Description
Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes – Vinyl Record
By the time Shawn Mendes released his self-titled third studio album on May 25, 2018, he had already established himself as a pop heartthrob with a knack for acoustic-driven, radio-friendly love songs. However, Shawn Mendes marked a notable shift in both sound and subject matter, reflecting his transition from teen sensation to a more mature, introspective artist. This album was his boldest and most diverse project yet, pulling influences from rock, R&B, blues, and funk, proving that he was more than just a singer-songwriter with a guitar.
Thematically, the album finds Mendes exploring self-doubt, anxiety, love, and identity, making it his most personal and emotionally revealing work. Collaborating with artists like Julia Michaels, Khalid, and John Mayer, he expands his sound beyond traditional pop, embracing organic instrumentation, groovy basslines, and even some electric guitar solos, elevating his artistry beyond what fans had heard on his earlier records.
With Shawn Mendes, he not only redefined his sound but also solidified his place as one of the most promising young musicians of his generation.
Unlike his previous albums—Handwritten (2015) and Illuminate (2016)—which were heavily acoustic and folk-inspired, Shawn Mendes is much more sonically diverse, blending funk, rock, jazz, and R&B-infused pop.
The production feels richer and more organic, with live instruments, raw vocals, and crisp drum work creating a warmer, fuller sound. Tracks like Lost in Japan showcase a slinky, jazz-infused groove reminiscent of Justin Timberlake, while Where Were You in the Morning? leans into bluesy guitar work and smooth falsettos, evoking shades of John Mayer.
At the same time, songs like Nervous and Particular Taste embrace a playful, funk-driven sound, while In My Blood—the album’s lead single—delivers an anthemic rock edge that stands out as one of his most powerful tracks to date. Mendes doesn’t abandon his signature acoustic style completely—tracks like Why and When You’re Ready still carry his singer-songwriter DNA, but with a greater depth and maturity.
This stylistic expansion makes Shawn Mendes feel more adventurous and self-assured, proving that Mendes isn’t afraid to push beyond the clean-cut pop formulas of his past.
Lyrically, Shawn Mendes represents his most introspective and personal songwriting to date. While his past albums primarily focused on love and heartbreak, this record delves into more complex emotions, including self-doubt, anxiety, and personal growth.
The album opens with In My Blood, a deeply vulnerable anthem about Mendes’ struggles with anxiety, something he had never openly addressed in his music before. The raw lyrics—Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in / Sometimes I feel like giving up, but I just can’t—strike a chord with listeners, making it one of his most emotionally impactful songs.
Elsewhere, Youth (feat. Khalid) serves as a powerful statement on resilience and self-identity, written in response to tragic events like mass shootings and global turmoil. It carries a message of refusing to let fear or negativity define one’s future, making it one of the most meaningful songs in Mendes’ catalog.
Even the love songs on this album feel more nuanced and grown-up. Tracks like Where Were You in the Morning? and Why explore uncertainty and frustration in relationships, rather than just the idealized romance that dominated his earlier music. Queen offers a rare moment of sharp-edged sass, while Mutual conveys desperate longing in an emotionally complex way.
Overall, the lyrics reflect an artist who is growing up in the spotlight, learning to navigate emotions, and embracing his own struggles rather than simply crafting radio-friendly love songs.
Key Tracks: The Highlights of Mendes’ Evolution
In My Blood – A career-defining song that blends rock, vulnerability, and anthemic power, making it one of Mendes’ most personal and impactful tracks.
Lost in Japan – A funky, jazz-infused track that showcases his newfound confidence and musical versatility, sounding like a mix between Justin Timberlake and Daft Punk.
Youth (feat. Khalid) – A socially conscious anthem about resilience and identity, highlighting the power of youth in shaping the future.
Where Were You in the Morning? – A bluesy, John Mayer-esque slow jam that sees Mendes experimenting with R&B grooves and smooth falsetto.
Nervous – A flirty, upbeat track with staccato guitar riffs and playful energy, proving that Mendes can keep things light and fun.
Particular Taste – A funky, groove-heavy track produced by John Mayer, bringing a smooth confidence to Mendes’ evolving sound.
Why – A heartfelt, introspective ballad that feels deeply confessional, channeling Mendes’ singer-songwriter roots.
Shawn Mendes was both a critical and commercial success. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making him the third-youngest artist ever to earn three No. 1 albums. The album spawned multiple successful singles, including In My Blood, Lost in Japan, and Youth, which helped solidify Mendes as more than just a teen pop star.
More importantly, Shawn Mendes represented a turning point in his artistry. The album allowed him to step out of the teen idol mold and into the role of a serious musician, proving that he could compete with pop heavyweights like Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Justin Timberlake.
Fans and critics alike praised Mendes for his vulnerability, musical growth, and willingness to experiment with new sounds. By blending pop, rock, R&B, and funk, he created an album that was diverse yet cohesive, modern yet timeless.
Shawn Mendes is more than just another album—it’s a declaration of growth, self-awareness, and artistic ambition. By stepping outside his comfort zone, tackling personal struggles, and embracing a more diverse sonic palette, Mendes proved that he was ready for the next stage of his career.
While his earlier albums captured youthful love and innocence, this one dives deeper, showing an artist coming into his own—both musically and emotionally. It’s a record that bridges the gap between pop stardom and musical credibility, cementing Mendes as one of the most promising young artists of his generation.
For listeners looking for a pop album with substance, emotion, and rich musicality, Shawn Mendes is a standout—a record that marks not just a chapter, but a whole new era in his career.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
In My Blood
Nervous
Lost In Japan
Where Were You In The Morning?
Like To Be You
Fallin’ All In You
Particular Taste
Why
Because I Had You
Queen
Youth
Mutual
Perfectly Wrong
When You’re Ready
In My Blood (Acoustic)
Youth (Acoustic)
