Mendes shows off some vulnerability
Pop singer grapples with anxiety, relationships, a world that fosters hate
Shawn Mendes is slowly letting the world capture a glimpse of his soul.
While the Pickering, Ont.raised pop singer has gained millions of fans singing about crushes and breakups, it’s his new album that carries a number of fresh revelations.
Mendes grapples with anxiety, a couple of feisty relationships and rejects a world that seem- ingly wants to foster more hate. It’s deep stuff to write about at 19 years old.
With his self-titled third album, due Friday, Mendes is growing into a maturity that seems to acknowledge the responsibilities he and his generation are expected to shoulder between the good times and heartbreak.
The musician plays a number of Canadian dates this year, including Ottawa’s Bluesfest (July 7), Festival D’été de Quebec (July 8) and the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in P.E.I. (July 9).
He’ll also embark on a European and North American tour next March that brings him back to Canada in summer 2019.
Here’s a look at five standout songs on Shawn Mendes that signal where he’s headed:
á “In My Blood” — Mendes opens with a song about crippling anxiety and the struggle to overcome emotional detachment. He sings about turning to alcohol and women, but finds neither is the cure. The lyrics are based on his own experience after being slammed with an unexpected bout of depression last year, he’s said in recent interviews.
á “Particular Taste” — Watch out Justin Timberlake, because Mendes is cornering the market on falsettos with sexy bass lines. On this funky bootyshaker he recalls an experience with a woman who clearly knows what she likes.
á “Youth” — Sharing almost equal vocal time with R&B singer Khalid helps this Mendes song carry a powerful message of unity in troubled times. The lyrical concept formed in the wake of the Manchester concert bombing and terror attack on London Bridge, Mendes has recently said. He texted Khalid saying he wanted to write a statement for his gen- eration. “Pain, but I won’t let it turn into hate. No, I won’t let it change me,” the two sing together.
Somebody give this guy a hug.