Shawn Mendes: Album Breakdown

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a REALLY BIG Shawn Mendes’s fan. So when his album dropped last Friday, I couldn’t stop listening to it and taking the songs in. Even though I expected nothing less, his album is an absolute GEM. It’s completely different kind of sound compared to his last two albums - yet it’s perfectly fitting of evolving. It’s incredible. Want a breakdown song-by-song? You got it.

1. In My Blood - This is such a powerful song to start off the album with. The song is kind of different from other songs that we’ve heard from Shawn in the past - and that’s the pattern that follows suit throughout this season. This song talks about overcoming anxiety - his most personal song to date. With the beat of the song, it’s definitely a hit.

2. Nervous - This is a really cute song. This song is about being around that person that you have a crush on. This song is able to display the feelings that you have when you’re really into someone and being around them makes you act different than you normally would around anyone else. Tied in with the electric guitar that’s in the song - this jam will make me feel nervous, too.

3. Lost in Japan - This is different than anything else that Shawn’s released before. If you’re a fan of Justin Timberlake - then you’re really going to like this song. It reminds me of the song, “Take Back the Night”. This is about wanting to spend time with that special someone and traveling to Japan for them. What happens in Japan stays in Japan, right?

4. Where Were You in the Morning? - This song is kind of sad. What was supposed to be a great night with breakfast and that person next to you when you wake up ends up being a one-night-stand. And that’s not what Shawn was expecting. The groove to this song is a great one to come after Lost in Japan - which was a fun and upbeat.

5. Like to be You ft. Julia Michaels - This song is one I didn’t expect, but I love it. This song is very simple, with the lyrics and harmonies being in focus. It centers on a couple in an argument and trying to understand the other person and their headspace. The way this song is written is kind of after the argument, trying to remedy the fact. That feeling of trying to get you is understood is explained perfectly, and it makes you want to work through things.

6. Fallin’ All In You - This is a really cute song. This reminds me of that song that iconic scene in “Say Anything” when he stands outside with a boombox. This is that cheeky love song when the person talks about the impact you’ve had on their life and how they want to be with you, hence the title. I always appreciate a classic, genuine love song. This is one of those. If you’re like me, then you’ll like this song.

7. Particular Taste - This song to me has Prince’s “Kiss” written all over it. Between the funky electric guitar and falsetto harmonies in the chorus, this makes you want to groove and dance. This song is about that one that knows what she wants. She doesn’t have to have a bad label attached to her like some might do, she just has a particular taste. I love what this song is saying, and more power to you if that’s you. You may get “Hands to Myself” vibes from this song - and they’re both great.

8. Why - I think everyone can relate to being in this situation at some point in their lives. This song is about you and that other person liking each other, but no one makes a move - leaving you both stuck. This song is written over a smooth drum beat and piano keys, making you feel the emotions being told. I really love this song - it’s one of my favorites on the album. If this is you right now, then go for it.

9. Because I Had You - This is the song that you hope your ex is listening to. This is about being regretful of letting that person go and knowing that no one will compare to them. This is that anthem to that person that no one is you and no one ever will be. Good luck to them trying to replace you. And you’ll find someone that makes you happy.

10. Queen - This song is not what you think it is. This is about that one person who thinks that they are better than you and that you need them in your life. We all know that this is far from the case, and we’re not going to take that. The line, “Who made you the queen?” says it all. We all know someone who is like this, and this song is dedicated to them. The beat to this is so upbeat, you’ll jam out wherever you can.

11. Youth ft. Khalid - This song comes during a very important time in the world right now. In light of all the tragedies that have happened in the world with the school shootings and bombings, this is about not letting not taking away our youth and having a song for generations to have. The combination of Shawn’s vocals with Khalid’s are impeccable together. It’s amazing to have these tighter in one impactful song.

12. Mutual - The beat and rhythm behind this song is fantastic. You can help but head bop to this song and want to dance in your house like no one’s watching. This is about that all-or-nothing scenario. All that’s being asked is do you love the other person. And if you don’t, all that’s left to do is leave. Many know the feeling of being in that “do you want this or not?” scenario, and the question is being brought to the table. So dance all your frustrations out, you know you want to.

13. Perfectly Wrong - You shouldn’t be together, but it’s what you want. It’s “perfectly wrong”. This song is another ballad with what’s only Shawn’s vocals and a piano. It’s super simple and broken down, leaving only you and the lyrics. Sometimes you don’t want to accept the fact and it hurts even more than you thought it would. I may or may not want to cry at this song when I hear it, so be prepared. It’s a sad one.

14. When You’re Ready - This last song is one that’s not upbeat - but it’s not a ballad, either. It’s that good in-between, acoustic-type song. This is about waiting for that special someone, even if it’s not the best choice or time as long as ten years passes by. They will always be there for you waiting for you. It’s a great song to end the album with and I love this one, too.