Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes


3.0
good

Review

by mattdwyer16 USER (8 Reviews)
March 12th, 2021 | 2 replies


Release Date: 2018 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Shawn Mendes Does Not Give Much More Than a Name on Self-Titled Album

Shawn Mendes seems to know he’s famous. With two multi-platinum albums and a world tour, who wouldn't? But if you already know you're famous, and everyone else knows you're famous...why self-title your third album? Usually, when an artist self-titles an album part-way into their career, they have run out of artistic steam. They cannibalize their own fame to sell records, instead of using an actual theme or idea. What comes after that?

Mendes feigns personal growth on his self-titled third album by writing about adult subject matter instead of teen angst. He disguises the same insubstantial material with "Where Were You in the Morning?" (on his most recent album) instead of "I Don't Even Know Your Name" (on his first album). Shawn showed promise on his first album. The dub step driven ballad “Life of the Party” showcased inner contemplation in pop songwriting. But on his third album, Shawn leaves behind the introspection of "Life of the Party" for contrived sonic experimentation. No one wants to see that from someone who got famous playing guitar on Vine.

R n B and funk influences on the album feel contrived, much like the name of the album. A self-titled work implies a reinvention or rebirth. That may have been what Shawn was going for, with "Lost in Japan" featuring bluesy backing vocals and increased production, absent on his first two (mostly) acoustic albums. But ultimately, songs like "Nervous" and "Queen" show that Shawn hasn't come very far since his first album. Don't get me wrong- they're not bad songs- catchy, acoustic, and radio-ready. But they're Shawn Mendes songs. We knew what we'd be getting. Maybe it makes sense that the album is self-titled after all.



Recent reviews by this author
Taylor Swift Speak NowTaylor Swift Fearless
Taylor Swift 1989Harry Styles Harry Styles
Shawn Mendes IlluminateCamila Cabello Camila
user ratings (57)
2.4
average


Comments:Add a Comment 
Tunaboy45
March 12th 2021


18562 Comments


Shawn Mendes certainly makes music

gryndstone
March 13th 2021


2824 Comments


I named my Armaldo in Pokemon Go Shawn Mendes



You have to be logged in to post a comment. Login | Create a Profile





STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy