Need a new artist to listen to? You should definitely consider Shawn Mendes.
Even if his name isn’t recognizable, you still may know his voice. He’s the genius behind the hit song “Stitches”, and he also wrote and performed the song “I Know What You Did Last Summer” alongside Fifth Harmony’s Camila Cabello.
Taking the world by storm with his guitar and incredible songwriting skills, he’s a seventeen-year-old you don’t want to pass by. To get you started, here’s five beautiful songs off his first album, Handwritten.
Note: Some songs are only on the re-release of his first album, Handwritten Revisited.
1. Kid In Love
“But it feels like there was something from the moment that we touched…”
If you’re a fan of sweet love songs, you’ll definitely enjoy “Kid In Love”. With a soft rhythm and ridiculously romantic lyrics, it’s hard not to enjoy it. It’s simple and it doesn’t require a large explanation, but it’s nevertheless beautiful.
2. Air (feat. Astrid)
“Tried to fix me up but I’m not broken, all you do is leave me stained…”
Unlike the happy tone in “Kid In Love”, this track is about ending a connection.
“Air” is about someone who thought their relationship would last forever, but now that love is suffocating them, and in order for them to be able to breathe again, they have to let go.
With fantastically written lyrics, Shawn’s pleasant guitar playing in the background, and killer vocals from both singers, “Air” is definitely worth a listen.
3. The Weight
“You tell me that you needed time but you push me away, but then you try to take me back, my heavy heart just breaks…”
Hearts tend to easily be broken, but seemingly impossible to be put back together. “The Weight” is a sad, but beautifully written breakup song. Once again, Shawn wrote about having to let go of a relationship because things aren’t working out.
Another wonderful, wonderful song.
4. Never Be Alone
“When you fall asleep tonight, just remember that we lay under the same stars…”
Sometimes people can’t stay with the ones they love… Life tends to pull everyone in different directions, whether it’s wanted or not.
“Never Be Alone” is all about having to go down one path, while the person you care about takes another. But even though you’re not together, the love you share isn’t gone. That love stays in your heart, no matter how many miles away you are from each other. You may not be able to be physically with them, but you’re with them in spirit, and that’s why you’re never alone.
Definitely bittersweet.
5. A Little Too Much
“Though everyone said that she was so strong, what they didn’t know is that she could barely carry on…”
Whether it’s school, relationships, work, family, or something else, everyone has their own issues. And sometimes, it simply gets to be too much. When it gets to that point, a lot of people tend to give up on what they’re doing, because they feel like they can’t take it anymore.
“A Little Too Much” is about a girl who’s struggling. Her situation isn’t said, but it doesn’t have to be. Shawn goes on to encourage her, singing “that soon the fog will clear up” and “you don’t have to be afraid, because we’re all the same”.
In three short minutes, Shawn reminds his audience that it’s absolutely normal to have some out-of-control moments, and that these moments won’t last forever.
This is a song that everyone needs to hear.
Bonus: Show You
“I will watch what I wanna watch, no, won’t listen to you, do what I wanna do…”
Throughout your life, you’re going to have people telling you what to do. “Show You” is about taking that ‘advice’ and ignoring it. It’s about living on your own terms, not somebody else’s.
“Show You” is the right type of everything; it’s catchy, it’s upbeat, it’s fun, and overall, it’s awesomely sassy. What more do you need in a song?
What’s your favorite song by Shawn? Did we miss one in this list? Tell us in the comments below, or @CelebMix on Twitter.