Shawn Mendes’ fifth studio album came out on Friday after taking four years off. This new self-titled album, “Shawn,” is all about self-discovery and going through heartbreak. 

I expected this album to sound different than all his other albums. Mendes has been hinting for a while now that he was leaning more towards folk music and different sounds. The style switch is a little jolting compared to his other music, but it was not entirely surprising. 

A self-titled album is fitting for the theme that it follows. He is in a rediscovery stage of his career and this album means a lot to him. The beginning of “Shawn” starts off strong and personal with “Who I Am.” The song is about letting someone down when he is so confused of who he is. 

One noteworthy song off the album is “Heavy.” There is so much emotion packed into this song, probably because of how much depth the background vocals add, almost like a choir singing along. The song is essentially about anxiety and feeling like he has this “heavy” weight on him. The choir-like chorus brings a sweet melody that is comforting to listen to.

Next to “Why Why Why”, my personal favorite would have to be “In Between.” His voice melts with the guitar. It’s about being in a confusing relationship with someone with lyrics that standout like, “If it isn’t black and white, then it’s onto the next / But what about the in-betweens?”

“Shawn” has a few catchy songs like “That’ll Be The Day” and “That’s The Dream,” as some of my favorites. “That’ll Be The Day” sounds kind of like a lullaby, but both songs remind of something you would sing around the campfire with your friends, including “Rollin’ Right Along.”

I have listened Mendes for a while now, and I was worried that the genre switch was going to make me not like his music anymore. Thankfully I was wrong. I think this music style and the instruments they use fit his voice more. It makes the music more emotional, and I feel more connected to the lyrics. His pace didn’t change, he just incorporates different instruments and sounds.

My only complaint is that the album is short with only 12 tracks, and I hope he comes out with a deluxe album that has more songs. After not releasing music for almost four years, I expected a longer album.

I appreciate how “Shawn” is more focused on the sounds of the guitar and how Mendes’ voice can blend with those sounds in a smoother way. The album is worth listening to, especially if you have listened to Mendes before.

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