Shawn Mendes made the decision to cancel his world tour in 2022 to focus on his mental health.

He wanted some time for self-reflection, which is a reasonable request for someone who achieved international success at a young age.

With his fifth studio album, titled “Shawn,” the name itself hints that the new tracks will delve into deep emotions as Mendes continues his search for identity. However, that journey is precisely what makes this album a notable highlight in the 26-year-old’s career.

“Everything’s hard to explain out loud … ‘Cause I don’t really know who I am right now,” Mendes expresses with a subtle sigh in the album’s opening track, “Who I Am.”

This album features twelve tracks, including a respectful cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The songwriting and production are straightforward, creating a warm ambiance, with many songs paying homage to the folk-pop sounds of Laurel Canyon from a bygone era.

Mendes is on a journey of exploration

Mendes is back in the news due to a lyric from his song “The Mountain,” which he unveiled during a live performance in October.

“You can say I’m too young/you can say I’m too old/You can say I like girls or boys/Whatever fits your mold,” he sings. This has prompted many to speculate about Mendes’ sexuality. During one show, he told the audience, “Sexuality is a beautifully complex thing, and it’s challenging to classify it neatly. It has always felt intrusive to categorize something so personal. I’m still figuring it out, like everyone else. Sometimes I know where I stand, and other times I don’t, which can be frightening, especially in a society that often has strong opinions on this topic.”

Mendes likely anticipated that the line would generate chatter, similar to “Thought I was about to be a father/shook me to the core,” from “Why Why Why,” where the childlike rhyme contrasts sharply with themes of confusion.

The raw “Heavy,” which showcases a grittier side of Mendes’ voice, along with “Hallelujah,” a frequently covered song that still aligns with the thoughtful tone of “Shawn,” illustrate his sincere effort to explore his evolving thoughts.

The standout tracks from ‘Shawn’

The two standout songs on the album showcase Mendes’ growth as a songwriter – he co-wrote every track except for the Cohen classic – and the smooth richness of his vocals.

“That’s the Dream,” featuring a shuffle beat reminiscent of the greatest country hits from the ‘90s, captures heartfelt longing. Mendes sings, “I know we made our promises, but promises are hard to keep/But why’d I have to go and leave when I know nothing good comes easily,” accompanied by lap steel guitar.

The song is enriched with strings and lovely harmonies, making Mendes’ aspirations sound both romantic and ambitious.

In “Heart of Gold,” written in memory of a childhood friend who passed away, Mendes embraces a ‘70s soft rock vibe. The song reflects on cherishing beauty amidst grief and serves as an ode to a kind spirit: “You had a heart of gold/You left too soon/It was out of your control,” showcasing Mendes’ emotional depth and sensitivity.