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+--- Thread: 'Shawn' - Shawn Mendes - Mellope Album Review (/showthread.php?tid=24695)
'Shawn' - Shawn Mendes - Mellope Album Review - Mellope - 17-11-2024
'Shawn' - Shawn Mendes - MELLOPE ALBUM REVIEW
OVERVIEW:
This new era of Shawn Mendes folk-pop isn't bad, but it definitely shouldn't be praised; some songs on this were easily forgettable and some very enjoyable. I'm happy that Mendes can make music that he actually wants to instead of upbeat pop songs just for the charts, but overall this album stops at good. Sadly, throughout a lot of the album I switched off because Mr. Mendes had some snoozefest tracks in here, but I'm going to be real, there was nothing revolting here. It's emotional mental health music with simple production, and Shawn's voice is still amazing!! I just wish that I got more out of this instead of something that I've heard multiple times in similar forms; in other words, I expected better. My favourite part is the raw, realness to this and how it explores the parts of Shawn's life.
TRACKLIST:
TRACK 1: Who I Am (6/10)
This was a good start to the album; a very calm 1 minute, 41 second song that felt like it set the mood well for the album. The song is about facing pressure from others and not knowing who you are in life, which is resembled well by the plucks of the guitar with Shawn's smooth vocals.
TRACK 2: Why Why Why (7/10)
This was a changing track for me this year. Released as the main single on 'Shawn' 3 months ago, 'Why Why Why' talks about his anxiety and past experiences he's faced. It shows Shawn's upbeat roots while still being a song that he wants to make. Leaning into the acoustic country-pop, this song is a strong reminder that Mendes can really put out something good when he wants to! Brilliant song!
TRACK 3: That's the Dream (6/10)
'That's The Dream' turns into a softer side of music with a hook that makes you want to stay. This hasn't done anything amazing for me, but I can hear this and think of Qaulity, and Shawn never gets boring with the guitar! His voice can work on so many different songs that this is no exception; this shows that all Shawn wants is a tranquil and stress-free life.
TRACK 4: Nobody Knows (6/10)
This has a very unique texture compared to what I've heard so far, and the drop of the notes for Shawn was a good choice to make the song memorable, thought out, and a good song!
TRACK 5: Isn't That Enough (6.5/10)
This really brought back the rawness and natural side of music, where it really was just him and the guitar; this felt like a refresher on the album and a cleanse to the ears. Very pleasant track!
TRACK 6: Heart of Gold (6/10)
First of all, my utter respect for including the Liam Payne tribute in this Shawn!! And this was a perfect song to give him; it's about Shawn's friend who died of a d*** overdose, and the energy is captured well throughout. It starts catchy and gets you ready to listen more, and the hook fully captivates you and makes you get into what the piece is trying to give you. The guitar is very complementary to the sound. This did well with the faster-paced strumming of the guitar and the soulful voice, which supports this as a whole.
TRACK 7: Heavy (5/10)
This delved into mental health struggles and how reaching out for support is a step in the right direction. As much as I appreciate the touch and care put into this, it doesn't help me explore anything new on the album, and I find this quite tiresome.
TRACK 8: That'll Be The Day (6/10)
That'll Be the Day is an emotional song about not being able to move on from a relationship. The low-toned sound creates a formula that makes you feel like you're not alone while having a catchy chorus. It's a good choice for the album because it fits the previous tracks well as well as going into depth about opening up.
TRACK 9: In Between (5/10)
Continuing the theme of love, 'In Between' is an average song that fails to add any kick to the album. It's not a bad song, but when you listen to the whole album, it doesn't feel the same anymore. This was 1:57 but felt like a lifetime!
TRACK 10: The Mountain (5/10)
As much as this has its ups and is a genuinely decent song, I feel more could've been put into it, and it's a bit repetitive with its style (even in the lyrics). I don't want to put down this hard-working guy, but I'm bored, next!
TRACK 11: Rollin' Right Along (6/10)
This is a strong song that talks about trying to move on from a relationship; the cello, viola, and rich range of instruments add greatly to the track and create an atmosphere that's chilled and soothing, just like therapy.
TRACK 12: Hallelujah (5.5/10)
This is a cover of Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah,' and I thought this was a light, gentle cover that Shawn has the voice to pull off. His voice is built for this type of music. As much as this is good, I think that covering something that's already been covered so many times is a bad way to end an album, plus the song is naturally meh.
WORST: 'In Between'
BEST: 'Why Why Why'
Album score: 6/10.