Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of Shawn Mendes. It’s not that I dislike him, but I’ve just never really liked him. There has always been something lacking for me, and while his songs are catchy, I find them to sound extremely similar to each other. I noticed that there was a lot of buzz surrounding the release of two new tracks, “Lost in Japan” and “In My Blood” the other day, and decided to give Mendes another chance–maybe I have been too quick to judge.
I listened to “Lost in Japan” first, and I have to say, I am a fan. It’s all things Mendes’ previous songs were, catchy and upbeat with a singer songwriter vibe. However, one thing stood out to me distinctively; it’s different. “Lost In Japan” displays a smoother, more mature sound that I really appreciate. I wouldn’t mind hearing this song repeatedly on the radio (as his songs often appear to do).
Next, is “In My Blood.” This song leaves me a little skeptical in terms of lyrics. While heartfelt and emotional, I feel there could be a little more artistry present in an effort to match the sound. However, I seem to be a harsh critic when it comes to Mendes for reasons that even I am unaware of, and despite my hesitancies, I am impressed. The tone of the song is a little rockier than usual, with a chorus that soars. It’s definitely a song that I can picture one listening to on a long car ride.
After giving these songs a listen, I’ve gained a better respect for Shawn Mendes as an artist. I’m enjoying his new sound so far, and I hope that he continues to surprise me in the release of his next album.