shawn mendes discography

HaC 2025

3 min read 17-03-2025

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. From his early Vine beginnings to his sold-out stadium tours, his musical journey is one of remarkable growth and evolution. This comprehensive discography explores each album, charting his artistic development and highlighting his key hits. Let's delve into the world of Shawn Mendes' music.

Studio Albums: A Chronological Journey

1. Handwritten (2015): The Breakthrough

Released when Shawn was just 16, Handwritten marked his official debut album. It showcased his raw talent and emotional depth, immediately establishing him as a force in the pop music scene. The album's success was propelled by hits like "Stitches," "Something Big," and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (a collaboration with Camila Cabello). This album firmly established Mendes' sound: acoustic-driven pop with a focus on relatable, heartfelt lyrics.

Key Tracks: "Stitches," "Something Big," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Life of the Party"

2. Illuminate (2016): Refining the Sound

Building on the success of Handwritten, Illuminate saw Mendes experimenting with more mature sounds and production techniques. The album retained its acoustic heart but incorporated elements of electronic pop, resulting in a more polished and sophisticated sound. Hit singles like "Treat You Better" and "Mercy" further solidified his position as a major pop artist. His songwriting also matured, displaying more nuanced emotional expression.

Key Tracks: "Treat You Better," "Mercy," "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," "Ruin"

3. Shawn Mendes (Self-Titled) (2018): A Bold Leap Forward

His self-titled album marked a significant shift in Mendes' sound. While still retaining his signature vulnerability, the album ventured into more experimental territory with richer instrumentation and more complex song structures. Songs like "In My Blood" and "Lost in Japan" highlighted his vocal range and showcased a growth in his songwriting maturity. The album's overall feel was more introspective and mature than his previous releases.

Key Tracks: "In My Blood," "Lost in Japan," "Youth" (featuring Khalid), "Where Were You in the Morning?"

4. Wonder (2020): Exploring New sonic Landscapes

Wonder showcased Mendes' continued evolution, introducing a wider array of sounds and styles. From the pop-infused title track to the funkier grooves of other songs, this album demonstrated his willingness to experiment and push his creative boundaries. While still deeply personal, the album felt more experimental and less purely pop-focused than his previous work.

Key Tracks: "Wonder," "Monster" (featuring Justin Bieber), "Higher," "Call My Friends"

5. It'll Be Okay (2022): Raw Emotion and Reflection

Released following a period of personal reflection and a hiatus from touring, It'll Be Okay is a deeply introspective and emotionally raw album. It delves into themes of self-discovery, mental health, and relationships with honesty and vulnerability. The album displays a stripped-down approach, highlighting Mendes' powerful vocals and songwriting capabilities.

Key Tracks: "It'll Be Okay," "When You're Gone," "Summer of Love" (with Tainy)

EPs and Other Releases: Expanding the Soundscape

While his studio albums form the core of his discography, Shawn Mendes has also released several EPs and singles which further showcase his creative range. These releases often preview songs from upcoming albums or delve into specific themes and styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Shawn Mendes' best-selling album?

A: While exact figures vary, Shawn Mendes (his self-titled album) and Illuminate are generally considered his top-selling albums.

Q: What is Shawn Mendes' most popular song?

A: "Stitches" remains a highly popular and recognizable track, however the popularity of other songs like "Treat You Better" and "In My Blood" is very close. Ultimately, popularity is subjective.

Q: How many studio albums has Shawn Mendes released?

A: As of late 2023, Shawn Mendes has released five studio albums.

Q: When did Shawn Mendes start his music career?

A: He began gaining prominence through Vine in 2013-2014 before releasing his debut album in 2015.

This comprehensive look at Shawn Mendes' discography highlights his evolution as an artist. From his early acoustic pop beginnings to his exploration of more diverse sounds, his music consistently demonstrates his talent, vulnerability, and dedication to crafting heartfelt and engaging songs. His musical journey is far from over, and fans eagerly await his future releases.