I can see people who have only listened to Shawn Mendes’ radio hits only knowing his music on a surface level. I can also see these people being able to overlook the depth in his lyrics, but Mendes’ new album, “Shawn,” is vulnerable and raw as it looks into his quarter-life-crisis.

In July 2022, Mendes canceled his “Wonder” tour after performing seven shows. He said he was taking time away to focus on his mental health. On Nov. 15, he released “Shawn,” his first album released since 2020. The album has a gratifying acoustic, folk and laidback sound that every song on the record fits into perfectly.

While Mendes is known for his pop music, his folk style shows growth and maturity. When listening to the album, it doesn’t feel like he wrote it for the approval of others; it seems like he had things he wanted to get off his chest and wanted his story to be told.

My favorite song on the album is “Why Why Why.” Its catchy chorus dives into Mendes’ experience with writer’s block, a break-up and mental health issues that lead to the cancelation of his “Wonder” tour. Released as a single three months ago, it gave fans the first taste of his evolved sound and storytelling. This song in particular highlights the raw emotions he poured into this album.

Mendes’ album is perfect for a variety of settings, where you can fully appreciate the introspective and mellow vibe. One ideal place to listen to the album is during a walk in nature. The folk inspired sound pairs beautifully with the tranquility of a forest or park.

While the pros outweigh the cons, there are still some things I would have loved to see from him. To begin with, the album is very short. While this album was arguably the most intimate we’ve seen from him, I found it strange that I could listen to the entire album in only 30 minutes.

Identity, or lack thereof, was a common theme throughout this album. “Who I Am” is the first track, and it talks about Shawn’s ongoing journey with finding himself. The first track is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire album. The first song on this track is important because the songs on the album feel chronological, so it gives us insight to where Mendes was at the beginning of the album.

The rest of the album tells us stories. It drops us into his mind and lets us see his struggles, but overall, this album is a testament to Mendes’ desire to share his story and connect with listeners on a deeper level. His transition to a folk style not only shows his musical versatility, but also his willingness to explore a new artistic direction. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a narrative that invites listeners to embrace the uncertainties in life.