Review
Shawn Mendes' debut studio album, "Handwritten," released on April 14, 2015, by Island Records, is a testament to the young Canadian singer's potential. With its infectious pop-rock sound, the album resonated deeply with his teenage fans, earning commercial success right out of the gate. Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 119,000 album-equivalent units, Mendes joined an elite group by becoming the tenth artist to achieve this milestone before turning 18.
The album boasts memorable singles like "Stitches," which soared to the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and clinched the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart. The reissue, "Handwritten (Revisited)", further thrilled fans with the US top 20 hit "I Know What You Did Last Summer," along with live recordings and new tracks. While critical reception has been mixed, with comments about its songwriting and production, the emotional impact of tracks like "Life of the Party" and "Stitches" reveals Mendes' undeniable talent. Overall, "Handwritten" marks a promising start for Mendes, positioning him as a notable force in the pop-rock landscape. - Erika
Artist Bio
Shawn Mendes is a singer-songwriter from Canada who started releasing music in 2014 with "The Shawn Mendes EP" and quickly rose to fame with his debut album *Handwritten* in 2015. Working mainly in pop, pop-rock, and R&B, his sound mixes heartfelt lyrics with elements of rock and blues, which has developed further over several albums, including hits like "Stitches," "Treat You Better," and "Señorita" with Camila Cabello. Mendes is known for collaborations with artists such as Julia Michaels and Khalid and has released both studio and live albums. Over the years, his music has matured in production and songwriting, and he has earned a strong fanbase along with recognition for his vocal talents. Fans of artists like Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, and Harry Styles would likely enjoy his style.
