Shawn Mendes first gained attention at the age of 14 by posting covers of popular songs on YouTube and social media. This early recognition led him to sign a record deal with Island Records in 2014 following the viral success of his cover of a Justin Bieber song.
He then released his debut EP, The Shawn Mendes EP, which soon peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200. His first single also made an impact, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Mendes’ rise continued with the release of his debut full-length album, Handwritten, in 2015. The album included the hit single Stitches, and his momentum was further strengthened with his 2016 album Illuminate, which included popular tracks like Mercy and Treat You Better.
Mendes released his third self-titled album in 2018, which featured collaborations with Camila Cabello and John Mayer. Songs like In My Blood and Lost in Japan became fan favorites. His fourth album Wonder was released in 2020 and included singles like Wonder and Call My Friends, as well as a notable duet with Justin Bieber.
Mendes is known for writing almost all of his songs himself, including the 2019 hit Señorita, which he co-wrote with then-girlfriend Cabello. His ability to write personal and memorable songs has helped him rise to stardom. Here are some of Shawn Mendes’ most popular songs that reflect his rise to pop stardom:
Stitches (2015)
In 2015, Shawn Mendes released his breakthrough single, Handwritten, and it became an instant hit. With this single, he became the eleventh artist in history to top the Billboard 200 chart at the young age of eighteen. Stitches, one of his stellar releases, peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, his first top 10 hit on that list.
Treat You Better (2016)
The lead single from Shawn Mendes’ Illuminate album, Treat You Better, peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Mendes expresses his desire in the song to treat young women with respect and care, as the song tells the story of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship.
The contact details of the National Domestic Violence Helpline are provided at the end of the music video, highlighting Mendes’ commitment to helping victims of domestic abuse and raising awareness of this serious problem.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2016)
Shawn Mendes’ debut single, I Know What You Did Last Summer, was re-released in 2016 from the album Handwritten Revisited, which also featured Camila Cabello. Mendes’ first lead single achieved critical success, reaching number twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Mendes and Cabello co-wrote the song, which also features a sample from Bill Withers’ 1971 soul classic Ain’t No Sunshine. The use of the sample added a nostalgic element to the contemporary pop song, which increased its appeal and popularity.
There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back, Camila Cabello (2017)
The pop-rock track There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back can be found on the deluxe edition of Shawn Mendes’ Illuminate album. The song is Mendes and Camila Cabello’s second collaboration, after their previous hit song I Know What You Did Last Summer. The song debuted at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received considerable commercial success.
Mercy (2016)
Shawn Mendes’ second album Illuminate included the hit single Mercy, which followed the success of his debut single Handwritten. The song peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing Mendes’ ability to combine emotional depth with pop sensibilities.
In Mercy, Mendes expresses his deep sense of vulnerability while begging for mercy from a difficult and seductive love interest. The song describes his struggle to break free from a relationship that has a strong, almost irresistible hold on him.
Also read: Shawn Mendes announces new self-titled album to be released in October; two new singles to be released in August
