Sunday Sounds: October 18, 2020, “Wonder”
Samantha Colleran, October 2020
I’ve always liked Shawn Mendes casually; he’s a strong presence in the industry, he sings really well, he writes catchy lyrics, and seems like a genuine and down to Earth person. He announced his new studio album titled Wonder, and released the lead single of the same title to go along with it. On my first listen I liked it, but the more I listened, the more I fell in love with it.
The song starts off with a chorus that sounds almost angelic, leading into Shawn’s vocals as he presents us with one of the first things he wonders about, “I wonder if I’m being real”. It’s something that seemed to be a lot more raw than his previous songs that have grown in popularity. He lists a number of things he wonders about in the verses, like what it’s like to live in a world that isn’t black and white, what it’s like to be his friends, why he (as a man) is conditioned to feel like he can’t cry or be vulnerable. Most importantly, he states in the chorus that he wonders what it’s like to be loved by a particular love interest.
The outro is my favorite part of the entire song. Right after the final chorus, there’s a big instrumental break where the drums kick in and the chorus of voices intensifies, it’s a big musical moment as Shawn’s voice re-enters, “Right before I close my eyes/ The only thing that’s on my mind/ Been dreaming that you feel it, too/ I wonder what it’s like to be loved by you”. It’s a newer and more refined sound, nothing like he’s ever released before. It feels cathartic, it’s emotional and feels like a breakthrough moment for Shawn. I’m so excited to see what else the world of Wonder has in store, but until December, I’ll keep this song on loop!
You can listen to “Wonder” below, and as always please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Glad to hear some new stuff from Shawn Mendez. Have always liked him and this song seems more mature in a way. Love following artists and watching how they change and adapt over the course of their careers.
His new album comes out on Dec 4, I’m really hoping it has a similar sound to the lead single because it certainly did not disappoint!