Shawn Mendes has established himself as one of the most influential Canadian singer-songwriters of this generation, delivering chart-topping hits that resonate with millions worldwide. From his breakthrough on Vine in 2013 to his latest introspective album released in 2024, Mendes has consistently produced memorable tracks that showcase his vocal prowess and songwriting abilities. This comprehensive guide explores the 20 best Shawn Mendes songs that have defined his career and captivated audiences across the globe.
Stitches
Released in 2015 as part of his debut album Handwritten, “Stitches” became Shawn Mendes’ breakthrough hit that catapulted him to international stardom. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in the UK, establishing Mendes as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music landscape. With its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about heartbreak, the track showcased the young artist’s ability to capture raw emotion in a way that resonated with listeners of all ages. The production features a driving beat and melodic guitar riffs that perfectly complement Mendes’ passionate vocal delivery, creating an anthem that remains one of his most recognizable songs to this day.
There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back
This 2017 single from the Illuminate album represents Shawn Mendes at his most energetic and carefree, capturing the euphoric feeling of being completely swept up in love. The track reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart, demonstrating Mendes’ crossover appeal to multiple demographics. Co-written with Teddy Geiger, Geoff Warburton, and Scott Harris, the song features a tropical-influenced production with pulsating rhythms that perfectly match the lyrics about throwing caution to the wind for romance. The accompanying music video, which shows Mendes performing gravity-defying stunts and dancing through city streets, perfectly captures the song’s spirit of reckless abandon and youthful exuberance.
Treat You Better
As the lead single from Illuminate released in June 2016, “Treat You Better” showcased a more mature side of Shawn Mendes as he addressed the serious topic of unhealthy relationships. The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his second top 10 single, solidifying his position as a major player in contemporary pop music. The emotional ballad features Mendes pleading with someone to leave their toxic partner, with lyrics that express both frustration and genuine care for the person’s wellbeing. The music video, which depicts scenes of domestic violence, ends with information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, demonstrating Mendes’ commitment to using his platform for positive social impact.
Mercy
Released in August 2016 as the second single from Illuminate, “Mercy” reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Mendes’ ability to convey vulnerability through his music. The song’s powerful lyrics describe being trapped in an all-consuming love, with Mendes pleading for release from emotional pain while simultaneously being unable to let go. The production builds gradually from sparse verses to a soaring chorus that allows Mendes’ vocals to shine, demonstrating his growth as both a singer and performer. The music video, directed by Jay Martin, features claustrophobic imagery including scenes of Mendes drowning in a car, visually representing the song’s themes of emotional suffocation and desperation.
In My Blood
This powerful anthem from Mendes’ self-titled third album, released in 2018, addresses his personal struggles with anxiety and mental health. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an anthem for anyone dealing with mental health challenges, resonating deeply with fans who appreciated his honest vulnerability. Co-written with Teddy Geiger, Geoff Warburton, and Scott Harris, the track features building instrumentation that mirrors the emotional journey described in the lyrics, from moments of weakness to determination to keep fighting. Mendes has been open about using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues, and this song has become a cornerstone of those efforts, inspiring countless listeners to seek help and continue persevering through difficult times.
Señorita (with Camila Cabello)
Released in June 2019, this sultry collaboration with Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello became Shawn Mendes’ first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The Latin-influenced pop track topped charts in over 30 countries worldwide and became one of the most-streamed songs of 2019, demonstrating the powerful chemistry between the two artists. The song’s passionate lyrics and steamy music video fueled widespread speculation about the nature of Mendes and Cabello’s relationship, which they later confirmed was romantic. With its infectious rhythm, memorable hook, and undeniable chemistry between the performers, “Señorita” remains one of the biggest collaborative hits in recent pop music history and a defining moment in both artists’ careers.
If I Can’t Have You
Released in May 2019, “If I Can’t Have You” became Shawn Mendes’ highest-charting solo single at the time, debuting at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The upbeat pop track, which was originally written for Dua Lipa, showcases Mendes’ ability to deliver catchy, radio-friendly hits while maintaining emotional depth in his lyrics. The song’s production features bright, energetic instrumentation that contrasts beautifully with the somewhat desperate lyrics about all-consuming love, creating a compelling tension that keeps listeners engaged. Mendes himself has described this track as one of his proudest works, and its commercial success—surpassing one billion streams on Spotify—demonstrates its widespread appeal to audiences around the world.
Lost in Japan
This smooth, R&B-influenced track from Mendes’ 2018 self-titled album showcases his versatility as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different musical styles. The song reached number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received critical acclaim for its mature sound and sophisticated production. Co-written with Teddy Geiger, Nate Mercereau, and Scott Harris, the track features a laid-back groove and silky vocals that perfectly capture the song’s theme of spontaneous romantic adventure. The lyrics describe the impulsive desire to fly across the world to be with someone, with Mendes’ smooth delivery making the grand gesture feel both relatable and aspirational to listeners drawn to romantic gestures.
Monster (feat. Justin Bieber)
Released in November 2020 as the second single from Wonder, this collaboration with fellow Canadian artist Justin Bieber peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song addresses the darker side of fame and celebrity culture, with both artists reflecting on how the entertainment industry can consume and transform young performers. The track’s introspective lyrics and haunting production create a somber mood that perfectly matches its themes of struggling with public perception and the pressure of stardom. Both Mendes and Bieber have been open about their mental health struggles related to fame, making this collaboration particularly powerful and authentic as they share their experiences with audiences who may face similar pressures.
Never Be Alone
From his 2015 debut album Handwritten, “Never Be Alone” became a fan favorite that showcased Mendes’ softer, more emotional side. The song reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrated his ability to craft deeply personal ballads that connect with listeners on an intimate level. The track’s lyrics offer comfort and reassurance to someone who is far away, promising that distance cannot diminish their connection or love. With its gentle acoustic guitar foundation and heartfelt vocal performance, the song has become a staple at Mendes’ concerts where fans sing along to every word, creating powerful moments of shared emotion and connection.
Life of the Party
As Shawn Mendes’ debut single released in 2014, “Life of the Party” made history by debuting at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement made Mendes one of the youngest artists ever to debut in the top 25 without the support of a full album release. The song’s relatable lyrics about social anxiety and feeling like an outsider resonated strongly with his young fanbase, many of whom were discovering him through his Vine covers. The track’s production combines acoustic elements with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that would become characteristic of Mendes’ early work and establish his identity as an artist who wasn’t afraid to address real teenage experiences and emotions.
Why Why Why
Released in August 2024 as one of the lead singles from his fifth studio album Shawn, “Why Why Why” marks a significant artistic evolution toward a more folk and country-influenced sound. The introspective track was released on Mendes’ birthday and represents his most vulnerable songwriting to date, addressing his mental health struggles and personal growth over his two-year break from touring. The song features stripped-down acoustic instrumentation that allows Mendes’ raw vocals and honest lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimate listening experience. This track signifies a new chapter in Mendes’ career where he prioritizes authenticity and emotional honesty over commercial pop formulas, demonstrating his maturity as both an artist and individual.
Isn’t That Enough
Also released in August 2024 alongside “Why Why Why,” this deeply personal track from the Shawn album showcases Mendes’ journey of self-discovery and healing. The song was featured in the album announcement trailer, where Mendes is shown around a campfire with friends, capturing the communal and therapeutic nature of music-making that defined this album’s creation. The track’s folk-inspired production, recorded in locations including Costa Rica and Bear Creek Studio in Washington State, reflects the grounded, earthier sound that characterizes his latest work. With lyrics that question self-worth and the pressure to constantly achieve more, the song resonates with anyone struggling to feel like they’re enough just as they are, making it a powerful anthem for self-acceptance and personal growth.
Nobody Knows
Debuted at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, “Nobody Knows” became one of the standout tracks from the Shawn album released in November 2024. The folk-rock ballad builds gradually from an intimate beginning to a powerful climax, showcasing Mendes’ growth as a performer and his band’s exceptional chemistry. The song addresses the confusion and pain of a relationship ending when love still exists, asking the universal question of where love goes when a connection can’t be sustained despite deep feelings. The VMAs performance, staged on a massive rug lined with candles with a smoky, living-room atmosphere, perfectly captured the song’s intimate yet emotionally explosive nature and introduced audiences to Mendes’ evolved sound.
Wonder
The title track from Mendes’ fourth studio album, released in October 2020, peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced a more mature, contemplative era in his career. The song features orchestral elements and soaring vocals that create an epic, cinematic quality rarely heard in contemporary pop music. Lyrically, “Wonder” explores themes of curiosity about a romantic interest and the desire to truly know someone on a deeper level beyond surface appearances. The accompanying Netflix documentary, Shawn Mendes: In Wonder, provided fans with intimate access to the creative process behind the album and offered insight into Mendes’ personal life, making the song’s release a multimedia event that deepened fans’ connection to both the music and the artist.
The Mountain
One of the most personally revealing tracks from the Shawn album, “The Mountain” features Mendes addressing speculation about his sexuality with unprecedented candor. The sparse acoustic production provides a simple canvas for some of his most vulnerable and honest lyricism, with the chorus gently singing “You can say I like girls or boys, whatever fits your mould.” In October 2024, Mendes opened up at a concert about figuring out his sexuality, making this song a powerful statement about self-discovery and the courage to be authentic despite public scrutiny. The track also addresses rumors about him being in a cult and discusses how his global travels have transformed him, creating a stream-of-consciousness narrative that feels both intensely personal and universally relatable to anyone navigating identity and self-understanding.
Heart of Gold
Released as a single in November 2024, “Heart of Gold” is a 1970s-inspired folk rock ballad that Mendes wrote following the death of a childhood friend. The emotionally charged track demonstrates how Mendes processes grief and loss through his music, creating a touching tribute that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone close. The song’s production has been compared to Neil Young’s classic album Harvest, featuring organic instrumentation and heartfelt vocals that prioritize emotional authenticity over commercial polish. This deeply personal track showcases Mendes’ continued evolution as a songwriter who isn’t afraid to explore difficult emotions and life experiences through his music, offering listeners a chance to process their own grief alongside his honest expression.
Heavy
From the Shawn album, “Heavy” represents one of the most emotionally raw moments in Mendes’ entire discography. The song begins with simple acoustic guitar and piano, allowing his vocals to carry the emotional weight before a gospel choir joins in the second chorus, creating a moment of cathartic release. In the pre-chorus, Mendes sings about being tired of sleepless nights and carrying unbearable weight, with the repeated phrase “It’s been so heavy” packed with genuine pain and exhaustion. The track serves as an admission that he can no longer hold everything inside and is finally ready to reach out for help, making it a powerful anthem for anyone struggling with the burden of unspoken emotional pain and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.
In Between
This introspective track from the Shawn album opens with the revealing line “If I’m not all in, then I’m all out,” a sentiment that reflects Mendes’ approach to his high-profile romantic relationships. The song has become particularly meaningful given Mendes’ public relationships, especially with Camila Cabello, whom he dated for two years and briefly reunited with in 2023. In September 2024, Mendes discussed on a podcast how he and Cabello are “preserving their private little fire of love for each other,” adding deeper context to this song’s exploration of the complexities between love and independence. The candid lyrics demonstrate Mendes’ increasing comfort with addressing his personal life through his music, creating songs that feel like intimate journal entries shared with millions of listeners around the world.
That’ll Be the Day
Leaning into the country music trend that dominated 2024, “That’ll Be the Day” finds Shawn Mendes exploring heartland sounds with sparse guitar and mournful vocals. The track begins with Mendes mourning a lost love while admitting that, from his perspective, “This love is here to stay,” creating a bittersweet contradiction between reality and feeling. As soft mandolin and background harmonies join the arrangement, the song evokes the classic sounds of the Grand Ole Opry and traditional country storytelling. This musical departure demonstrates Mendes’ willingness to experiment with different genres and his confidence in following his artistic instincts, even when they lead him away from the pop sound that initially made him famous and toward the folk and country influences that feel more authentic to his current artistic vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shawn Mendes’ biggest hit song?
“Señorita” featuring Camila Cabello is Shawn Mendes’ biggest commercial hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019. The Latin-influenced pop collaboration topped charts in over 30 countries and became one of the most-streamed songs globally that year. The song’s success was amplified by the undeniable chemistry between Mendes and Cabello, both in the steamy music video and their real-life romantic relationship that followed.
When did Shawn Mendes release his latest album?
Shawn Mendes released his fifth studio album, titled Shawn, on November 15, 2024. The self-titled album represents his most personal and introspective work to date, featuring a folk-rock and folk-pop sound that marks a departure from his previous mainstream pop style. The album was recorded over two years in various locations including Costa Rica, New York City, Washington, and Nashville following his mental health break after canceling the Wonder World Tour in 2022.
What genre of music does Shawn Mendes make?
Shawn Mendes’ music has evolved significantly throughout his career, starting with pop and teen pop on his early albums before incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and rock in his later work. His latest album Shawn marks a significant shift toward folk-rock, folk-pop, and country-influenced sounds, reflecting his artistic maturation and desire for more authentic self-expression. This genre evolution demonstrates Mendes’ versatility as an artist and his willingness to follow his creative instincts rather than conforming to commercial expectations.
Has Shawn Mendes won any major music awards?
Shawn Mendes has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Grammy nominations and multiple wins at the American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards. He has won several Juno Awards in his native Canada, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year honors. While he hasn’t yet won a Grammy, his consistent chart success and critical recognition demonstrate his significant impact on contemporary pop music and his influence on a generation of young artists.
What are Shawn Mendes’ most popular songs for live performances?
“Stitches,” “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” and “In My Blood” are among the most popular songs at Shawn Mendes concerts, regularly eliciting strong crowd responses and sing-alongs. “Señorita” became a concert highlight during his performances following its release, though the song’s performance status changed after his relationship with Cabello ended. His intimate theater tour in 2024 focused heavily on new material from the Shawn album, with tracks like “Nobody Knows,” “Why Why Why,” and “The Mountain” receiving powerful reception from audiences drawn to his more vulnerable, stripped-down sound.
How did Shawn Mendes become famous?
Shawn Mendes first gained attention in 2013 by posting six-second cover songs on the video-sharing platform Vine, building a substantial following through his consistent uploads and engaging performances. His rendition of Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me” received over 10,000 likes overnight, catching the attention of artist manager Andrew Gertler and Island Records A&R Ziggy Chareton. This led to his signing with Island Records in 2014, and he released his debut single “Life of the Party” that same year, which made history by debuting at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 without the support of a full album.
What is Shawn Mendes’ vocal range?
Shawn Mendes is a tenor with a vocal range that spans approximately three octaves, allowing him to deliver both powerful high notes and warm, resonant lower register tones. His voice is characterized by its smooth, rich quality and emotional expressiveness, which has become one of his defining features as an artist. Throughout his career, Mendes has demonstrated increasing vocal control and maturity, with his latest work showcasing more nuanced, subtle vocal performances that prioritize emotional authenticity over technical showmanship.
Does Shawn Mendes write his own songs?
Yes, Shawn Mendes is heavily involved in writing his own songs, typically collaborating with a core group of songwriters including Scott Harris, Teddy Geiger, Geoff Warburton, and more recently, Nate Mercereau, Eddie Benjamin, and Ethan Gruska. His songwriting has become increasingly personal and autobiographical, particularly on his latest album Shawn, which he has described as his most honest and intimate work. Mendes often draws from his own experiences with relationships, mental health, fame, and personal growth, creating songs that resonate with listeners who appreciate authentic storytelling in pop music.