As foreshadowed by its title, “Shawn” — released Nov. 15 — allows listeners to get close and personal with the Canadian singer-songwriter as he shares the battles he’s been fighting since the release of “Wonder” in 2020. After canceling his 2022 world tour to take care of his mental health and going through a somewhat public breakup with Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes shares part of his journey in this album full of rootsy folk-rock lullabies.
By Kara Bowen, Assistant Life and Culture Editor
• March 23, 2018
“Lost in Japan”
Shawn Mendes
Released Mar. 23
Island Records
A buoyant bassline is fun and funky for the song’s first minute, but neither the rhythm nor instrumentals develop further...