On September 23, 2016, Shawn Mendes released his second studio album of his career, Illuminate.

Its unusual to see that he has come this far in his career already, considering the fact that just three years ago, he was just a normal teenage boy.

His career started when he started posting 6 second covers on the social media platform, Vine. He later got enough recognition and was able to open for Austin Mahone and Taylor Swift (who greatly expanded his audience) on their world tours.

The beginning of 2016 began Shawn’s first world tour which will continue into 2017 promoting his first album, Handwritten, and his most recent one, Illuminate.

This new album really shows how much Mendes is blooming as an artist, as this album features more producing and stronger vocals, verses his last album which was solely him and a guitar for each song.

Illuminate’s message focuses mainly around experiences that have actually happened and influenced Shawn’s life, rather than his last album where it was focused on stories he would make that people could relate to.

His hopes for this album are to have the best impact on people’s life as it can. Rather it be helping them through a hard time, or just making them smile and lighting up their day, hence the title, Illuminate.

Album overview:

“Ruin”- Shows how strong Shawn’s voice is. Very simple, but good message.

“Mercy”- Very catchy, will most likely be on the radio.

“Treat You Better”- The main single of the album. Very catchy and sends a good message, hence why it’s on the radio all the time. Basically implying that a girl is in an abusive relationship, and Shawn knows that he could “treat her better” than the guy she is with.

“Three Empty Words”- Truthful to the heart, deep message.

“Don’t Be a Fool”- Most similar to his last album, very simple.

“Like This”- Very powerful, overall great song.

“No promises”- Very catchy tune. Potentially will be a radio hit.

“Lights On”- Shows his growth as an artist and a person. More of a sensual side of him. A very uplifting, happy feeling song.

“Honest”- More of a unique sound. Shows how much his voice has improved and what he can achieve with his falsettos. Very calming to listen to.

“Patience”- Too produced. Sounds like a Disney Channel song and doesn’t show shawn to the best of his capabilities.

“Bad Reputation”- A sassy song, sounds aggressive but yet, shows how strong Shawn’s vocals are.

“Understand”- The deepest song on the whole album. Mostly piano based, makes the listener think of happy times. Was written and sung around a campfire with all of the producers of the album. Tied together with a monologue at the end, sending a strong message to the listeners about how it is important to always be yourself.

“Hold On”- Has a deeper meaning that the general public doesn’t know. Actually about his grandpa’s death. Makes one appreciate the little things.

“Roses”- Typical love song.

This album has only proved that his career and success is only going up fro