Shawn Mendes treats us to a new gem, ‘Call My Friends‘. It is a track which I have been clinging to since I first hit play.

Fusing contemporary pop with a sturdy rock foundation, Shawn smashes through the noise here with a new angle. For me, I relish how he is continually evolving as a musician, and he is never afraid to try something that little bit different. Nevertheless, you will instantly recognise him if you are aware of his backlog. But, for someone who sways more towards the rockier side of pop, it is a breath of fresh air.

It all kicks off with a piano arrangement which has a harrowing quality. Shawn then leaps forward with an angelic vocal performance, and he hits the melting point quickly with his power leaking out of the mix. Also, his storytelling ability hits a whole new level with his message being almost tangible. So much so, I can almost jump into his shoes. As a result, I can relate to every word which comes out of his mouth. I reckon the majority of listeners will resonate too, mainly due to lockdown and the inability to socialise with friends and interact with people outside of our households.

Musically, the entire piece hits with thunderous charm. Moreover, the guitar is superpotent, and it has a deep rocky edge which makes me want to reach for my guitar. It sounds as though Shawn is trying to break away from the cheesy pop stigma which his earlier tracks created. Instead, he is bringing the alternative hooks, and it works like a treat.

You can take a listen to ‘Call My Friends‘ by Shawn Mendes below. Also, be sure to let us know your thoughts to the new release by commenting on our social media accounts.


Emily Harris