Shawn Mendes: 10 of the Best

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 7d

As Shawn Mendes turns 22, we take a look at 10 of his best songs to date.

Having first made his name with short cover songs on the social media app Vine (RIP!) in 2013, Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes was soon snapped up by a record label and developed into a bona fide pop star.

Since then Shawn has become one of the hottest pop acts on the planet, with his first three albums all reaching the top spot of the US charts while he was still a teenager and his songs amassing more than 11 billion streams worldwide.

With his fourth studio album on the way and Shawn celebrating his 22nd birthday this weekend - yes, he's still only 22 - we take the opportunity to rank his 10 best singles to date.

10. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

No relation to the iconic slasher movie of the same name, Shawn's first duet with now-girlfriend Camilla Cabello features a couple in denial about a relationship that is slowly dying.

9. 'There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back'

This dance-slash-pop-slash-rock number shows off Shawn's voice at its huskiest best.

8. 'Youth'

A collaboration with Khalid, 'Youth' showed that Shawn can also do songs with a political message. Inspired by the Manchester Arena bombings and with lyrics including "you can't take my youth away", the track is a commentary on the troubled political and social climate at the end of the decade.

7. 'Mercy'

... the video for which features Shawn pleading for release while slowly drowning in a sinking car. SOMEBODY SAVE HIM!

6. 'Queen'

OK, so this isn't technically a single but we couldn't resist including this fan favourite from his most recent album. The lyrics are somewhat of a surprise coming from the All-Round Nice Guy as he berates an unknown person for "making beautiful look ugly". Yass Queen!

5. 'Treat You Better'

An exploration of domestic violence between couples, this song sees Shawn implore a girl to leave her abusive boyfriend and be with him instead.

4. 'Senorita'

There is no denying the vocal chemistry between Shawn and Camilla in their second collaboration on this seductive Latin pop song, which topped almost every chart going. So seductive was the song that it apparently led to the pair saying "ooh-la-la-la" in real life too.

3. 'Stitches'

First aid kits at the ready - the video for Shawn's first major single sees him tossed left, right and centre by an invisible force in an underground car park.