Shawn Mendes Collaborations: Ranked From Worst To Best

Collaborations are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you'll get. Unless you're a Shawn Mendes fan, you know you're in for serious eargasmic treats. The Canadian crooner has been teaming up with various artists, from chart-topping pop divas to hip-hop legends and everything in between. But which are the cream of the crop, and which fall flat like a poorly-tuned guitar?

Well, fear not, fellow Mendes Army soldiers, for I have taken it upon myself to rank all of his collaborations from worst to best based on a complex algorithm of personal taste, critical analysis, and sheer bias. So sit back, grab some tissues (in case you start crying tears of joy or sorrow), and let's dive into the wild world of Mendes collaborations!

12. "Kesi - Remix"

"Kesi" is a collaboration between Mendes and the Colombian singer, Camilo. The song was released in 2021 and was well-received by fans of both artists. However, it's my least favorite collaboration with Mendes. The reason is that while the song has a catchy beat, the lyrics are underwhelming and lack the depth and emotional resonance I've come to expect from Mendes' music.

The song doesn't showcase the full range of Mendes' vocal abilities, which is disappointing for someone with such a strong and distinctive voice. While "Kesi" is a decent song, it doesn't quite measure up to some of Mendes' other collaborations.

11. "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)"

"Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)” is a collaboration between Mendes and British pop rock band, The Vamps. The song is a remake of The Vamps' original track, released in 2014. While the song has a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, it falls short in originality and creativity.

The lyrics are forgettable and don't stand out compared to other collaborations that Mendes has done. While the vocal harmonies between Mendes and The Vamps are nice, they don't push the boundaries or showcase Mendes' full vocal range in the way that some of his other collaborations do.

10. "Like To Be You"

"Like To Be You" is a collaborative single released by Mendes and Julia Michaels in 2018. The song features a slow, melodic beat and the soulful vocals of both Mendes and Michaels. It's a duet about the challenges of understanding each other's feelings in a relationship.

The lyrics describe two people in a relationship struggling to communicate their emotions to each other. Both Mendes and Michaels sing about wanting to understand what the other is feeling and experiencing, and how they wish they could truly be in each other's shoes to comprehend their partner's perspective.

The song's production is relatively simple, with acoustic guitars and drums providing the foundation for the melody. However, the blend of Mendes' and Michaels' vocals makes the song stand out. Both singers have a natural chemistry in the song, blending their voices to create a harmonious sound.

9. "I Know What You Did Last Summer"

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" was a collaborative single released by Mendes and Camila Cabello in 2015. The song is a classic pop track with catchy hooks and a memorable chorus that became popular among fans of both artists.

The song's lyrics tell the story of a relationship falling apart, with both Mendes and Cabello singing about the pain and frustration of trying to make things work. The song's production is simple, with acoustic guitars and drums providing the backbone for the melody.

While "I Know What You Did Last Summer" is a decent pop song that showcases the talent of both Mendes and Cabello, it's not necessarily Mendes' best work. The song doesn't break any new ground or push the boundaries of pop music; its formulaic structure and sound may make it feel generic to some listeners. The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics still make it a fan favorite and a staple of Mendes' live performances.

8. "Summer of Love"

"Summer of Love" is a collaboration between Mendes and Tainy, a Puerto Rican reggaeton producer. The song was released in 2022 and quickly became popular among pop music fans. While it may not be Mendes' discography's most innovative or groundbreaking song, "Summer of Love" is still a solid pop song that showcases Mendes' vocal abilities and Tainy's production skills.

The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and a tropical-tinged production that captures summertime's carefree and optimistic vibe. The lyrics tell the story of a summer romance that blossoms under the sun, with Mendes and Tainy's voices blending to create a smooth and effortless sound. While some listeners may find the song a bit formulaic and generic, it's still an enjoyable and uplifting pop track perfect for summer playlists and beach days.

7. "Under Pressure"

Mendes' cover of Queen and David Bowie's classic "Under Pressure" is a fantastic rendition of the iconic song. The original track is regarded as one of the greatest songs ever and a favorite among rock fans. However, Mendes' cover brings a fresh and modern twist to the song, appealing to a new generation of listeners.

Mendes' version of "Under Pressure" begins with a simple guitar intro, which quickly builds into a powerful, emotive performance. Mendes' vocals are impressive, as he conveys the song's sense of urgency and desperation while maintaining his signature smooth and soulful sound.

The song's production is also noteworthy, with modern elements like electronic drums and synth melodies seamlessly integrated into the classic rock sound. The result is a fresh and unique take on the song that pays tribute to the original while making it relevant to today's audience.

6. "Air"

"Air" is a romantic song by Mendes and Astrid S. The song is about a couple in love and feeling completely swept away by their emotions for each other. The song has a slow, dreamy melody that perfectly matches the romantic theme of the lyrics. "Air" is a decent song that showcases the talent of Mendes and Astrid S and is sure to appeal to fans of romantic music.

5. "Youth"

Mendes' single "Youth" is a fun and upbeat song that touches on themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. While it's a catchy and enjoyable tune, it falls just short of ranking with his hit collaboration with Cabello, "Señorita."

The lyrics are a powerful message of perseverance and strength, with Mendes singing about the importance of staying positive in facing life's challenges. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "You can't take my youth away," is an uplifting and inspiring mantra that will resonate with listeners of all ages.

However, despite the song's positive message and energetic beat, it lacks the same level of originality and catchiness as "Señorita." While visually stunning, the melody is enjoyable but not particularly memorable, and the music video doesn't do much to enhance the song's impact or meaning.

That's not to say that "Youth" isn't a great song in its own right. It's a fun, upbeat tune that will get stuck in your head, and the message of resilience and hope is an important one that's always worth hearing. However, compared to "Señorita," it doesn't stand out as much and may not have the same lasting impact on the music world.

4. "Señorita"

Mendes and Cabello's hit single "Señorita" generated a lot of buzz upon its release, thanks to its steamy lyrics and sultry music video. The idea of two talented artists coming together to create a fiery and passionate duet is undoubtedly cool, but unfortunately, the execution falls short of expectations.

The melody and production are well-crafted, but the lyrics must leave a lasting impression. Despite the song's provocative title, the lyrics are repetitive and lack depth. The chorus, repeated multiple times throughout the song, simply consists of "I love it when you call me señorita" - a catchy but ultimately forgettable line.

The music video features Mendes and Cabello in various romantic settings, which is underwhelming. While the chemistry between the two artists is evident, the video does little to enhance the song's message or meaning. Instead, it relies on clichés and tired tropes to create a sense of passion and intensity.

That's not to say that "Señorita" is a bad song. It's enjoyable to listen to, and the catchy melody will stick in your head long after you finish listening. However, given the talent and potential of the artists involved, it's hard not to feel disappointed by the song's lack of substance and originality.

3. "The Christmas Song"

With its catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics, this song will have you singing along in no time. The duo's smooth vocals blend seamlessly as they sing about spending the holidays with the one they love. From cozy nights by the fire to snowball fights and sleigh rides, "The Christmas Song" captures all the season's magic.

But what sets this song apart is its clever nods to classic Christmas tunes. With references to "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night," Mendes and Cabello pay homage to the timeless classics while adding their modern twist.

2. "Monster"

"Monster" is a hauntingly beautiful collaboration between Mendes and Justin Bieber that explores the darker side of fame and the pressure that comes with it. The song features both artists' distinct vocal styles, blending seamlessly to create a powerful ballad that showcases their range and emotional depth. The lyrics touch on themes of self-doubt, isolation, and the fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of success, making "Monster" one of the rawest and honest songs of their careers.

1. "Lover (Remix)"

Taylor Swift and Mendes teamed up for an impressive remix of "Lover!" The original track was already a hit, but with Mendes' smooth vocals and Swift's signature sound, this remix takes it to the next level.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and soulful, with just the right amount of romance to make your heart skip a beat. So, grab your significant other (or a box of tissues if you're feeling single) and listen to this remix - you won't regret it!

Featured Image: PopCrush

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