Ep 1. Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes fans, rejoice! In the first episode of season 17 of MTV Unplugged, the Canadian heartthrob takes the stage for an intimate, stripped-down performance of some of his biggest hits. The acoustic format of Unplugged provides a unique opportunity to hear Mendes' solo vocals and guitar skills in a more raw and authentic setting.

The episode kicks off with an acoustic rendition of "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," a chart-topping hit from Mendes' 2018 self-titled album. The acoustic version of the song brings out a sweetness and vulnerability that is often buried under the bombast of the studio version. Mendes' voice sounds particularly angelic here, buoyed by subtle backing vocals and minimal instrumentation.

Next up is "Ruin," a standout track from Mendes' debut album Handwritten. This emotional ballad is a highlight of the episode, as Mendes' powerful vocals and heart-on-his-sleeve lyrics are given the space to shine without any distracting embellishments. The song builds to a cathartic climax with Mendes belting out the chorus with all his might.

"Life Of The Party," the song that made Mendes a viral sensation back in 2014, gets a similarly heartfelt treatment. This time around, the lyrics about feeling like an outsider amidst the chaos of a party are given a new depth, as Mendes muses on the meaning of celebrity and the toll it can take on his mental health.

Another highlight of the episode is "Lost In Japan," another hit from Mendes' recent album. The acoustic version of this track gives it a cozy, romantic vibe that feels perfect for a cozy night in. Mendes' vocals are soulful and playful, imbuing the song with a sense of joy and wonder.

Throughout the episode, Mendes proves to be a talented guitarist as well as a singer. He strums and picks his way through each song with ease, occasionally breaking out into inventive riffs and solos. This is particularly evident on "Nervous," another new track from his self-titled album. The stripped-down version of this song allows for the intricate guitar work to really shine, showcasing Mendes' skills as both a musician and a songwriter.

Rounding out the episode are renditions of "Where Were You In The Morning?" and "Youth," two more recent songs from Mendes' catalog. "Where Were You In The Morning?" is a laid-back, bluesy jam that shows off Mendes' versatility as an artist. "Youth," meanwhile, is a poignant anthem about resilience and hope in the face of tragedy and loss. Mendes is joined by Khalid for this one, and the two artists' voices blend together beautifully over the sparse piano and guitar accompaniment.

Overall, Shawn Mendes' episode of MTV Unplugged is a must-see for any fan of the young star. The acoustic format allows for a deeper exploration of Mendes' songwriting and vocal abilities, as well as a chance to hear some of his biggest hits in a new and refreshing way. It's a testament to Mendes' talent that he is able to hold his own in the unforgiving format of an unplugged set, proving that he is a true artist with a long and promising career ahead of him.