Wonder
by Shawn Mendes
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Dec 4, 2020
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Pitchfork
    Dec 9, 2020
    50
    Mendes spends nearly every minute bowled over by the power of love. It’s nice to see his cup overflow so bountifully, but the near-constant awe quickly grows tiresome, especially when conveyed through clichés like, “Your body’s like an ocean, I’m devoted to explore you” and, “You’re my sunlight on a rainy day.”
  2. The New York Times
    Dec 8, 2020
    50
    His lyrics meander and stop short of true sentiment, and his rhythmic deliveries feel less cohesive. He still has a way with swell, understanding how to inflate his voice from whimper to peal. But on this inconsistent album, rarely does his singing convey depth of feeling.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 3, 2020
    40
    Despite the dearth of original melodies and ideas, there’s an obvious nod to the Everly Brothers’ 1958 “All I Have To Do Is Dream”. And throughout this record, Mendes’s savvy songwriting team are harking back to retro influences to suit the vintage ice cream parlour shades of the singer’s shirts.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 3, 2020
    40
    At its least appealing, the music follows suit, dealing in boilerplate pop of varying hues: ponderous-verse-into-epic-chorus balladry; sugary indie guitars on 305 and Teach Me How to Love, dance pop so unmemorable it’s a wonder Mendes didn’t forget he was singing it and wander off midway through. But, just occasionally, something from outside the standard palette of current pop grabs your attention.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1027 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 794 out of 1027
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 1027
  3. Negative: 173 out of 1027
  1. luabeatriiz
    Dec 4, 2020
    10
    literally a masterpiece!! he's an incredible songwriter but the productions, songs and the album as a whole makes it hard to stop listening!literally a masterpiece!! he's an incredible songwriter but the productions, songs and the album as a whole makes it hard to stop listening! his best album so far.… Full Review »
  2. vionaxlauren
    Dec 4, 2020
    10
    Wonder is clearly Shawn Mendes’ best album in every way. The production, the lyrics, the vocals, everything is top notch and beautifullyWonder is clearly Shawn Mendes’ best album in every way. The production, the lyrics, the vocals, everything is top notch and beautifully crafted. You feel like you are in wonderland and that’s the beauty of Wonder.… Full Review »
  3. mimi01
    Dec 4, 2020
    10
    I LOVE IT SO MUCH THE LYRICS THE VOCALS EVERYTHING IS JUST ON POINT !!!! IM SO PROUD OF HIM
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