ALBUM
Shawn Mendes, "Handwritten" (Island)
Mendes, 16, landed his major-label deal on the strength of his work on Vine, where his videos of song snippets won him a huge following. The Toronto singer-songwriter's debut goes well beyond what you'd expect from your average teen sensation. He tackles a wide range of styles and topics effectively. On the sweeping ballad "Life of the Party," Mendes hits the bull's-eye for his demographic, combining platonic sweetness, parent-approved cool and actual artistic chops. The charming "Kid in Love" gives him more of an Ed Sheeran groove, while staying age-appropriate. Mendes connects best on the inspirational "A Little Too Much." It's a similar story to Sheeran's "The A Team," but from a younger perspective. "Handwritten" establishes Mendes as a young star cool enough for kids and artistically worthwhile enough for their parents.
Glenn Gamboa, Newsday
STREAMING video
On the giddily up-tempo "It's All Going to Pot," Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard share vocals, a joint and laughs. tinyurl.com/k7h9stx
