by Conner Tighe Justin Bieber’s Believe was the singer’s third album breaking out into the world with its accompanying track, “As Long As You Love Me” in 2013. While Bieber had the pop music industry in the palm of his hand, a small-town boy was singing on then-popular social media platform Vine with his guitar trying to get some notice of recognition. Shawn Mendes’ cover of “As Long As You Love Me” brought his name into fame that would later lead to three studio albums with an incoming fourth album, Wonder, hitting shelves Friday, Dec. 4. The singer’s career has been crafted with bridges, scars, and love that only furthered his path to continue forward instead of turning back. Five years ago, Mendes’ “Stitches” was the singer’s first official "hit" as the track was played worldwide, getting his name on the map. The track was catchy and brought something fresh in terms of lyrical beauty that no male artist had done. “Stitches” immediately made the controversial statement of inner vulnerability that is still challenged today by society. The track features the “oh so familiar” message of “love hurts, but music will get me through it.” Toxic masculinity — as illustrated here — is characterized not only by harm, oppression, and dominance but a way of psychology that is ingrained in many male minds by their fathers. Mendes has been gifted with being able to tap into his vulnerability and inner insecurities, often ending up in controversy revolving around his sexuality. After many memes and other internet crazes involving Mendes secretly being gay, he eventually cleared the air last year during an interview with People Magazine. “I don’t think people understand that when you come at me about something that’s stupid you hurt so many other people. They might not be speaking, but they’re listening.” Mendes has been nominated many times for awards such as 2017's Billboard Music “Top Artist,” “Top Male Artist,” and “Top Social Artist.” More impressively, the singer has won his fair share of grabs like 2020's "Single of the Year" for “Señorita” with his girlfriend Camila Cabello, and 2019's “Favorite Male Artist” of MTV Europe Music Awards, among many other awards that date back to 2015. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="404"]
![Shawn Mendes - Shawn Mendes [LP] - Amazon.com Music](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71RAyGx2P%2BL._SL1200_.jpg)
Sources: BBC News, IMDB, YouTube, National Review, People Magazine Images: Amazon Featured Image: Entertainment Weekly