"Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes

Here is a musical analysis of "Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes:
"Treat You Better" is structured with an intro, two verses interspersed with pre-choruses and choruses, a post-chorus, a bridge, a final chorus, and an outro. The song maintains a driving tempo of approximately 83-85 beats per minute (BPM), placing it in a moderate pace ideal for pop radio. It is written in the key of G minor, lending it an inherent sense of melancholy and emotional depth that perfectly complements its lyrical themes. The energy builds steadily from the sparser verses, driven by a clean electric guitar riff and a steady drumbeat, to the more anthemic and vocally powerful choruses. Mendes's melody is highly memorable, particularly the soaring and repetitive hook of the chorus, which showcases his vocal range and emotive delivery. Harmony predominantly features a minor-key pop progression (i-VI-VII-III or Gm-Eb-F-Bb) with the occasional use of suspended chords for added emotional tension. The rhythm is propelled by a consistent four-on-the-floor drum pattern in the chorus, transitioning to a more syncopated and varied beat in the verses, featuring prominent bass lines and a rhythmic guitar strum.
Lyrically, "Treat You Better" tells the story of Shawn Mendes observing a girl in an unhealthy relationship. He expresses his frustration and sadness at seeing her being mistreated by her current boyfriend, asserting that he could offer her a far more loving and supportive partnership. The song details his belief that he is the better choice, appealing directly to her to leave her current situation and be with him. The overarching theme is one of unrequited love, protective desire, and the conviction that one can offer superior care and affection. The mood of the song is a complex blend of sympathetic concern, yearning, and a subtle assertiveness, tinged with a hopeful yet slightly possessive undertone.
Musically, "Treat You Better" comfortably fits into several genres and styles. Its polished production, catchy hooks, and relatable themes firmly place it within **Pop** and **Teen Pop**. The guitar-driven instrumentation and Mendes's vocal style also lean into **Pop-Rock** territories. Furthermore, elements of its melodic phrasing and harmonic sophistication, combined with a soulful vocal delivery, suggest influences from **Blue-eyed Soul** and **Contemporary R&B**.
Shawn Mendes hails from Pickering, Ontario, Canada. He first gained widespread recognition in 2013 by posting song covers on the video-sharing application Vine. His rapid rise to internet fame led to a record deal with Island Records, and he quickly transitioned into a mainstream pop star. His debut album, *Handwritten* (2015), topped the Billboard 200, establishing him as a significant voice in pop music. Mendes's musical style is heavily influenced by singer-songwriters like Ed Sheeran and John Mayer, as well as pop and R&B artists such as Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars. His own genre can be primarily categorized as Pop, with strong elements of Pop-Rock and Acoustic Pop in his earlier work, and a growing incorporation of R&B influences in his later material.
Artists with a similar musical style or appeal to Shawn Mendes include: **Ed Sheeran**, known for his acoustic-driven pop and heartfelt lyrics; **Niall Horan**, another former boy band member who transitioned to a more acoustic and soft-rock influenced pop sound; **Charlie Puth**, who combines catchy pop melodies with R&B sensibilities; **Justin Bieber**, particularly his early career with its pop heartthrob image and vocal styling; and **John Mayer**, whose guitar-driven pop-rock and blues influences can be heard in Mendes's instrumental choices and vocal phrasing.