Back in the 50’s, 60’s and part of the 70’s, dozens of teen singers occupied slots on Top 40 radio.
Today, there are far fewer teens but there are still those who break through such as Canadian Shawn Mendes, a 17-year old sensation who had a monster hit last year with “Stitches.”
Next month he’ll turn 18, and by then his newest single, “Treat You Better,” should be in the top tier of both Top 40 and Adult Top 40 radio.
Mendes is a skilled singer and writer–he wraps his lyrics around rhythms that sneak up on the listener.
In 1976 the Quincy Jones production of “I’ll Be Good To You” by the The Brothers Johnson also had those same rhythmic qualities that turned it into one of that years biggest hits.
As adults, we can look back at our younger selves with a degree of objectivity, especially our approach to love and romance–which is more nuanced than young love. Watching the Soul Train clip of “I’ll Be Good To You” was a reminder of how less complicated life was 40 years ago.
Mendes’s lyrics are easy-going, not too challenging or sophisticated—yet, still, we in the 50+ range can marvel at his talent and savvy.
https://youtu.be/Mle3WZCLsAk link to the Brothers Johnson “I’ll Be Good To You.”