Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber are two of Canada’s biggest pop stars of their generation, and it was just a matter of time before they joined forces. That moment is finally here, and their new single “Monster” is everything we could ask for—and more.
The duo’s powerful collaboration explores the pitfalls of fame, as they sing about how it feels to be put on a pedestal and wait for people to tear you down and watch you fall. Colin Tilley filmed the music video in a single take, showing Mendes wander through a dark park before joining Bieber on a solitary white cubed stage.
Mendes discussed his admiration for Bieber in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and said this song instantly resonated with both of them because it explores their shared experience.
“I was nine when ‘One Time’ came out, and I completely was all in. He was Elvis to me. And to come back around and to have this very human to human conversation with him and his truth to come into that song and my truth to be there, it feels like one of the most special songs I’ve ever wrote,” said Mendes.
“Monster” serves as the second single from Mendes’ upcoming fourth studio album Wonder, set to be released on December 4th.
