"Youth"
The cover consists of a floral design in the lower left corner with the title spelled out vertically in the centre and the featured artist appearing in a smaller font below
Single by Shawn Mendes featuring Khalid
from the album Shawn Mendes
ReleasedMay 3, 2018 (2018-05-03)
Genre
Length3:09
LabelIsland
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Shawn Mendes singles chronology
"Lost in Japan"
(2018)		 "Youth"
(2018)		 "Where Were You in the Morning?"
(2018)
Khalid singles chronology
"OTW"
(2018)		 "Youth"
(2018)		 "This Way"
(2018)
Music video
"Youth" on YouTube

"Youth" is a song by Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, featuring American singer Khalid. It was written by Mendes, Khalid, Teddy Geiger, Geoff Warburton and Scott Harris, with production handled by Joel Little and Mendes. The song was released by Island Records on May 3, 2018, as the third single from Mendes' self-titled third studio album.

Background and release

The song was first revealed when Mendes unveiled the album's track listing.[1] On May 1, 2018, Mendes announced the single release on Twitter with a graphic of the lyric "you can't take my youth away". Khalid retweeted Mendes and added a corresponding lyric with hearts: "Pain, but I won't let it turn into hate".[2][3] The lyrics were also posted on billboards across New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Washington, D.C., Toronto, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Rio, and Melbourne.[4][5]

The song premiered on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show, where Mendes talked about collaborating with Khalid. Mendes said that the song was inspired by the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017.[6] He texted Khalid: "When we get together, we have to make a statement, we have to move, we have to write about what's going on in life and how the youth is feeling", saying that they "have the voice to do that".

They got into the studio in the aftermath of the attacks.[7][8] Mendes shared that, "You're always terrified going into a session knowing like, 'Okay, this is going to be a big session. I have one day. Is it gonna be a great song or not?' I remember I woke up in the morning and the whole thought of my youth trying to be taken away from me [was overwhelming]. Not youth as in my age—youth as in my love, my happiness, my joy, my purity. It's not even about age; you could be 50 and your youth is there, it's in you. And all of these horrible things happening in the world, all of the headlines, it felt like everyday it would just be pulled more and more out of us, and I was like, 'This is what I have to write about.'"[9][10]

An acoustic version of the duet was released on May 24, 2018.[11]

On December 21, 2018, a remix of the duet was released featuring Jessie Reyez.

Composition

"Youth" is a midtempo pop and R&B vocal duet about retaining youth in the wake of adversity.[12][13][14] It opens with a slow beat, before a bassline kicks in and it escalates into a singalong chorus,[15] which features "a steady beat and Latin-tinged acoustic guitar riffs".[16] The song contains references to the current social and political climate.[17]

Critical reception

Sam Prance of MTV News regarded the song as "one of the most uplifting and life-affirming songs of the year so far", writing that "Shawn and Khalid compliment [sic] each other on it perfectly".[15] Patrick Hosken of the same publication opined that Khalid's "gravelly voice pairs nicely with Mendes's own patented rasp", stating that "the message of the song is simple but effective".[18] Mike Nied of Idolator deemed it "one of the 19-year-old's most ambitious tracks yet".[19]

Music video

The song's official music video premiered on Apple Music and VEVO on 5 November 2018, and it was directed by Anthony Mandler.[20]

Live performances

Mendes and Khalid performed "Youth" at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards on May 20, 2018, as a tribute to the victims of gun violence. The performance featured the show choir from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.[21] Mendes performed the song with John Legend at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City on September 29, 2018.[22]

Track listing

  • Digital download[23]
  1. "Youth" (featuring Khalid) – 3:09
  • Digital download – acoustic[11]
  1. "Youth" (featuring Khalid) (acoustic) – 3:09

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[23]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2018) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[24] 19
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[25] 18
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[26] 4
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[27] 22
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[28] 13
Denmark (Tracklisten)[29] 14
France (SNEP)[30] 82
Germany (Official German Charts)[31] 43
Hungary (Single Top 40)[32] 15
Hungary (Stream Top 40)[33] 4
Ireland (IRMA)[34] 29
Italy (FIMI)[35] 57
Malaysia (RIM)[36] 18
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[37] 24
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[38] 22
Norway (VG-lista)[39] 18
Portugal (AFP)[40] 10
Scotland (OCC)[41] 35
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[42] 64
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[43] 11
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[44] 79
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[45] 23
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[46] 19
UK Singles (OCC)[47] 35
US Billboard Hot 100[48] 65

Year-end charts

Chart (2018) Position
Portugal (AFP)[49] 118

Certifications

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Certifications for "Youth"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[50] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[51] Gold 20,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[52] Platinum 80,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[53] Gold 45,000‡
Mexico (AMPROFON)[54] Gold 30,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[55] Gold 30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[56] Platinum 20,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[57] Platinum 10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[58] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[59] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various May 3, 2018 Original Island [23]
May 24, 2018 Acoustic [11]

References

  1. ↑ White, Jack (April 26, 2018). "Shawn Mendes announces his new self-titled album, shares cover art and tracklisting". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  2. ↑ Honeycutt, Shanté (May 1, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Announces New Song 'Youth' With Khalid". Billboard. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  3. ↑ Hyer, Joe (May 2, 2018). "Shawn Mendes & Khalid to Release "Youth" Tomorrow!". CBS Radio. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  4. ↑ Drees, Sarah (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Taylor Swift and Khalid release inspiring new track, "Youth"". Substream Magazine. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  5. ↑ D'Aluisio, Alexandra (May 1, 2018). "The Shawn Mendes-Khalid Duet "Youth" is Coming Out in 2 FREAKIN' DAYS". Clevver. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  6. ↑ Baillie, Katie (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes and Khalid's collaboration is one we didn't see coming and it's love". Metro. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  7. ↑ D'Aluisio, Alexandra (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes-Khalid Duet "Youth" Was Inspired by Manchester Attack". Clevver. Archived from the original on June 8, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  8. ↑ Darmon, Aynslee (May 3, 2018). "Khalid Joins Friend Shawn Mendes' Track 'Youth'". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  9. ↑ Johnson, Zach (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Celebrates His "Youth": Listen to His New Song With Khalid". E! News. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  10. ↑ Martinez, Tara (May 3, 2018). "These Tweets About Shawn Mendes' "Youth" Are Everything You Need To See Today". Elite Daily. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 "Youth (feat. Khalid) [Acoustic] - Single by Shawn Mendes on Apple Music". iTunes Store. 24 May 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  12. ↑ Blistein, Jon (May 3, 2018). "Hear Shawn Mendes, Khalid Turn Heartbreak Into Strength on 'Youth'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 9, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  13. ↑ Rearick, Lauren (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes and Khalid Debut New Song "Youth"". Teen Vogue. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  14. ↑ Zidel, Alex (May 3, 2018). "Khalid Joins Shawn Mendes For "Youth"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  15. 1 2 Prance, Sam (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes and Khalid Stun with Duet 'Youth'". MTV News. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  16. ↑ Jones, Abby (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Teams Up With Khalid for Tenacious New Single 'Youth': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  17. ↑ Corner, Lewis (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes teams up with Khalid for new song Youth – listen here". Gay Times. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  18. ↑ Hosken, Patrick (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes And Khalid Team Up For The Ultimate New 'Youth' Anthem". MTV News. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  19. ↑ Nied, Mike (May 3, 2018). "Shawn Mendes & Khalid's "Youth" Is A Resilient Anthem". Idolator. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  20. ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Shawn Mendes - Youth ft. Khalid". YouTube.
  21. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (May 20, 2018). "Shawn Mendes & Khalid Put on Powerful Performance of 'Youth' at the Billboard Music Awards 2018: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Watch Shawn Mendes Perform with John Legend at Global Citizen Festival". Spin. September 30, 2018.
  23. 1 2 3 "Youth / Shawn Mendes TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  28. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201822 into search. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". Tracklisten. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Shawn Mendes". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". Top Digital Download. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". VG-lista. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  42. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201834 into search. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  43. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201822 into search. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  44. ↑ "Top 100 Canciones – Semana 19: del 04.05.2018 al 10.05.2018" (PDF) (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  45. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  46. ↑ "Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
  47. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 200 Singles 2018" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  50. ↑ "Singles Accreditations Report - Nov 2023" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Youth" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  52. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Youth". Music Canada. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  53. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Shawn Mendes feat. Khalid – Youth". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  54. ↑ "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved December 17, 2019. Type Shawn Mendes in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Youth in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  55. ↑ "Norwegian single certifications – Shawn Mendes" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  56. ↑ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2020 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  57. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Youth" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  58. ↑ "British single certifications – Shawn Mendes ft Khalid – Youth". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  59. ↑ "American single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Youth". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 30, 2023.

External music

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