Shawn Mendes is back with a bang, announcing the release of his fifth studio album titled Shawn. The 25-year-old Canadian singer took to social media on Wednesday, July 25, to reveal that the much-anticipated album will drop on October 18. This new album promises to showcase Mendes’ most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date.
Journey of Self-Discovery
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Mendes shared the emotional journey he underwent to create Shawn. “Music really can be medicine,” he wrote. “Two years ago, I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago, I couldn’t step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift.” Mendes credits his close friends and family for their unwavering support during this challenging period, helping him navigate the ups and downs of the past few years.
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Teasing New Music
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, Mendes released a black-and-white video trailer featuring his new song, Isn’t That Enough. This folksy track, along with another single, Why Why Why, will officially be released on August 8, coinciding with his 26th birthday. The teaser video, which Mendes shared on his social media, offers a glimpse into the album’s profound self-dialogue theme, hinting at a deeply personal and reflective body of work.
Return to Music
The announcement of Shawn marks Mendes’ return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus. The singer had canceled his 2022 world tour to focus on his mental health, a decision he elaborated on in his recent posts. “I started this tour excited to finally get back to playing live after a long break due to the pandemic, but the reality is I was not at all ready for how difficult touring would be after this time away,” Mendes explained. This break allowed him to attend therapy and engage in a healing process that has profoundly impacted his new music.
Recording Across the Globe
The recording process for Shawn took Mendes to various locations, including Nosara, Costa Rica; Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, New York; Bear Creek Studio in Washington; Darkhorse Recordings in Nashville; and Electric Lady studio in New York City. These diverse settings have contributed to the album’s rich and varied sound, drawing from Mendes’ travels and experiences over the last few years.
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As Mendes gears up for the release of Shawn, he has also hinted at exciting live performances. He is set to headline Brazil’s Rock in Rio festival in September and Mexico’s Corona Capital festival in November. Mendes’ fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience his new music live, marking the beginning of a new and deeply personal era for the singer.