Shawn Mendes is set to launch a new chapter in his music career. On Wednesday, July 31, the 25-year-old singer announced that his highly anticipated fifth studio album, titled “Shawn,” will be released on October 18. According to a press release, this album is described as Mendes’ “most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date,” offering listeners a “profound self-dialogue” across its 12 tracks.
The Grammy-nominated artist teased the news on social media with a black-and-white video featuring his new folk-inspired song “Isn’t That Enough.” This track, along with another single “Why Why Why,” will both be released at 8 p.m. on his birthday, August 8.
Accompanying the album trailer, Mendes shared a heartfelt Instagram post detailing the challenges he faced while creating this project. “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.”
He continued by expressing gratitude for his close friends and family: “Honestly, thank God for my friends and family. Life can be brutal, but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better. I have no idea how I would have made it through the last couple years, let alone make an album, without you.”
Mendes also thanked his fans for their unwavering support and patience throughout his journey. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he concluded. “I really hope you love this album as much as I do. I hope it makes you feel warm and close to the earth like it does for me.”
This upcoming album comes two years after Mendes postponed and ultimately canceled his 2022 world tour. Recorded over two years in various locations, including Costa Rica, New York, Washington, Nashville, and New York City, the album reflects Mendes’ personal growth and experiences during this period.
In March, while announcing his headlining slot at the 2024 Rock in Rio festival, Mendes revealed on X (formerly Twitter), “I’ve also been working on a new album and I can’t wait to play these new songs live for you. See you there. eu te amo!!!!”
In the days leading up to the official announcement, Mendes dropped hints about his new self-titled album. On July 23, he posted footage of a January 30 studio session in New York on Instagram, captioned, “Day 1 at the clubhouse. This was my first time back in the studio making an album in four years.”
Alongside another clip recorded in Washington, the “Stitches” singer reminisced about “living in this extremely special studio” that evoked “the most beautiful feelings.” He added, “I feel like this was when we really started to tap into the essence of the album and everything just started to flow. I wish I could show you every moment of making this album because it truly was so healing, but I’m glad you’re even getting a glimpse. These were some of the most memorable and enjoyable moments making music in my life.”
Mendes’ upcoming album “Shawn” promises to be a deeply personal and transformative work, capturing the essence of his journey and offering fans an intimate look into his world.
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