It has been four years since Shawn Mendes has shared an album. The singer-songwriter has kept it low-key since the release and subsequent success of his fourth record Wonder, besides releasing a few collaborations and singles here and there. In 2022, in lieu of the canceled Wonder tour, Mendes took some much-needed time for himself…until three weeks ago. Mendes teased that he’d been cooking up something new with three short videos posted to instagram The films documented intimate sessions from earlier this year spanning three months as Mendes recorded what fans now know to be his highly anticipated fifth studio album, Shawn. For those unaware, Mendes’ third record is Shawn Mendes. Fans have questioned the possible meaning surrounding Mendes discarding his last name on the new title, yet using his first. Mendes continued to tease the themes and musicality around the upcoming release two weeks ago with an album trailer and accompanying single “Isn’t That Enough” along with ”Why, Why, Why” and its music video.
Beginning with the album artwork, it is clear that the upcoming album is a product of self-discovery and adventure. On the cover art for Shawn, Mendes sports a goatee, an unruly head of curly hair, and a few visible tattoos. In the album trailer, Mendes sits across from a fire playing the guitar. Bare-chested in rolled-up khakis, he washes his face in a brook. He runs through a grassy field and climbs on trees, to the soundtrack of “Isn’t That Enough.” He plays cards with his friends at a woodsy cabin beside a waterfall. Where Wonder represents water, elementally speaking, Shawn seems to be headed in an earthy direction, visually and sonically conveying Mendes’ maturation and groundedness. “Isn’t That Enough” is raw and intimate. “Why, Why Why,” also acoustic, is slightly more upbeat. Throughout the music video, Mendes smiles and plays his guitar in a similar setting to the album trailer for “Isn’t That Enough?” So far, the album concept is consistent, thematically and production-wise. Mendes co-wrote and produced the album alongside renowned industry members Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, Nate Mercerau, Eddie Benjamin, Amy Allen, and Ethan Gruska.
In a previous post, Mendes confessed, “Music really can be medicine. Two years ago, I felt like I had 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… Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better. I hope you love this album… I hope it makes you feel warm and close to the earth like it does for me.”
Mendes kicked off commemorating the album in full with limited performances in Woodstock, New York, at a venue as intimate as the album. Mendes will continue in cities where Shawn recorded the new album, including London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. As of right now, these are the only announced headlining tour dates. However, fans from across the world are eager for Mendes’ next move, whether it be a larger-spanning tour announcement, more singles, or otherwise. Safe to say, the Mendes fandom has arisen from retirement and is buzzing to reunite with Mendes himself to celebrate his latest special accomplishment, Shawn, as it is a testament to his growth and resilience as a musician and person.