Shawn Mendes Makes a Comeback: A Deep Dive into His New Album and Intimate Return
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Shawn Mendes is making a major comeback, and as a fan since 2017, I couldn’t be more excited. After taking a break to focus on his mental health and personal growth, Shawn is returning with a new album, Shawn, dropping October 18. This is his first full-length release since Wonder in 2020, and it’s clear this album is going to be something special.
Mendes has been pretty open about the struggles he has faced over the past couple of years. In a recent Instagram post, he shared that there were times when he didn’t even recognize himself and couldn’t step into a studio without feeling overwhelmed. But now, with 12 finished tracks that he’s really proud of, it’s like he’s come full circle. “Music really can be medicine,” he wrote, and it’s amazing to see how he’s used this time to really find himself and pour his heart into his music.
The album is a bit of a departure from his previous pop sound. From what we’ve heard so far, including the teaser single “Isn’t That Enough,” it’s got a folksy, introspective vibe that feels pretty different from the upbeat hits we’re used to. He’s been recording in some pretty cool places, like Nosara, Costa Rica, and Electric Lady Studios in NYC, which adds an extra layer of depth to the album.
Shawn’s also set up a series of intimate shows in cities where he recorded the album. He’ll be performing in Woodstock, NY; London, UK; Nashville, TN; Brooklyn, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Seattle, WA. These shows are going to be something special—he’s playing the entire album live, which he’s never done before. It’s going to be a chance to hear the new tracks in a personal, up-close setting. I’m so ready to experience this new chapter with him.
He released two singles, “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough,” on August 8, and I’m already counting down the days. It’s great to see Shawn back and doing what he loves, and it feels like we’re about to get a really raw and honest look into his journey over the past few years. Can’t wait to hear the whole album and see where this new direction takes him.
