Shawn Mendes will release a new ‘character-defining’ album two years after he quit the spotlight.
The 25-year-old Canadian chart-topping star abruptly quit his planned Wonder World Tour and retreated from the spotlight for the sake of his mental health in 2022.
On Wednesday, he announced he will be releasing his fifth album, titled Shawn, in October, marking his major return to music – and hinted the record will be his most personal yet.
Sharing the surprise news on Instagram, the singer wrote, “Music really can be medicine. 2 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 shared the artwork for the album and the track listing – which includes illuminating song titles including Who I Am, Why Why Why, and Nobody Knows.
Fans were alarmed in July 2022 when Shawn cancelled his Wonder World Tour after less than two weeks on the road.
He announced at the time, “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.
“After speaking more with my team and working with an incredible group of health professionals, it has become more clear that I need to take the time I’ve never taken personally to ground myself and come back stronger.”
In 2023, Shawn released a charity single titled What the Hell Are We Dying For?, with proceeds going to Canadian Red Cross.
His new album will be released on 18 October through Island Records.
