The wait for new music from Shawn Mendes is nearly over as he is preparing to drop two singles next week and his new self-titled album, which he called a "gift," later this year.
Mendes made the announcement Wednesday (July 31) in a lengthy message on social media, revealing that he is releasing two singles — "Why Why Why" and "Isn't That Enough" — on August 8 as well as his fifth studio album Shawn on October 18. The 12-track project will be his first album since 2020's Wonder and canceling his Wonder world tour in 2022.
According to a press release, Mendes' upcoming album is his "most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date" that features a "profound self-dialogue," per People. Fans got their first listen of some of the new music in the singer's announcement, which featured a video of him singing part of "Isn't That Enough."
"Music can be medicine. 2 years ago I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was," he said. "A year ago I couldn't step into a studio without falling into a complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift."
The "In My Blood" singer praised the people closest to him for helping him manage the "brutal" nature of life.
"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," he said. "I have no idea how I could have made it through the last couple years let alone make an album without you."
Mendes concluded his post with a direct message to fans thanking them for supporting him over the last couple years as he worked to get where he is now.
"And to you guys who have been so unbelievably supportive and patient and loving thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really hope you love this album, I do. I really really do," he said. "I hope it makes you feel warm and close to the earth like it does for me."
Both "Why Why Why" and "Isn't That Enough" drop Thursday, August 8, while Shawn will be released October 18.