Shawn Mendes just hit us with a plot twist worthy of a Netflix drama! Our beloved crooner, the man who can make a guitar cry and fans swoon simultaneously, has just announced that his fifth studio album (creatively named “Shawn,” because who needs fancy titles when you’re Shawn Mendes?) is being delayed. Cue dramatic gasp.
At the ripe old age of 26 (I mean, practically a senior citizen in pop star years), Shawn dropped the news bomb on social media like a true 2024 millennial: with a heart emoji and just the right sprinkle of vulnerability. The album, originally scheduled to grace our playlists in nine short days, is now being pushed back to… wait for it… November 15th! Yes, you read that right—almost a full month of additional waiting, during which time your anticipation will simmer like a slow-cooked stew of heartbreak and longing.
In his digital love letter, Shawn explained the situation in the way only Shawn could—adorably. “Hey guys ♥️,” he begins, as if he’s about to tell us he ate the last slice of pizza but hopes we aren’t mad about it. His team and he (yes, his team and he—Shawn knows his grammar, people) have decided to “push the album release date” because they just need “a little bit more time to bring some new inspiration and ideas to life.” You know, like when you’re halfway through a DIY project and suddenly realize glitter has to be involved. Except in this case, the glitter is probably, like, vocal runs and deep lyrical metaphors.
But, as if to soften the blow, he throws in another heart emoji (this guy is generous with the hearts) and reassures his adoring fans that he’s super grateful for their patience. He “can’t wait to see you at the next few shows,” which I imagine will now be filled with songs almost as new as your quarantine sourdough recipe.
Now, rewind a bit: earlier this month, Shawn announced he was stepping back to “re centre” himself. Ah, yes, the mystical art of “re centring.” What does this entail, you ask? Is he meditating on a mountaintop, surrounded by scented candles and inspirational quotes? Maybe. More likely, he’s just figuring out the perfect number of sad piano notes for that emotional track 7.
In a bold move, Shawn admits it’s “pretty intimidating” to go online and be all vulnerable and stuff—because, let’s face it, the internet is basically a jungle of opinions where one wrong tweet can turn into a meme faster than you can say “Oops.” But fear not! Shawn assures us that what really matters is his “real relationship” with the fans. You know, the ones who will still love him even after he delays his album. “I got you, and you got me,” he declares, sounding a lot like that friend who steals your fries but promises they’ll return the favor… one day.
And just when you think it’s over, Shawn hits us with another nugget of wisdom: he’s taking a breather to “talk about all of the beautiful stuff 💛.” (That’s right, we’ve upgraded from hearts to yellow hearts. Big things are coming.) Because, despite the album delay, Shawn wants us to remember there’s a ton of love coming his way, and he sees it, okay? He’s not blind to the affection flooding his social media feeds. In fact, he loves us so much he’s practically out of breath—cue the heavy sigh emoji. 😮💨
So, what have we learned from all of this? Shawn Mendes is re centring, recharging, and ready to give us some “new inspiration”… eventually. But for now, we’ll just have to sit tight, keep replaying his old albums, and maybe light a candle for Shawn’s artistic process. November 15th can’t come soon enough!
Hey guys ♥️
My team and i have decided to push the album release date to November 15th. We just need a little bit more time to bring some new inspiration and ideas to life ♥️
I love you guys thank you for being so patient, I can’t wait to see you guys at the next few shows x
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) October 9, 2024