Shawn Mendes celebrated his birthday on August 8th by gifting fans with not one, but two new tracks. “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough” dropped as a double release, offering a taste of his highly anticipated fifth album, Shawn. The introspective and melodic songs signal a new chapter for the artist, both musically and personally.
“Why Why Why” arrived with a visually compelling music video directed by Anthony Wilson and Connor Brashier. The video interweaves scenes of Mendes passionately playing his guitar and singing in a rustic barn and by a serene river with powerful shots of him performing solo on a dimly lit stage. This visual backdrop perfectly complements the song’s lyrical exploration of past love and the cyclical nature of life’s experiences.
Lyrically, “Why Why Why” delves into themes of reflection and personal growth. Mendes opens up about past relationships and choices, singing, “Visions of her naked in my head/But I went off and chose myself instead.” The vulnerability continues as he reveals deeper personal feelings, “I thought I was about to be a father/Shook me to the core I’m still a kid/Sometimes, I still cry out for my mother.” These raw and honest lyrics resonate with a sense of introspection and emotional depth.
In a conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music about “Why Why Why”, Shawn Mendes described the track as having an “anthemic” quality. He further elaborated, “It almost felt like a cry. It felt like … I don’t know. It just felt powerful and beautiful.” This insight into the song’s creation underscores its emotional core and Mendes’ intention to convey profound feelings through his music.
Alongside “Why Why Why”, Mendes also released “Isn’t That Enough”. This second ballad carries a different, yet equally significant message. Mendes explained that “Isn’t That Enough” felt like a direct address to his fans and the public. He stated, “I needed to address that, ‘Hey, how have you been?’ And I needed to say back, ‘I’m good. Everything’s good. It’s going to be good. It’s all right.’” This song serves as a reassuring and positive message, fostering a connection with his audience.
These new releases come nearly three years after Mendes’ public split with Camila Cabello in November 2021. The context of this personal experience adds another layer to the emotional landscape of his new music. Fans will recall their successful collaboration “Señorita” from 2019, which topped the Billboard Hot 100, highlighting the previous chapter in Mendes’ personal and professional life.
Looking ahead, Shawn Mendes described his upcoming self-titled album, Shawn, as “the most natural thing I’ve ever made.” He expressed that discussing and performing the new material feels incredibly organic and effortless, stating, “It just kind of feels easier than it ever has in a really lovely way.” Shawn is set to be released on October 18th and promises to be a deeply personal and authentic body of work.
Adding to the excitement, Mendes announced a unique six-show tour to perform the Shawn album in its entirety. These intimate performances are taking place in theaters across various cities, including Woodstock, London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The tour commenced in Woodstock at the Bearsville Theater, offering fans an early and intimate experience of the new album.
