At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Shawn Mendes delivered a stirring performance, debuting his new single, “Nobody Knows,” which is set to feature on his upcoming self-titled album, Shawn, scheduled for release on October 18.
Mendes captivated audiences with an emotional, stripped-back performance, relying on only an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and drums, in contrast to the high-energy acts of the night. The song mirrors Mendes’ personal reflections, particularly stemming from his breakup with fellow artist Camila Cabello.
In “Nobody Knows,” Mendes delves into themes of love, loss, and uncertainty, highlighted by the poignant lyric, “When you’re so in love and souls touch but it’s still not enough, where does it go? Nobody knows.” The track gives listeners a glimpse into Mendes’ introspective journey over the past few years.
Mendes’ new album, Shawn, is a much-anticipated follow-up to his 2020 album Wonder. The record sees him collaborating with esteemed figures in the music industry, including Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, Nate Mercereau, Eddie Benjamin, Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Allen, and producer Ethan Gruska.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mendes shared his personal struggles and growth leading up to the album’s creation, expressing gratitude for the support of his friends and family. He wrote, “Music really can be medicine,” reflecting on a period of self-doubt and anxiety that made studio work difficult. Mendes revealed how important his close circle was during this time, saying, “Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better.”
Fans have speculated that the album, including the recent single “Why Why Why”, touches on aspects of Mendes’ past relationship with Cabello. In the latter, Mendes explores vulnerability and fear, including a notable lyric about a pregnancy scare: “I thought I was about to be a father / Shook me to the core, I’m still a kid.” These personal themes reflect a new depth in Mendes’ music, indicating an album that promises emotional resonance and introspection.
