Shawn Mendes’s NEW Album Delay: Flop Fears or Industry Competition?

Hey guys, what’s up?
Shawn Mendes’s newest album was supposed to be released this coming Friday, October 18, but it has been delayed to November 15. A lot of people are talking about why this is happening.
Personally, my theory is that he’s worried about a potentially terrible first week. To be honest, no one is talking about this new album. None of the singles are gaining traction, there are no interviews, and the publicity he had during previous album cycles isn’t there. The days when people around the world were obsessing over Shawn, which translated into buzz and interest in his music, seem to have faded. Right now, there’s really nothing giving people a reason to pay attention to Shawn. Historically, his music hasn’t been compelling to anyone outside of his fan base, which doesn’t help.
So yeah, this album is looking like it’s about to flop big time. They need to generate some interest before the release, or else they’re going to lose money during this rollout.
Now, there are other theories I’ve seen online, and I want to get into them.
Number 1: Allegedly, Harry Styles is about to release his 4th album as a surprise drop, and if they release in the same week, Harry would crush Shawn. This was reported by Deuxmoi, a famous blind item leaker. But honestly, I don’t believe this. Harry doesn’t strike me as the surprise album type-he usually builds anticipation with a single first, though he’s definitely big enough to pull off a surprise release.
Number 2: Taylor Swift is about to release Reputation (Taylor’s Version), and this theory I find much more believable. It seems like perfect timing, right in line for eligibility for the 2026 Grammy Awards. But even with this, I’m not so sure.
So yeah, that’s what’s been happening.

[@zacktronelectrify]

The John Mayer cosplay is killing me. I think my biggest issue with Shawn is his lack of innovation and lack of risk-taking. His female counterparts are taking so much more huge risks sonically and stylistically and he gets away with doing the bare minimum. His last project Wonder was sonically interesting but lyrically dull. I think he has the right inspirations but lacks the substance in his songwriting and creative vision. He would really benefit from having some other creatives in the room that push him to take bigger risks whether it’s learning choreography, improving his vocal ability, becoming a better lyricist, or really leaning into being a great guitarist. There’s a huge gap in the music industry right now where there’s no mainstream artists that are guitarists so I think he could really lean into that and make it part of his new brand. And when I say lean into it, I mean STUDY it. He needs to become a master of it.

[@bastetowl3258]

john mayer is a way better and more creative songwriter, and he’s a better singer, too. focusing on guitar would probably help shawn

[@TB-om4dd]

Shawn debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200 issue for the week dated November 30, 2024 with 24,000 in its opening week, becoming Mendes' first album to not debut at number one and lowest debut on the chart.

[@ZionDoesMakeup]

Shawn Mendes should play into that bad boy stuff since the whole Sabrina/Camila mess is very hot rn

[@mikeconz4369]

He marketed it as a small come back album for "Friends and Family Only". I feel like your treating it as a massive release when it had zero promotional budget and was clearly designed to be for very few people from the start. It's also not a pop album and has a very different sound that doesn't appeal to me personally so I had low expectations from the start. It wasn't a shock to me that it wouldn't chart very well but I also don't think he designed it with the intentions to chart well.

[@AnnoyedRocket-ep6dn]

Shawn Mendes has 30 mil subs in KZbin and getting less than mil views for his music he is releasing, he definitely fell off, his PR is trying everything possible to get eyes on him with (e.g his relationship with Camila) but people aren't interested outside of his hardcore fans no one even knows he is realising an album. Shawn is definitely interested in hitting charts but he fears competition that's why he labelled it as "Friends and Family" and the rumours of Harry Styles making a return made him and Joe Jonas push the dates of their album suddenly. Shawn Mendes was a mainstream artist but his inability to evolve his style made him stuck in the same spot as he was before, Harry Styles successfully replaced him who still keeps on evolving. The Weeknd and Zayn are the kind of artist who barely promote their music and stay lowkey. And make music just because they love doing it instead of chasing charts and its quite obvious with they way they live, Shawn Mendes doesn't belong in this category.

[@mikeconz4369]

​@@AnnoyedRocket-ep6dn I agree and disagree with multiple things you have said. Shawn has fallen off but it is because he went on a mental health hiatus for two years which killed his stamina and caused everyone to forget about his existence (this allowed Harry to grab everyone's attention and fill the vacuum in the male pop space that Shawn left open). His inability to stop talking about Camila is also hurting his career as literally everyone dislikes her because of her racist past, so whenever he brings her up, everyone gets a bit bitter. He needs to move on and find a new muse because the old one got boring and stale. Shawn's "Friends and Family" promotion was branded 6 months ago, which is well in advance of the fake Harry Styles rumors (I honestly believe Reputation Taylor's version is dropping this month and Taylor told him because they are friends and that is what made him push the album back to November). For this era there was no promotional budget, his music videos were very basic (ie: no fancy sets, costumes or backup dancers, the Why Why Why lead single music video is just him running through a field with a dog which is very cheap to produce) and he did one eleven minute interview with Apple Music that got more views then Katy Perry's 1 hour long Apple Music interview. In terms of The Weekend, he promoted his new song Dancing In The Flames so aggressively that I got an add for it while watching the music video for the song itself and got more adds for it while watching Taylor Swift's and Shawn's own music videos. Zayn is a lowkey artist for sure, but the Weekend is not lowkey at all and does a ton of advertising, for example he paid for Spotify to put his music in the Todays Top Hits playlist close to #1 which helps with day one streams and he paid youtube a ton of money to place adds on other artists music videos to redirect people to his new songs. Shawn did try to evolve his style with this new era, I'm curious as to whether or not you've actually listened to his new songs? They are folk/country inspired which is a totally new genre of music and a far cry from the pop songs he is used to making. The problem is that songs like Nobody Knows (the song that only got 1 million views that you mentioned) has a terrible low budget music video that lacks meaningful substance and straight up sounds awful. Shawn is a talented vocalist but I think he just needs to go back to pop or rock music and actually find a new inspiration to write about that isn't Camila, otherwise he very well may be stuck in 2019 forever.

[@jeffmendez02]

​​@@mikeconz4369Nah hard disagree, Mental health is one thing but Harry Styles regardless of whether Shawn Mendes was active or not would have still overtake him. Harry was the most popular guy on the band and once he became solo guy he was definitely gonna grow more massive which he did after all the hardwork he put in. Harry's music have range and creativity and something fresh to offer which Mendes have been missing, Mendes have been sticking with the same genre. Justin Bieber took a mental break as well but he never fallen off, everytime he returns he still draws huge numbers and views. Shawn was cool in the beginning but he have been doing the same thing with his music which became repetitive, he is still stuck with the "Nice Guy" persona. The only thing that is relevant about him at present is his relationship gossips the love triangle between him, Cabello and Carpenter. And that is popular because of Sabrina Carpenter rise to stardom.

[@mikeconz4369]

@@jeffmendez02 Harry Styles is on top of the music industry and is a Grammy winner, why are you putting Shawn in a comparison with arguably the best of the best when he is not on that level? Obviously Harry and Justin will do way better, but to compare Shawn to them is a joke. I also disagree with you saying Shawn has been doing the same thing. Have you taken the time to even listen to his new music, it is folk/country inspired and sounds nothing like his older pop songs. I personally hate the new genre and would have preferred he stuck with pop. Honestly, if Shawn dropped the Nice Guy persona you mentioned I think it would help his career a lot, he needs to be more real and not artificial.

[@damiendemaxofficial4496]

Shawn Mendes needs a bad boy era. Dance Pop all over. Good amounts of swearing. Borrow from Taylor Swift's reputation, Britney Spears Femme Fatale, and some Lady Gaga, and we good. We got a artist now.

[@John-g2o3k]

Why why why Shawn???? Please give us the music we had grown to love in the past! We need it back

[@sailorkeyblader]

He's gotta do more than just look good and play guitar. He's got to evolve with more upbeat music, happier tones, and work with new producers especially those outside of his usual sound. We love Shawn after 4 albums of the same sonics and themes..People want something more. The ladies are killing it..we just want the men to do the same

[@danielrubinstein896]

He doesn't have his own personality, his only identity revolves around Camila Cabello

[@mnlyt2942]

This isn’t new- the thing is we live in a time when fangirls and fandoms reign over talent. They love making their internet idols and former Disney/ Nickelodeon stars megastars within a span of a year. Stitches was Shawn’s best song yet it still wasn’t anything grand. I knew he’d make it big once he headlined a Victoria Secret fashion show because that’s usually how it goes. Many who are not fans will now names but only songs on the radio, but just barely any lyrics. They only know he’s a huge star. It’s not just this album that was a flunk. Fangirls devote their lives to him. But outside of that bubble, he’s horrible. He takes time to recuperate and the album he pours his heart into is another zonker. His performance at the VMA was met with a lot of criticism. He belts “yeaaaaah!” none stop and his fans thinks it’s the best thing ever but it doesn’t sound good. It’s what a lot of singers do now. They compensate a mediocre written song for high notes. He’s a good looking guy but still someone normal. But he would not look like this if it wasn’t for his fame. When he produces a flip he distracts with photo shoots. Overall his fans can’t hide that his mediocre is catching up to him. Does he have talent? Sure, but he’s not worth a million dollar act. Like he actually is worth a million but really shouldn’t be but that’s how it is now. Trends rule over talent. Love from hardcore fans will only increase over time. Right now his sexuality is being pushed which is distracting from this current album. As long as he has devoted fans he’ll still make millions for producing awful work.

[@akashvalsan6609]

Let's be honest, he is boring.

[@titlepending1302]

I agree i do like a few of his songs via through Camila

[@bastetowl3258]

he was always boring. people were just blinded by his good looks before. i don’t even know if he has fans right now waiting for his comeback

[@Gree000]

Regarding the racist comments, Camilla made, it was when she was 14 or 15 years old and I know a lot of us have done and said stupid stuff at that age. She also apologized for it . I also had heard that Shawn had made some Racist remarks also back in the day. I have always liked Shawn’s music, but I’m not crazy about this new album. I don’t know. I feel like he’s not that relevant anymore.

[@Audra_gem]

i quite literally cried when i found out that shawn postponed his release date. i have been in love with this music since 2017. all of his songs hit really close to home especially 'why why why', ' life of the party', 'hold on', 'treat you better', and his whole handwritten album. please please please don't postpone it again shawn!!!

[@marlathe80sgirl96]

I think you are either a Shawn fan or not. His true fans love what he puts out❤

[@BobBobu-x6n]

I guess he wants to capitalize of Sabrinas (great catchy music) situation with Taste, probably wrote a last Minute song in responds to put on his album🥵😬

[@benja6187]

I thought so too, but his fans said the vinyls was finished a long ago , If there are more songs must be digital

[@qhubbles]

I think it's a matter of approach. Shawn has made some very sticky pop music, specially in his first two albums. Those albums sure have been co-written and produced by Shawn's labels in order to launch him as top as possible and make some money out of it. And every major artist has gone through it. Now, Shawn seems to be transitioning from making commercially successful music to something somewhat more personal and less sticky. Of course, he is on his own right to do that, and naturally that will cause some fans won't keep following him. Maybe that's the case and shouldn't be regarded as a failure. He already has the money, the fame, the looks, so switching from masses to something more intimate is fine. He is still selling his previous three albums. You can see what I mean if you listen to the Wonder album, which is totally different from the self-titled previous one. Yes, I am part of the Mendes Army, proudly; but I also understand what an artist is and their choices. Just remember the Wonder album wasn't promoted properly because Shawn cancelled almost all the performances, much of them sold out already. The boy sells out arenas. I've witnessed it in Mexico City. Maybe Harry Styles sold out concerts here in two hours and Shawn in one week, but still we're talking about big big venues, but Shawn got issues and let's not forget he's a human being. What if he's approaching to a narrower public now? Success for an artist is not necessarily measured in financial results, but also in the quality of its craft. So far I haven't seen a video showcasing Shawn's musicality. Maybe Wonder is just as well written and performed as Handwritten. Maybe Shawn is capable from moving from pop to country to adult pop to whatever. That also can be an interesting discussion (and not just with him).

[@TB-om4dd]

Shawn debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200 issue for the week dated November 30, 2024 with 24,000 in its opening week, becoming Mendes' first album to not debut at number one and lowest debut on the chart.

[@tomrich1683]

I just don´t like the new style... I don´t like the new songs... Sorry Shawn...

[@minhanhbeatleslover]

I feel the same way, I mean His new single “Why Why Why” it’s actually a little more catchy and more ok then his newest single “Nobody Knows “, That’s song was the absolutely flop

[@awesumen]

I like Shawn Mendes' music from the past; but what I have heard from his new album does nothing for me at all. I think this album is going to be a total dud!

[@yanickadelva2978]

Shawn Mendez is very smart ! Strong ! He Knows when stopping ! Please! Can you believe one more time in his voice and his talent! Take your ticket for this concert if you wnt to supporting him. He always been there for the medias ! Now you're trying to ruin his carreer why because you don't have his control,! This is 2024 stop for sending hate! Shawn Mendes always supporting young People and Children !! Thank you for watching !

[@benja6187]

It was his PR team and people around him and also himself that ruined his career.His marketing plans went wrong again and again. He should change his whole team.

[@andytran1603]

It's gonna flop, that's the only reason why it got pushed back. The first single's success is very critical in driving album sales and clearly, none of his latest singles have made any dent on the charts.

[@TB-om4dd]

Shawn debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200 issue for the week dated November 30, 2024 with 24,000 in its opening week, becoming Mendes' first album to not debut at number one and lowest debut on the chart.

[@myfavoriteshirt]

Seems like Benson Boone is his replacement for now

[@Gree000]

Benson Boone has an incredible stage presence, and there’s something sexy about him.

[@myfavoriteshirt]

@@Gree000 Yesss his live performances have all been amazing and I agree that man is low key foine

[@ronip_baddiebarbzrihanna5083]

I forgot all about him, but also, he is pretty 1 dimensional, i think he is trying to do what Harry Styles is doing by transitioning to more adult pop/rock music. But i also dont like his voice either, lol😅

[@redman6434]

Shawn and Camilla Cabello are canceled is because they simply refused to sell out. I don't see any other explanation they are talented had a strong fanbase and suddenly racist tweets surface?? If Shawn had agreed to wear dresses like Harry believe me he would never fail.

[@ronip_baddiebarbzrihanna5083]

@redman6434 I agree ans disagree, some people won't let the racism go with Camila, but she also really didn't take accountability either, I did like her new album though. As for Shawn, idk, first it was the gay rumors then he got canceled, I just don't vibe to gis music. He is mad talented, but I think he juat needs a different rebranding

[@aimstar11]

I don't think re-releases can be eligible for the Grammy's..... Shawn needs to fore fill his contract and go independent - or better yet, stick to writing for other artists. He's too much like Charlie Puth, totally fine when behind the scenes, but when they're out in front it's like B+ energy :-I

[@1_11d]

Lol I love his new singles - but I'm a John Mayer fan so...

[@furrycheetah]

So friendly competition is already dead in entertainment industry?

[@aimstar11]

Because everyone wants a clear shot at getting that number 1 spot, even if the album collapses the following week!!! Also, labels can't afford to lose anymore money in investing in projects that aren't going to sell well. If the project tanks, the budget gets pulled and given to someone else :-(

[@bastetowl3258]

what did camilla and sabrina see in this guy? i guess looks really trump personality for them

[@pulspectrum]

🤭😭

[@aprils1888]

He postponed bcuz he was scared of Kylie Minogue and f5ve

[@binarathanushka]

His new music is boaring

[@fathelph]

The songs are boring