Recently, fans were shocked to hear about the sudden break up of singers Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello. The it-couple made their long-lasting friendship into an official relationship in 2019, causing many mixed emotions across their respective fandoms. Many of Mendes’ fans were quick to hate on the relationship and found Cabello “annoying,” claiming that the two were not a good fit. 

Despite the hate directed towards the relationship, their  love stood strong. Mendes produced his fourth studio album “Wonder,” inspired by his relationship with Cabello. The album diverged from Mendes’ usual sound and explored a new genre, reaching out of his comfort zone.

Many fans, like myself, were disappointed with the album and felt that since his relationship with Cabello, his music sound changed for the worse. Besides its two major singles, “Wonder” and “Monster (Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber),” the album was disappointing and unsuccessful  compared to his others. 

Personally, I found the songs to be very slow-moving, and they all sounded similar to each other. I had given the album multiple chances but, along with many other fans, I was still unimpressed. I found myself listening more and more to his first two albums, as “Wonder” pushed me further away from his new music. 

If you are looking for a new Mendessong that is reminiscent of his old sound, “When You’re Gone” is a great place to start. This new release is Mendes’ second single released after his breakup with Cabello, ‘ and it gives fans the music they were missing (and a new break up song for the summer).

“When You’re Gone” details the raw emotions that follow a  breakup. Now that your person is no longer there by your side, how are you supposed to move on? Not ready to let go of that person, the lyrics reflect the struggle of trying to hold onto something that is already gone and to learn to live without it. 

A week before the song was released, Mendes discussed in an interview how his mental health was seriously affected after the split, which is what also inspired the song and its lyrics. He explained how he felt isolated without her, attempting to manage his anxiety without anyone to turn to.  

Although this song is not my favorite of his, it was definitely more of what I was looking for when “Wonder” came out. With its catchy chorus and emotional verses, it felt like Mendes was returning to his old style of music that people know and love. 

I, personally, am very excited to see what music he comes out with, and I hope that he gives his fans something similar to his earlier style, one which  topped the charts and had generated his fanbase.