The downside of pop stardom is that everyone feels like they need to know every aspect of your life in real-time, and if you’re not transparent then you become tabloid gossip. Shawn Mendes has learnt this the hard way over the past 8 years, but he’s taken it in his stride and learnt to take control of his narrative in these hard times. 2 weeks ago he publicly announced that his relationship with Camila Cabello had ended, and the world suddenly had an opinion. He’s laid low since the announcement, well, until now where he’s shared his emotions and thoughts through music.
‘It’ll Be Okay’ is an arena ready breakup ballad that sonically soars while the lyrics emotionally hit deep. Acknowledging that the future looks hazy without that person in his orbit, and that he’s personally scared of what that future looks like, there is an immediate reflection of feelings following the reality of what that separation means. But he does reassure them that things will be okay, and it feels like a reassurance for him as much as it is for them too. “I start to imagine a world where we don’t collide. It’s making me sick but we’ll heal and the sun will rise” he sings before declaring; “If you tell me you’re leaving, I’ll make it easy. It’ll be okay. If we can’t stop the bleeding, we don’t have to fix it, we don’t have to stay. I will love you either way”.
Beginning as an atmospheric piano ballad with light synthesiser, it gradually builds into this big arena ready ballad with guitars, drums, strings, and layered vocals. Reminiscent of Coldplay, there is this contrast of intimate storytelling with a euphoric release of emotions that is so cathartic. Upon the first listen you will be taken aback by the raw emotion it embodies, and you’ll also be reminded of his earlier material with the heavy emotional connection it radiates.