SURPRISE! Shawn Mendes is back with new music, and its rocking.

It’s been a year since Mendes’ latest single release, and this new song has been longly awaited by many fans. “In My Blood” is the first taste of Mendes’ upcoming third album, which doesn’t yet have a release date, but as Mendes’ has teased on social media–should be soon.

The rocky new single has an energy, emotion and passion that could span an entire album. It’s a mature move from some of the previous poppy songs he has put out, but still has Mendes’ signature sound: the crooning voice, powerful range and strong vocals. “In My Blood” starts with the acoustic guitar that Mendes is known for, but once the drum kicks in, the song moves steadily into the pop/rock genre.

Mendes’ has experimented with the line before between acoustic pop and pop/rock, but this song favors the latter and sets up space for him to continue to showcase his growing talents as an artist. It’s a song I’m sure mainstream radio will devour, and people outside his typical teenage girl fan base will enjoy. It’s also a song that undeniably would be incredible to experience live.

Regarding the lyrics, “In My Blood” is something people will hear right when they need it most.

Let me explain.

The song begins with Mendes battling something personal, and while he is analyzing things he could do to give in to the pressures of life and give up, he reflects on who he is and reinforces that no matter what, he can’t just give up. It isn’t in his blood. It’s a reminder of strength that begins subtly, then builds throughout the rest of the song until he’s repeating the line “it isn’t in my blood” over and over until the end in the post-chorus.

[Intro]
Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can’t
It isn’t in my blood

[Verse 1]
Laying on the bathroom floor, feeling nothing
I’m overwhelmed and insecure, give me something
I could take to ease my mind slowly
Just have a drink and you’ll feel better
Just take her home and you’ll feel better
Keep telling me that it gets better
Does it ever?

[Chorus]
Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough
Someone help me
I’m crawling in my skin
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can’t
It isn’t in my blood

To hear the song listen to “In My Blood” on Spotify.

I’m a fan. I love this sound Mendes is pursuing and its something I enjoyed on his second album with songs like “Bad Reputation” (which was so rocky live). What I love most about music is how a song you need most always seems to come around at the perfect time. “In My Blood” is so raw, real and vulnerable. I think a lot of people will relate to this song and will understand Mendes more as an individual and songwriter.

If “In My Blood” is any indication of how the new album is going to sound, Mendes fans are in for a treat. His career has moved quickly and has built intensely, and this new song shows he isn’t ready to slow down anytime soon. With the anticipation of another album to come and a sound that fits him and appeals to a wider audience, it looks like Mendes will be around for awhile.

Read about what is what like seeing Shawn Mendes on his Illuminate World Tour here.