Pop star Shawn Mendes is about to kick off the European leg of his Illuminate World Tour, but before he does that, Mendes has released a new single that makes us wish he was hitting the studio instead of the stage. We want an Illuminate Part 2.
“There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” is a return to the earworms that launched Mendes’ career back in 2015. Reminiscent of the high energy pop sensibilities of Mendes’ “Something Big,” today’s new track plays with lifts and falls throughout, allowing Mendes to show off the strength of his voice, launching into a chorus worthy of his rock star status.
It’s no surprise that the new single is dialed high on the ‘catchy’ meter. “There’s No Holdin’ Me Back” was written by Mendes and his “Stitches” co-writer Teddy Geiger, as well as “Treat You Better” co-writer Scott Harris and Geoff Warburton, who also co-wrote “Crazy.”
In a new statement about the single, Mendes says, “The minute I wrote this song I knew I wanted to get it out before my tour started, to give fans something new and fresh in addition to everything from Illuminate. I can’t wait to perform it on the tour, and for everyone to hear it. It’s equal parts what is amazing about this album, and what I’m so excited for about the music I have coming up next.”
Following his run of European shows, which Mendes will be headlining for the first time in his career, the Toronto singer will return to North America to begin his U.S. and Canadian tour dates in Portland, Oregon on July 6. Mendes has three Canadian dates scheduled, including his hometown show at the Air Canada Centre on August 11.
Mendes recently hit the stage at the ACC to perform alongside his musical hero John Mayer. The two musicians, who could easily pass for brothers separated at birth (20 years apart), performed a mash-up of Mayer’s “In Your Atmosphere” and Mendes’ 2016 hit “Mercy.”
Mendes’ work has been long showing influence from Mayer’s discography, something both artists see as a positive. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” opens with a Spanish guitar-riff that feels heavily influenced by John Mayer’s 2001 “Neon,” marking yet another instance of Mendes bringing his love of Mayer’s work to the studio. With 2016’s “Ruin,” Mendes appeared to be channeling 2006 “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room.” Judging by the pair’s friendship, Mayer is going with the old adage that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
