Fans never expected Selena Gomez to drop another album after rumors speculated she was done writing music. She surprised fans when she announced her new album ‘I Said I Love You First’ written with and produced by her fiance, Benny Blanco. The album was released on March 21. This marks Gomez’s fourth studio album and Blanco’s second. Throughout some of the songs, fans have speculated the lyrics to be about one of Selena’s famous exes, but we’ll leave the listeners up to their interpretation.

1. ‘I Said I Love You First’

7/10

The first track of the album isn’t actually a song. It is a recording of a speech Gomez gave. She is thanking her team as she stands by her Wizards of Waverly Place co-stars, David Henrie and Jake T. Austin. She is grateful to her team for challenging her and being there for her as she grew up, and she hopes to use the platform she created to the best. Even though the first track isn’t a song, I think it is a good introduction to the album, and it’s almost foreshadowing because she wants her impact to last for a while. Now, she has been a part of many projects, such as films and albums, and she is launching her makeup brand, Rare Beauty.

“And you’ve watched me grow up, and I hope I won’t let you down with everything else I do.”

2. ‘Younger and Hotter Than Me’

7/10

In the first song, Gomez sings of a past relationship where she regrets ever loving that person because that person moved on to someone that she thinks is ‘younger and hotter’ than her. The lyrics, “We’re not getting any younger/But your girlfriends seem to,” allude to the fact that as they grow older, this person still hasn’t matured, and she feels sorry for herself. This song is definitely more heartbreaking as she wrestles with feelings of disappointment and regret for how this person made her feel. I liked the use of the piano; I think it was a delicate touch that made the song’s somber tone stand out.

“Waited outside your apartment/You used to come down for me.”

3. ‘Call Me When You Break Up (with Gracie Abrams)’

10/10

I love the beginning of the song, where it gives the voice memo to record a voicemail and then goes straight into the song. My favorite part of the song was Gracie Abrams’s feature, and I think she complemented Gomez’s voice. The song’s melody is super fun to listen to and definitely one I listened to multiple times. Gomez sings of wanting to be with someone and waiting for them to be done with another relationship. This is one of the most upbeat songs on the album as well, and I love it.

“Look, I’m emotionally bankrupt/We’re so meant for each other/I mean, God, when will you wake up.”

4. ‘Ojos Tristes (with The Marias)’

8/10

The song starts with Gomez singing in English, then she transitions into Spanish for the first chorus and then the rest of the song. I really like the melody of the song in the chorus and Gomez’s vocals, complemented by The Marias leader, Maria Zardoya‘s, vocals while she sings the chorus. The music in the intro really sets the vibe, which is kind of chill but a little melancholy at the same time.

“El muchacho de los ojos tristes/Vive solo y necesita amor.”

5. ‘Don’t Wanna Cry’

6/10

In the fifth track, Gomez sings about if it is even worth it to cry over this person who had done her wrong. She feels hurt by this person, but at the same time, she has now found another person, so she doesn’t want to let it affect her anymore. I like that while the meaning of the lyrics is a little sad, the music’s beat and fast rhythm make it a good one to listen to. This song reminds me most of her Revive album.

“There’s nothing to say/it’s not gonna change.”

6. ‘Sunset Blvd’

8/10

The melody of this song is something I enjoy the most. I think the song’s lyrics shocked fans the most with Gomez’s innuendo’s throughout the verse and chorus. Gomez said the song’s name refers to the first place where she and her fiancé, Benny Blanco, had their first date, on Sunset Boulevard. I also enjoyed Gomez’s vocals the most during the chorus, as she has a way of being able to sustain those lower notes.

“Making you famous, everyone’s watching.” 

7. ‘Cowboy’

6/10

Gomez released another song with lyrics that surprised fans with the innuendos, most likely describing her and Blanco’s relationship. It is a slower and lower-pitched song. Gomez’s vocals are more whimsical and sustained in this song, and the melody is more relaxed. The soft addition of the guitar was cool and added a bit of a country element since the song is called ‘Cowboy.’

“Say you’ll never leave.”

8. ‘Bluest Flame’

9/1o

Even though the song’s lyrics are very repetitive, I found this song to be one of the catchiest. I enjoyed the upbeat melody and how the harmony builds as the main verse is repeated. I think the changing harmony made it really interesting. The lyrics represent ideas of sadness but joy at the same time, which makes it intriguing. I would say the overall vibe of the song is very euphoric.

“Hotter than the bluest flame.”

9. ‘How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten’

9/10

Right from the beginning, I enjoyed the guitar melody. I love how honest the lyrics in the song are as Gomez sings to someone, asking them how it feels to be forgotten, which is how she felt when that person made her feel that same way. I feel like I can hear the passion in Gomez’s vocals. She ends the song by saying, “Ahora todo está dicho y hecho/Todo está olvidado,” which means ‘Now all is said and done/All is forgotten.’ This is one of my favorites on the album.

“How does it feel?/I hope one day you heal.”

1o. ‘Do You Wanna Be Perfect’

8/10

The tenth track is not a song; it is more of a public service announcement. It starts off sounding like a commercial, asking if you would like to be perfect and fit unrealistic beauty standards. Gomez then comes in and says to be who you are and be confident in yourself. This is representative of Gomez’s values as she has created a platform around bringing positivity to embrace everyone’s unique qualities and that there is no such thing as being this image of perfect.

“just be exactly who you are/There’s literally no one like you.”

11. ‘You Said You Were Sorry’

9/10

This is another one of my favorites because I love how real the lyrics are and how relatable they are. Gomez sings of having a dream of someone apologizing to her for a wrong, alluding to the fact that all she could desire was an apology. Sometimes, you try to move on, but you still wish that person would admit that person was wrong so you can make amends. I love the soft melody, and Gomez’s vocals complement it well. There was also a beautiful addition of the violin at the end.

“I had a dream, that’s all it was/That was enough for me.”

12. ‘I Can’t Get Enough (Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez, J Balvin, Tainy)’

7/10

Originally released in 2019 as a single, Gomez and Blanco added this one to the album. The song is one of the most upbeat on the album, and I think it provides a good balance between slower and less upbeat songs. J Balvin‘s part in Spanish is a nice addition. Overall, the song is a fun one.

13. ‘Don’t Take It Personally’

7/10

In this song, Gomez sings of understanding that the person who loved the person she is in love with may feel dislike towards her. In the lyrics, “Oh, honey, you deserve it/I know you’re gonna find somebody perfect” is alluding to the fact that she doesn’t have any bad blood between this other person. The melody of this song is a lot slower, but I enjoyed the subtle picking of the guitar in the background.

“Please, don’t take it personally/Some things are just meant to be.”

14. ‘Scared Of Loving You’

7/10

In the last song, Gomez sings of her love for this person and not being afraid to love them, but instead, she is afraid to lose them. This song is a little bit more slow and melancholy. The melody in this song is peaceful to listen to, and overall, I think it is a good closing to the album. I enjoy how honest and vulnerable Gomez is with her lyrics throughout this song and other songs on the album.

“‘Cause how could they love you/As much as I do?”

Additionally, Gomez has released an unofficial track called ‘Stained’ that was leaked and was shared on the internet but never officially released. It is only available for purchase on Selena’s website and for a limited time, as well as additional songs, ‘Seven Heavens’ and ‘Talk.’

Overall, I was excited about this new album, and it did not disappoint. Gomez brought in different styles of music, which made each track unique from one another, whether it was the music style or the ballad of the lyrics. I love that some of the songs have catchy, memorable lyrics that make them even more memorable, such as ‘Call Me When You Break Up’ and ‘Bluest Flame.’

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