On Friday, March 21, Selena Gomez, an American actress, singer, and businesswoman who has been in the spotlight since the early 2000s, and Benny Blanco, an American record producer and songwriter, released their new album, I Said I Love You First. This 14-track album embodies Selena Gomez’s classic music style, with the perfect mix of catchy pop melodies and authentic lyrics, further launching the couple’s engagement. For Benny Blanco, this was his debut album showing his vulnerable side, diving into all parts of love from heartbreak to self-discovery.
Gomez started her career in 2002, appearing on Barney & Friends as a child actor, but it wasn’t until 2007 that she rose to fame on the Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place. Her musical career launched in 2009 with her first album released with the band Selena Gomez & The Scene. Blanco started his career making beats in his apartment in New York City, co-writing No. 1 hits like “Diamonds” by Rihanna and “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry.
The opening track, “I Said I Love You First” is a 44-second audio recording of Gomez thanking her supporters for giving her a platform and everyone in her close circle for supporting her. “So thank you for being a part of my life and the beginning of something I hope lasts a long time.” Although there isn’t much music in the background except the beat of the next song, it’s easy to understand the message she is sending out, giving the album a welcoming feel.
The second track, “Younger And Hotter Than Me,” has a soft feel due to the lullaby-like melody layered with low vocals. This song touches on the jealousy many feel in relationships, often comparing themselves to previous partners, “Is she younger and hotter than me? Is it all in my head?” This is one of the more experimental songs on the album, while still being one of the best due to the depth and tune.
Track number three, “Call Me When You Break Up,” featuring Gracie Abrams, is an upbeat and extremely catchy pop indie song. The track starts out with an automated voice message recording, adding variety to the song. This song captured unspoken feelings and conversations that one is afraid to communicate because the other person is in a relationship. “Call me when you break up, unless you found the person that you want a new name from.”
The fourth track, “Ojos Tristes,” or “Sad Eyes” is inspired by Latin-American culture. The song is primarily sung in Spanish, with a smooth and soothing sound to it. Whether you understand the lyrics or not, the music creates a soulful atmosphere.
Track six, “Sunset Blvd,” has a cinematic feel to it, with a beautiful chorus and a strong melody. However, certain parts offset this, such as the out-of-place, whispery chant, granting the song more intensity. The song’s lyrics explore the physical aspects of relationships, as captured in the chorus, “With open arms, holding you.”
The eighth track, “Bluest Flame” stands out the most due to the electric and funky R&B sound, along with a fast pace. The groovy synths perfectly blend with Gomez’s voice, making it a standout on the album and showcasing Blanco’s ability to finalize a song’s sound. This song expresses the high one feels in a relationship with a spark or flame, “Never get you out my brain.”
Track 10, “Do You Wanna Be Perfect” shows the struggles of trying to fit in and be deemed as perfect in society, questioning one’s self-worth. The song starts out with an advertisement-like intro before Selena steals the mic saying, “No more of the unrealistic standards of perfect it’s so boring actually, just be exactly who you are there’s literally no one like you.” As the 37-second track ends, it leaves the audience with an uplifting feeling, which is very on-brand for Gomez.
The 12th track, “I Can’t Get Enough” feat. J Balvin, and Tainy is a previously released single with more Latin-infused pop. Gomez’s soft sound mixed with J Balvin’s reggaeton flow is the perfect contrast, layered with an empowering pop beat.
I Said I Love You First is the perfect way to celebrate Gomez and Blanco’s recently announced engagement. While Gomez stayed within her regular music style, Blanco’s touches make this album stand out, enhancing her music even more. Although the songs were short, they had tons of variety in sounds, styles, and languages, earning the album a 4.5 out of five feathers.
