A dynamic record of a relationship...
21 · 03 · 2025
On the surface, this should not succeed. Pop music is filled with sugary love duets, and the charts are cluttered with sentimental displays. When it was announced that Selena Gomez and benny blanco had teamed up to create an album chronicling their relationship, internet skeptics united in their disbelief. However, the execution of ‘I Said I Love You First’ is far removed from such criticisms—a genuine, sometimes touching, often uplifting portrayal of a relationship, where the raw honesty of the songwriting captivates at every moment.
Primarily penned and produced at benny blanco’s residence, the level of intimacy is to be expected. Starting with the title track, Selena’s emotionally charged vocals resonate over a minimalistic backdrop, before transitioning into the soothing ballad ‘Younger And Hotter Than Me’. It skillfully balances insecurities with playful humor, adeptly navigating between nostalgia and emotional depth.
Gracie Abrams features on ‘Call Me When You Break Up’, an energetic piece of contemporary pop that feels suitable for large-scale performances. ‘Ojos Tristes’ showcases a playful side of Selena, while the cinematic tracks ‘Don’t Wanna Cry’ and ‘Sunset Blvd’ highlight benny blanco’s talent for creating immersive soundscapes.
Indeed, it’s impressive how seamlessly their distinct artistic approaches blend. ‘Bluest Flame’ flows effortlessly, while the minimal arrangement in ‘How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten’—featuring only vocals and acoustic guitar—reveals a deep sense of trust.
At just 35 minutes long, the album is packed with standout moments—each track makes an impact and offers an expansive sound. ‘I Can’t Get Enough’ is top-tier pop, while the introspective ‘Don’t Take It Personally’ transports listeners to a different realm.
Ending on the buoyant note of ‘Scared Of Loving You’, this album is an authentic pleasure. The sounds of two individuals openly exploring their relationship—from the initial encounter to their current dynamic, including the ups and downs—is exceedingly rare in pop music, especially when executed this well. Skillfully avoiding common pitfalls, ‘I Said I Love You First’ is sure to leave you enthralled.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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On the surface, this shouldn’t be feasible. The pop genre is filled with overly sweet love duets, and the charts are cluttered with sentimental expressions that can feel cloying. Therefore, when the news broke that