Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco explore the depths of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery in "I Said I Love You First...", taking listeners on an intimate journey through the ups and downs of relationships while expressing emotions that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable.
Following a five-year break, Selena Gomez makes her comeback to music with "I Said I Love You First," a heartfelt collaboration with producer Benny Blanco. This project serves as her fourth studio album, launched on March 21, 2025, and symbolizes the concluding chapter of Blanco's label, Friends Keep Secrets, which closed its doors a few months prior. Featuring various guest artists, such as Gracie Abrams, J Balvin, and Tainy, the album offers an expansive exploration of love, vulnerability, and the subtle complexities of relationships.
The album begins with an emotional voice recording of a young, teary-eyed Gomez saying goodbye to the cast and crew of "Wizards of Waverly Place," the show that skyrocketed her to stardom, as cameras capture the moment. A melancholic piano gradually fades in, leading smoothly into the first song, "Younger and Hotter Than Me." Gomez employs her signature whisper-singing style to convey the all-too-familiar experience of insecurity and feeling out of place—a recurring theme throughout her career. She sings, "All of the girls at this party / Are younger and hotter than me," expressing raw vulnerability as she adds, "And I hate what I wore / But I hate myself more," reflecting the deep self-doubt many can identify with.
"Scared of Loving You" represents a pivotal moment in Gomez's musical journey, providing an intimate, emotionally charged glimpse into her relationship with Blanco. The stripped-back folk-pop sound, paired with Gomez's soft, breathy vocals, delicately captures the anxieties and vulnerabilities that accompany love. Produced by Blanco and Finneas, it showcases Gomez's artistic evolution and her readiness to embrace emotional honesty. The lyric video, featuring candid moments of Gomez and Blanco together, enhances connection with listeners, allowing them to engage more intimately with the song's heartfelt message. "Scared of Loving You" serves as a powerful entry point into what promises to be a deeply personal album, setting an exciting tone for the adventure ahead and building anticipation among fans.
The song's emotional essence and gentle production evoke a sense of growth and self-confidence, a recurring theme throughout "I Said I Love You First." The track wraps up the album fittingly, exuding a quiet assurance that feels like the climax of a love story defined by both vulnerability and strength. While "Scared of Loving You" reflects the duo's bond, it also serves as a counterpoint to the dreamy, syrupy sounds of earlier songs. Gomez and Blanco challenge expectations by experimenting with various musical genres and surprising collaborations with other favorite artists, ensuring the album avoids excessive sentimentality. Instead, they introduce a refreshing element of unpredictability and emotional depth, indicating that their musical journey has only just begun.
“If I broke your heart, would you take me back?
If I broke my arm, would you sign my cast?
When I was young, I would love too fast
Hope I don’t repeat my past
‘Cause I’m not scared of lovin’ you
I’m just scared of losin’ you
I’m not scared of anyone or dying young
Or if you’re gonna find somebody new
‘Cause how could they love you
As much as I do?
As much as I do…”
The second single from the album, "Call Me When You Break Up," raises the stakes for what follows, building on the success of "Scared of Loving You." This release solidifies Gomez and Blanco's status as a formidable musical partnership, showcasing their remarkable ability to weave deeply personal narratives with universally resonant themes. Gracie Abrams' soulful vocals enhance the track, boosting its emotional depth and further showcasing their artistry and collaborative synergy.
The production, crafted by Blanco and Finneas, beautifully marries melancholic introspection with infectious pop energy, creating a sound that is both emotionally charged and uplifting. Complemented by a music video that adds an intimate layer to the song, the collaboration between these three artists elevates the track to new heights. Together, they create a moving examination of love and loss that leaves a profound impact on listeners.
"Call me when you break up
I wanna be the first one on your mind
when you wake up
I miss the way we’d stay up
We’d talk about forever
when I’m takin’ off my makeup
Call me when you break up
And maybe for a time
I could have the space they take up
And make you forget what their name was
And when you’re feelin’ down
I can show you what you’re made of..."
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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco explore the essence of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery in "I Said I Love You First," providing an unfiltered, intimate experience that navigates the peaks and valleys of relationships, all while conveying feelings that are profoundly personal yet universally resonant.