Review: I said I love you first
The queen of speak-singing is back. After a five-year hiatus, Selena Gomez has returned with a long-awaited album, and this time, she’s collaborating with her forever Valentine, Benny Blanco.
For those unfamiliar, Blanco is the mastermind behind major pop hits such as Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, Ke$ha’s Tik Tok, and Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself, among many others.
I Said I Love You First offers a glimpse into Gomez’s newfound love, reflecting on her past relationships—ones that Selenators are well acquainted with—and showcasing her growth as an artist. The album opens with the title track, which samples a snippet of young Gomez’s speech from her Wizards of Waverly Place days before transitioning smoothly into Younger and Hotter Than Me. This second track addresses Gomez’s experience as a woman in the music industry, where there’s always something “shinier,” “younger,” and “better.”
With the stage set, the album picks up speed with tracks like Call Me When You Break Up, Ojos Tristes, and Don’t Wanna Cry, peaking with the cheeky and playful Sunset Blvd, where Gomez pants, “I can’t wait to hold it, to hold that big, big, hard, heart.”
The sultry single Cowboy follows—a sensual, sex-on-the-range ballad that’s a clear homage to Lana Del Rey. It’s reminiscent of Gomez’s Good For You and joins the likes of Hands to Myself and the platinum-certified Fetish for its steamy, evocative lyrics.
Gomez and Blanco reunite with Charli XCX for Bluest Flame, an electro-pop and progressive house track that could have been lifted straight from Charli’s successful Brat album.
As the album progresses, the lyrics take on a more personal tone, with songs like How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten, You Said You Were Sorry, and Don’t Take It Personally seemingly addressing someone from Gomez’s past. “You’re so embarrassing, go cry when no one’s watching. I can’t imagine it, how does it feel to be forgotten?”—ouch.
I Can’t Get Enough brings listeners back to some of Gomez’s past hits like Taki Taki and Calm Down. It’s a dance-floor anthem, showcasing one of Gomez’s greatest strengths as a performer.
While long-time fans often consider Revival (2015) her best album, followed by Rare (2020), I Said I Love You First could potentially take the top spot. Gomez has clearly drawn inspiration from various musical genres, allowing her to have fun experimenting with her sound in this new chapter of her life.
While Gomez may not have the widest vocal range, her ability to connect emotionally with audiences through her relatability and vulnerability is what sets her apart—something that’s rare in today’s pop landscape. The intimate moments where Gomez’s vocals and lyrics take center stage are some of the album’s strongest points.
That said, Blanco’s contributions don’t quite measure up to his previous works. Blanco has produced a string of iconic pop albums that have defined a generation (those born in the late ’90s and early 2000s). As a complete album, I Said I Love You First doesn’t quite reach the heights of Animal, V, ÷, or Teenage Dream.
The duo’s genre experimentation is a double-edged sword. While it shows Gomez’s potential as a versatile artist, the album struggles to find a cohesive sound and strong identity. Each song is beautiful on its own but becomes less memorable when placed together as an album.
One thing is clear, however: the love Gomez and Blanco share for each other shines through. The couple has a long journey ahead, both personally and creatively—and we’re definitely along for the ride.