Selena Gomez has not released an album since 2020; though, last year she did make a brief appearance dropping two singles–“Love on” and “Single Soon”–neither of which appear on this new album.
“I Said I Love You First” was released March 21st, 2025, and is a collaboration album between Selena and her now fiancé, songwriter Benny Blanco.
The premiere single was entitled “Scared of Loving You,” and this song was nothing like I expected. Produced by Finneas, it takes a more intimate approach to music. It’s a specific sound that isn’t commonly employed by Selena Gomez; though, I thought it was a beautiful introduction to her return to music.
“Younger and Hotter than Me” is a heartbreaking look at how quickly the Hollywood system discounts women of a certain age, trading them in for another younger, “hotter” versions. “Call Me When You Break Up,” Ft. Gracie Abrams is arguably THE song from the album. It is pop-heavy and details the feelings of inadequacy that often follow a close friend entering a relationship. The entire song is built up as a voicemail, so the vocals are layered in a way that makes them sound like an answering machine, which adds to the true 2000s pop feel of this record. In my opinion, this should have been the lead single. Gracie’s vocals blend beautifully with Selena’s, creating the perfect song to jump around to like a teenage girl in an early 2000s movie.
Speaking of pop perfection, “Sunset Blvd” is so fun. Taking notes from the modern pop scene, the song is heavy in innuendos and tongue-in-cheek jokes. It’s heavy in the bass with a pre-chorus that’s built around an almost cheerleading-like chant. It makes me want to drive around Hollywood with my top down during sunset in the summer. “Bluest Flame” is a song that, if you liked Brat by Charlie XCX, you would love this song.
Overall, this album is a pop perfection masterpiece. I do not say that lightly, but Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have demonstrated a masterclass in making a no-skip record. There are songs on the album I didn’t review to make the article more concise, but I highly recommend giving the whole album a listen from top to bottom; stream it, buy it on vinyl, do whatever you have to do, just please listen to this future album of the year winner. Selena Gomez is so back, and I am so here for it.
