Selena Gomez and her fiancé, Benny Blanco’s collaborative studio album is a slow-burn listen, seemingly detailing their love story and Selena’s inner feelings. Maturity and acknowledging your flaws are the main themes throughout this project, and her relationship with Blanco helps her grow as she is being loved correctly. In an interview on the Jay Shetty Podcast, Gomez said, “I was very reactive. I think that’s why I was alone for five years, ’cause I really needed to collect myself. I think, in the past, that’s why I say to him all the time, ‘Ten years ago, it’s not that I wouldn’t have wanted to be with you; I just wouldn’t have been in the right headspace, and I don’t think that you deserve what I had gone through before.’ So, I’ve learned a lot of lessons, and I’ve made mistakes.”
Because of the self-reflective concept, it starts off kind of boring with the slow, melancholic “Younger and Hotter Than Me,” where she sings: “All of the girls at this party / Are younger and hotter than me / And I hate what I wore / But I hate myself more.” It’s a deeply relatable track as it highlights how it feels getting older as a woman in the dating scene. But things pick up speed with “Call Me When You Break Up,” basically jumping from a ballad to a pop anthem. It seems to be about getting over an ex-lover and waiting for them to be available, boldly saying: “Call me when you break up, I’ll make it worth it.”
The energy stays high as Gomez sings in Spanish on “Ojos Tristes,” perhaps a nod to her role as Jessi Del Monte in Emilia Perez. Meanwhile, “Sunset Blvd” sounds reminiscent of her 2011 hit “Love You Like a Love Song,” with its karaoke-style, ’80s synth-pop sound, evoking a sense of nostalgia while showcasing her ability to blend genres and eras.
The Tracks You Can’t Miss
Gomez played it safe with her sound, but there are a few standout moments where she lets loose. “Cowboy” is a true gem, especially with the ear-grabbing underwater effect where her voice sounds submerged. The track also features some bold guitar strings and a surprising cameo from GloRilla, who speaks on the outro.
“Bluest Flame” takes a different approach with its electronic, computerized sound. The use of auto-tune makes it Charli XCX-coded, especially when Selena sings, “I just wanna go insane / Touchin’ in the summer rain / Hotter than the bluest flame, hotter than the bluest flame.” The fast-paced tone mirrors how Charli delivered “Fall in Love Again and Again” in “Everything is romantic“. Oh, and the breathy outro is irresistibly addictive and will have you wanting to hit the dance floor.
The album then takes a more reflective turn with “Do You Wanna Be Perfect?”—the realest interlude on the project. Blanco comes through with an animated, commercial salesman-like voice, asking, “Do you wanna live up to completely unrealistic standards set by the current landscape of social media?” Gomez then interrupts with a powerful affirmation, reminding us: “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.” It’s dramatic but also incredibly uplifting.
On “You Said You Were Sorry,” Gomez softly whispers throughout the track, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. You can tell that her ex is in the back of her mind as she admits to dreaming about him apologizing for all the things he put her through. But then, she snaps out of it, bigging up her new partner and fully embracing moving on: “New flame, he could melt a damn diamond / Spell my name, see the back of my eyelids / Oh, this is love, now I get why people like it / Really like it, you should try it.” The lyricism is top-notch, but it sounds like it could easily be a Lana Del Rey song. She’s reflecting on past relationships while also moving forward. Then, there’s a switch-up with “I Can’t Get Enough” featuring J Balvin, bringing in some 2010s pop-reggaeton vibes.
Then comes a joyful epiphany with “Don’t Take It Personally,” as it’s essentially a love letter to herself. On it, she reassures her past self that she’ll eventually find the love of her life. The way she says, “Oh honey,” adds a comedic touch—almost like she’s playfully shading her younger self. Explaining the inspiration behind the song, Gomez told Elle, “So this song is another song that actually, we kind of put together in a way where it was actually told to me. So this is actually me in an experience of someone maybe in my past that had gone through whatever they needed to go through to get through life. And this is odd to say but, yes, I’m the person that it happened to.”
Because of the lyric, “Don’t waste all your energy / We both know that he loves me,” on “Don’t Take It Personally,” fans can’t help but speculate whether it’s a subtle dig at Hailey Bieber. Considering the long-rumored tension between the two following Gomez’s past relationship with Justin Bieber, they might not be too far off. Coincidence? Maybe.
Should You Hit Play or Skip?
Gomez and Blanco’s project is deeply personal, with no shortage of romance. There are definitely some hits and misses—it all depends on the vibe you’re looking for. She doesn’t push her vocal range or oversing, instead keeping things low-pitched, which is an interesting choice. The biggest flaw? A lot of the songs sound identical, bouncing between guitar ballads and pop bangers. It’s clear she’s found peace and joy in her new relationship, and the album reflects that—it’s cozy and safe, with a few party anthems sprinkled in. It’s worth a listen, but its replay value is up for debate.
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