Selena Gomez and benny blanco dive deep into the heart of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery in ‘I Said I Love You First…’ – offering a raw, intimate journey through the highs and lows of relationships while capturing emotions that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
‘I Said I Love You First…’ – Selena Gomez, benny blanco
After a five-year hiatus, Selena Gomez returns to the music scene with I Said I Love You First, a heartfelt and intimate collaboration with record producer benny blanco.
I Said I Love You First is the fourth studio album from Gomez, released on March 21st, 2025, and marks the final chapter of Blanco’s label, Friends Keep Secrets, following its closure months earlier. With a lineup of guest artists, including Gracie Abrams, J Balvin, and Tainy, I Said I Love You First is a sweeping journey through love, vulnerability, and the quiet intricacies of relationships.
The album opens with a poignant voice recording of a young, teary-eyed Gomez bidding farewell to the cast and crew of Wizards of Waverly Place, the show that catapulted her to fame, as camera shutters capture the moment. A melancholic piano slowly fades in, seamlessly transitioning into the first track, “Younger and Hotter Than Me.” With her signature whisper-singing style, Gomez expresses the all-too-familiar feeling of insecurity and not fitting in – a theme she has often explored throughout her career. “All of the girls at this party / Are younger and hotter than me,” she sings with raw vulnerability, adding, “And I hate what I wore / But I hate myself more,” capturing the deep self-doubt that resonates with many.
“Scared of Loving You” marked a defining moment in Gomez’s musical evolution, offering an intimate, emotionally raw glimpse into their relationship with blanco. The stripped-down, folk-pop sound accompanied by Gomez’s soft and breathy vocals captures the anxieties and vulnerabilities that come with love delicately. Produced by blanco and Finneas, it’s a stunning showcase of Gomez’s artistic growth and her willingness to embrace emotional transparency. The accompanying lyric video, which features candid, behind-the-scenes moments of Gomez and Blanco, adds a deeper layer of connection, allowing listeners to feel even closer to the song’s heartfelt message. “Scared of Loving You” is a powerful introduction to what promises to be a deeply personal album, setting a promising tone for the journey ahead and leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
The song’s emotional core and gentle production create an undeniable sense of growth and self-assurance, a theme that will resonate throughout I Said I Love You First. The track serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, radiating a quiet confidence that feels like the culmination of a love story marked by both vulnerability and strength. While “Scared of Loving You” is a delicate reflection of the duo’s connection, it also acts as a counterpoint to the dreamy, syrupy tones of earlier tracks. Gomez and blanco subvert expectations by playing with a variety of musical genres and surprising collaborations with other beloved artists, ensuring that the album never feels overly sentimental. Instead, they bring a refreshing sense of unpredictability and emotional depth, proving that their musical journey is only just beginning.
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…
“Call Me When You Break Up,” the second single from I Said I Love You First, raises the stakes for the rest of the album, building on the success of the critically acclaimed “Scared of Loving You” (as seen on Atwood Magazine). This release cements Gomez and Blanco as a musical powerhouse duo, showcasing their exceptional ability to weave deeply personal stories with themes that resonate universally. The addition of Gracie Abrams’ soulful vocals elevates the track, amplifying its emotional depth and further proving their artistry and creative synergy.
The production, masterminded by blanco and Finneas, beautifully blends melancholic introspection with infectious pop energy, creating a sound that’s both emotional and uplifting. Paired with a music video that adds a raw, intimate dimension to the song, the collaboration between these three artists elevates the track to new heights. Together, they craft a deeply moving exploration of love and loss, leaving a lasting impact on listeners with its emotional depth and resonance.
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 whеn you’re feelin’ down
I can show you what you’re made of
The haunting “Ojos Tristes” evokes a profound sense of melancholy, while “Don’t Wanna Cry” exposes a raw, heart-wrenching vulnerability that will deeply resonate with anyone navigating their own emotional struggles. Meanwhile, title track “I Said I Love You First” transcends the narrative of a famous couple’s relationship, delving into the multifaceted nature of love – from its passionate highs to its messy, despairing lows. Even performed in Spanish on “Ojos Tristes,” this track, like the rest of the album, offers a candid, playful exploration of love’s complexities, wrapped in a catchy, humorous pop package that never loses its emotional depth.
Released as the second promotional single earlier this month, “Sunset Blvd” is a standout track that effortlessly captures a laid-back, nostalgic vibe. With its warm, sun-kissed tones and imagery of late-night drives along the iconic boulevard, the song resonates with a sense of longing and reflection. Beyond its catchy melody, it masterfully conveys the fleeting, bittersweet moments that shape relationships, leaving listeners with a sense of both nostalgia and yearning.
You’re my cherry pie
I don’t care who knows it
Love me ’til I die
Bury me with roses
I know you’re awfully shy
But I can’t wait to hold it, to hold that
Big, big, hard heart
With open arms
Holdin’ you naked,
middle of Sunset Boulevard
Makin’ you famous, everyone’s watchin’
Bare skin, concrete
They’re callin’ the police
Open arms
Holdin’ you naked,
middle of Sunset…
The album reaches its emotional peak with “I Can’t Get Enough” which is an upbeat anthem that pulses with desire and longing, perfectly capturing the intensity of a relationship. It’s a vivid reminder of how love can burn like an insatiable fire, with Gomez’s breathy vocals blending seamlessly with Blanco’s dynamic production. The track’s infectious energy contrasts beautifully with the album’s more intimate ballads, infusing I Said I Love You First with an unexpected dynamism that keeps listeners on their toes, balancing raw emotion with vibrant, electrifying moments.
At just 35 minutes, I Said I Love You First offers a concise, tightly woven journey that captivates from start to finish. The seamless flow between tracks ensures a smooth and engaging listen, with each song standing strong on its own while contributing to the album’s overarching narrative.
From the raw, emotionally stripped-down introspection of “Don’t Take It Personally” to the electrifying euphoria of “I Can’t Get Enough,” the album masterfully maintains its emotional core while venturing through a diverse array of musical landscapes, keeping listeners hooked at every turn.
In a world where celebrity relationships are often exposed and scrutinized in the public eye, I Said I Love You First offers a refreshingly authentic perspective:
A raw, introspective exploration of the highs and lows of love, all wrapped in the vibrant energy of pop music.
Gomez’s emotional vulnerability shines through, perfectly complemented by blanco’s expert production, making this record a standout in both artists’ careers. It’s a rare, genuine portrayal of love’s complexities, offering listeners a deeply personal connection amidst the glossy exterior of pop.
The sound of the album is rich and dynamic, seamlessly blending genres like bedroom pop, alt-pop, and R&B, while always staying rooted in its emotional essence. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to hear a couple so openly and skillfully share their journey, and even rarer for that story to be told with such depth and warmth. Each track feels like an intimate revelation, offering listeners not just a sound, but a deeply personal experience.
This album is not just a collection of songs; it is a love letter, one written between two people who have bared their souls to each other and, by extension, to us. I Said I Love You First chronicles Gomez and Blanco’s relationship, from their early infatuation to present-day reflections and future aspirations. The 14 tracks unfold like a sonic scrapbook, weaving together sentiments of longing, insecurity, joy, and deep introspection.
In I Said I Love You First, Selena Gomez and benny blanco have created an album that goes beyond a simple love letter; it’s a heartfelt celebration of personal growth, intimacy, and the beautiful chaos of relationships.
With each track, they invite listeners into a raw, emotional journey that is as thrilling as it is moving.
The album captures the messy, yet tender moments of love, leaving listeners both deeply touched and, at times, completely entranced by its honest and powerful storytelling.
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:: stream I Said I Love You First here ::
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:: connect with Selena Gomez here ::
:: connect with benny blanco here ::
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Watch: “Younger and Hotter Than Me” – Selena Gomez, benny blanco
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Connect to Selena Gomez on
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Connect to benny blanco on
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© Petra Collins
© Petra CollinsI Said I Love You First
an album by Selena Gomez and benny blanco
