Selena Gomez’s latest album “I Said I Love You First” released on March 21. The album was a creative effort between Gomez and her fiance, Benny Blanco. After their engagement in December of 2024, the two took their relationship to the next level with this album. Gomez mainly sings while Blanco focused on the production aspect of the album, as well as co writing some of the songs.
“Call Me When You Break Up” featuring Gracie Abrams released on Feb. 20 as the single for the album. Sophomore Kezia Weaver took a liking to this particular song.
“I really liked the song with Gracie Abrams, ‘Call Me When You Break Up.’ It’s my favorite song on the album but that’s probably just because I really like Gracie Abrams,” Weaver said.
Similarly, senior Ben Carey also connected to a certain song because of another artist featured on the track.
“‘Bluest flame’ stood out to me the most because it was written by Charli xcx and it sounds just like her,” Carey said.
In the past, Gomez and Charli xcx collaborated on previous projects. Charli co-wrote Gomez’s 2015 hit “Same Old Love,” which also produced by now-fiance Blanco. In 2016, Charli recorded “What a Way to Go Out” with Kygo, which featured chopped vocals from Gomez, though it’s unclear whose project it was meant for. Gomez and Charli’s collaborations show how they’ve influenced each other in the music industry from the past to the present.
Despite the excitement of the new project, some fans have been giving quite specific critiques. Weaver shared her thoughts.
“I honestly didn’t love the album because some of the lyrics were kind of weird in my opinion. It was just quite sexual and I’m just not used to that version of Selena Gomez or maybe not her at this age being this sexual. It was honestly a little bit cringe in my opinion and I was just struggling to fully listen but overall it was okay,” Weaver said.
Carey shared some different concerns.
“This album made me feel tired. I definitely didn’t see growth from this but a new side of herself for sure. I would recommend this album if people are bored and need something to do but it’s not her best. She’s really good and dances pop and EDM and upbeat or even bubblegum, we didn’t really get much of that on this album it’s a lot more mellow,” Carey said.
At the end of the day, one of the most important aspects of this album is the fact that it was made by two people in a fresh romance. Gomez and Blanco’s decision to create an album together adds a personal touch that makes “I Said I Love You First” feel more intimate. Their real life connection seems to shape the music, giving it a raw, emotional quality.
Weaver touched on how this made her feel.
“I honestly think it’s really sweet, they seem very happy together and I’m glad they’re rediscovering their passions in music and just living life. I think for her mental health personally, she has shown growth. I think that this album definitely reflects her relationship with her fiance, Benny Blanco, and how she’s feeling about him right now,” Weaver said.
Carey agreed he was happy for them, but shared some insight into how the public has a tendency to speculate about celebrity relationships.
“I think people are too obsessed with their relationship. I think the album obviously reflects her personal life because she made it with her fiance. I feel like they will definitely look back on it fondly unless they are divorced, that’ll be messy” Carey said.
“I Said I Love You First” may not be everyone’s favorite Gomez album, but it offers something deeper, a glimpse into her relationship and mental health. While some fans were unsure about the more mellow vibe and intimate lyrics, others appreciated the rawness and emotional connection behind the music. Whether or not it becomes a standout in her discography, the album marks a meaningful chapter in her life, capturing the feeling of creating something personal with someone she loves.
