I Said I Love You First: Album Review

I was an original Selena Gomez fan during her Disney era. At eleven years old, I would sing "Hands to Myself" without really understanding the meaning of the song, but it was my favorite song at that time, and my dad would constantly tell me to stop playing it because he knew I didn't get what it was about. As I grew older, my taste in music evolved, and she eventually faded from my playlist. I was both excited and shocked to see a whole album featuring her and Benny Blanco. It's surprising because Selena and Justin, who were the biggest pop stars and in a high-profile relationship at that time, never made a song together while they were together.

I Said I Love You First

The start was just raw and beautiful. It was the speech she gave during the last day of filming Wizards of Waverly Place, and the transition was perfect. I thought it was still the same audio playing; I did not even notice the switch.

Younger And Hotter Than Me

The song is relatable for many of us. Imagine Selena feeling like she was never good enough, but this song serves as her way of saying goodbye to her younger self. She is healing and moving on from the past because she is finally happy! This is what

"Younger And Hotter Than Me" Music Video (Image credit: Youtube)

Selenators have been waiting for!! This song is also for us and our high school selves when we felt insecure and thought no one could understand us.

Call Me When You Break Up

This song on the album features Gracie Abrams, and her verse is so good! It has a very toxic, girly pop vibe. I’ve seen people saying, "OMG, THIS IS FOR JUSTIN," but that’s not true—she is engaged! This song definitely has a double meaning; it can be about a friend you miss or an ex you miss.

Ojos Tristes

I recently fell in love with The Marias, so I was thrilled to hear this! At first, I initially thought The Marias should have released this as a solo since the song samples Jeanette's "El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes." However, the song really grew on me; their voices blend beautifully, and it fits perfectly with the album. It portrays the continuation of feelings after a separation.

Don't Wanna Cry

This is another goodbye song to the old Selena. She reflects on her decision to remain in a toxic relationship, acknowledging that she allowed herself to be heartbroken despite knowing it wasn't right for her. This song seems to be about The Weeknd, as it gives me a similar vibe to "Save Your Tears" by him.

Sunset Blvd

I just want to start by saying that the big heart part of the song felt very Katy Perry-esque to me, and I didn't really like it. However, the rest of the song had a vibe

"Sunset Blvd" Music Video (Image credit: Youtube)

similar to "Hands to Myself," which I loved! Despite this, the song is receiving some hate, and I'm not sure if that's due to ageism because if Sabrina had sung this song, everyone would be jamming to it. I love this song for her; it truly expresses her love for Benny.

Cowboy

Fetish by Selena!! I do not know if this was just me, but the sound of Cowboy, especially the chorus, was giving me the same vibe, but another steamy Selena song, but umm, the ending was so unhinged that I did not see that coming.

Bluest Flame

This might just be my favorite track from the album! It radiates that quintessential Brat vibe that we all know and love. It's such a feel-good anthem compared to the rest of the collection. I love Selena's unique twist on it, but honestly, I can't help but imagine Charli tearing it up with her signature style. It totally fits her vibe!

How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten

This song is very on-brand right now because, honestly, where is Justin? I haven't heard or seen anything from him in a while, and the last few things that came out about him just didn’t feel true to his brand, lol. Although this song seems like it might be throwing shade, it also contains some truths. Benny definitely knew what he was doing with this song, especially with the line, "I hope one day you'll heal."

Do You Wanna Be Perfect

This interlude is just everything! It totally captures her vibe, like she’s sprinting away from all those unrealistic expectations and jumping towards her future. It's like the perfect interlude for her adventurous journey ahead!

You Said You Were Sorry

This is for all the girls who never received the closure they needed. Mental pain can often lead to physical pain, and that’s when our bodies start to suffer. This song is another raw piece with Selena crying in the outro. I still believe Selena deserves a final goodbye, but we are happy to see her healing.

I Can't Get Enough

This is an old song released in 2019 featuring J Balvin and Tainy. I'm not entirely sure why it was included in the album, but my best guess is that it's a collaborative album with Benny Blanco. Since this song was very popular at the time, it made sense to include it.

Don't Take It Personally

Did you catch that moment in the video Selena did with Benny on Spotify?! She seriously admitted that quote-on-quote, "someone" confronted her about their relationship! Hailey DUH. The lyrics, "Please don't take it personally / Some things are just meant to be / Don't waste all your energy / We both know that he loves me / Oh, honey, you deserve it / I know you're gonna find somebody perfect."

Honestly, I moved on from this whole drama a while back because I’m so into RHODE now, but wow, this is too juicy to ignore.

Scared Of Loving You

Okay, this is another favorite song on this album because, seriously, love is so scary. Not because we can't love but because we're terrified of not being loved back or that feeling fading. And, you know, Benny really helped Selena heal. He made her fall in love with music again. Like, she's finally happy after so long. I'm getting so emotional about it, honestly.

This album?! Such a COMEBACK!! I'm completely obsessed, and I already know it's going to be on constant repeat for, like, forever. Selena and Benny? They didn't just deliver; they ate. Benny really unlocked these gorgeous, raw aspects of Selena's voice and emotions that I don't think we've heard before. They've created this incredible story of healing, of letting go, and, most importantly, they didn't sugarcoat it. They emphasized that healing is a journey, a real, messy, beautiful journey, not some overnight miracle. And that honesty? That's what makes this album so powerful.