Selena Gomez’s New Album Explores Love with Benny Blanco and Past Relationships
Selena Gomez’s affection for Benny Blanco is clearly evident, mirroring the sentiment of a cherished ballad.
Her latest musical project, “I Said I Love You First,” a collaborative effort with her fiancé, serves as a testament to their romance.
Beyond their current love story, Gomez’s album offers fans a glimpse into her complete romantic history.
Possible Nod to Past Relationship with Justin Bieber
Notably, one track on the album could be interpreted as a final farewell to her former partner, Justin Bieber, with whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship from 2010 to 2018.
In the song “How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten,” Gomez, 32, sings lyrics that have sparked speculation: “’Cause you walked in, big-ass grin / Talkin’ like we’re friends, honey, what were you thinkin’? / He loves me, I love him / Look at you, just look at you now.”
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Listeners have drawn parallels between the “look at you now” line and her 2020 track “Look at Her Now,” from the album “Rare.”
That earlier song reflected her journey to self-assurance following her final separation from Bieber, 31, in 2018.
Gomez Clarifies Album’s Inspiration
However, Gomez has dismissed these interpretations, clarifying in a Spotify interview, “I would like to say most of this album has nothing to do with what everyone may go to. And I think it’s important for me to say that because I’ve evolved so much, and I have experienced life with new people. I’ve had to go through transitions with friends and lose people in my life and gain new people, and I’ve had a whole new life forever.”
The “Wizards of Waverly Place” actress further explained the album’s broader themes concerning herself and Blanco: “To me, it was about both of our pasts and our history and also just inspired by friends and relationships, like some songs were actually meant [to be] about friendships in my life and I think that’s what to me the album was about.”
Exploring Past Relationships
Since her breakup with Bieber, Gomez has been romantically involved with The Weeknd and was reportedly linked to Zayn Malik and Drew Taggart in 2023.
Rumors of a romance between the actress and Blanco began in 2023, with their relationship becoming public in December of that year.
Ultimately, the album is a celebration of Gomez and Blanco’s bond.
“It describes us,” she told Rolling Stone in a recent interview. “This whole project embodies his stories combined with my stories. They have meanings that are really just personal to both of us. So one song could actually mean two different things. And I think it was just really cute.”
Creative Process and Musical Direction
Creating the 14-track album was not without its challenges.
“I was, to be honest, very frustrated and kind of confused on where I wanted to go next musically,” she admitted to the publication. “I couldn’t figure out my sound.”
However, Blanco, 37, expressed unwavering confidence in his future wife’s talent.
“I hadn’t seen her excited about music for a long time,” he confessed. “And I remember she was like, ‘I have to pull over the car because I’m so happy.’ And then I knew at that moment. I was like, ‘Well, if it’s making both of us happy, then hopefully it makes a few other people happy.’”
Blanco’s Influence and Lyrical Themes
Blanco’s perspective is woven into the music, exemplified in their song “Scared of Loving You.”
“When she says, ‘I’m not scared of dying young or anyone,’ it really resonates with me,” the producer shared, “because only Selena would say something like that because of all the hardship she’s gone through. She never complains about anything ever.”
In the second verse, Gomez’s lyrics delve into personal concerns: “If I throw a fit and get photographed / Would you take my side? Would you hold my hand?”
These lines hold particular significance for the Rare Beauty founder.
“It’s just what I would actually say to someone,” she revealed to the outlet. “Like, if I lose my shit, please don’t laugh. If I do something stupid and people know, just have my side, please. Because it’s already hard enough to face it with everyone in the world.”
Embracing Sensuality and Lyrical Freedom
Alongside vulnerability, Gomez embraces a playful sensuality in tracks like “Sunset Blvd” and “Cowboy,” expressing her affection for Blanco.
“I don’t like to share it a lot, but I’m a very sensual person,” she disclosed to Spotify. “And I love love and sometimes I put that into words and I can feel sexy, and I love that feeling.”
“I’m more comfortable kind of playing with the lyrics than I used to be,” Gomez confessed, acknowledging the influence of artists Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX, who feature on “Bluest Flame.”
“They have opened the door to this interpretive type of cheekiness in their lyrics,” she stated. “I think there’s a little bit more freedom to play.”