Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's collaborative album has captivated the music industry with its raw, intimate themes, offering listeners a rare glimpse into their personal connection. The album features beautifully crafted melodies, with both artists playing an active role in the production, and showcases a distinctive whisper-like vocal quality that's impossible to replicate.
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The first two tracks, "Scared Of Loving You" and "Call Me When You Break Up," featuring Gracie Abrams, perfectly set the tone for the album, each offering a glimpse of what was to come on March 21st. One track is a slow, almost lullaby-like ballad, while the other brings a fun, upbeat pop vibe, reminiscent of Gomez and Blanco's previous works. Fans quickly embraced the start of this new era for the duo.
The new body of art, "I Said I Love I Love You First" is an outspoken tribute to their budding love, which was to be expected, due to its promotion, however, select songs were also a callback to Gomez's previous relationship. Despite the success she's had at crafting music centered around heartbreak and triumph, such as "Lose You To Love Me", these mature tracks seem to be all the more personal and gives us the sense that she's reached closure.
Two of the tracks, "How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten" and "You Said You Were Sorry" have been publicly interpreted as directly attributed to her previous partner. We're not only given a glimpse into the personal story behind the breakup but how she has successfully been able to cope and move forward.
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This pop-centric release revealed a side of Gomez's music that we haven't seen in some time. In several interviews, including one with Spotify's Conversation series, which was hosted in the couple's backyard, the artists shared how effortlessly the album came together. They spoke of finding solitude and inspiration while working from the comfort of their own home, and how the ease of collaboration allowed ideas to flow naturally, enhancing the overall production process.
In addition to the album's gloriously crafted lyrics and production value, Selena's soft vocals were seamlessly woven into each song. Rather than straining her vocals or mending her voice into an octave that feels unnatural, she opted to remain in the comfort of the soft, almost whisper-like tone. Given her public uphill battle with lupus, which can impact one's vocal chords, she's persevered and found avenues for which her vocal talent can truly shine.
Whisper pop, a genre introduced decades ago by iconic artists, is defined by its breathy, ethereal vocals. Characterized by a focus on both the higher and lower ends of the vocal range, it highlights consonants like "S," "T," and "P," creating an intimate, almost close to the listener sound. In an era where many artists lean toward belting and powerful vocal performances, often requiring heavy production, Gomez offers a refreshing contrast with a return to simplicity and authenticity in her new music.
Across various media outlets, both Benny and Selena are giving audiences a glimpse into their beautiful and healthy relationship, which is palpable in every track.
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