Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have officially launched their joint album titled I Said I Love You First on March 21, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in both their personal and professional lives. The album serves as a testament to their romantic journey, featuring a total of 14 tracks that delve into themes of love, vulnerability, and connection.
This collaboration isn't the first for the couple, who made their relationship public in December 2023. Their musical partnership dates back to 2015, starting with hit songs from Gomez’s Revival album, including “Same Old Love” and “Kill 'Em With Kindness,” both of which benefitted from Blanco’s expert production.
In 2016, Gomez lent her vocals to the Cashmere Cat track “Trust Nobody,” again produced by Blanco, before reuniting for the popular 2019 song “I Can’t Get Enough,” alongside Tainy and J Balvin. It was evident even then that their chemistry not only thrived in the studio but would eventually blossom into a romantic relationship.
The promotion for I Said I Love You First began in February 2025 when Gomez, who had hinted at taking a step back from music, unexpectedly announced the upcoming collaborative album. The lead single “Scared of Loving You” set the tone for the album, introducing fans to the whisper pop style that characterizes much of the new project.
With the album, Gomez and Blanco sought to create an intimate portrayal of their love story, drawing inspiration from iconic couple albums, illustrating their shared experiences together. “He is the best with whom I’ve ever been,” Gomez expressed openly, as she described her feelings towards Blanco amidst public scrutiny related to their past connections, particularly involving Gomez's previous relationship with Justin Bieber.
The album includes notable collaborations with artists like Gracie Abrams, The Marias, Tainy, and J Balvin, showcasing a range of styles and emotional expressions. Tracks like “Call Me When You Break Up” featuring Abrams and “Sunset Blvd,” reflect the highs and lows of romantic involvement, while “Younger and Hotter Than Me” aims to tackle insecurities in relationships with a lighter touch.
“Our music and our relationship have evolved together,” Blanco said in discussions promoting the album. “Each song tells a story that is both a personal reflection and a universal experience.”
The new album has certainly garnered attention since its release, with fans eagerly discussing its lyrical content and the meaning behind each track. For example, “Cowboy,” another single anticipated by listeners, has been described by Gomez as a spiritual successor to “Good For You,” one of her past sensual tracks.
As listeners dive into the full 14-track album, they will encounter a variety of themes and sounds, ranging from the poignant “How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten” to the jazzy “Ojos Tristes” featuring The Marias. This blend of genres showcases Gomez and Blanco’s artistry, tapping into pop, R&B, and even a hint of hip-hop.
In an industry that often prizes the latest trends, Gomez and Blanco’s focus on heartfelt storytelling and personal experience is a refreshing reminder of the power of music to connect people on a deeper level.
As they continue to navigate both their overflowing careers and personal lives, the album I Said I Love You First stands as a testament to their romantic partnership and artistic vision. It reflects their genuine commitment to each other and their craft, inviting listeners into an intimate experience that resonates widely.
Indeed, the music industry saw Selena Gomez return in a big way with this project, her first release since Rare in 2020. “With this album, I am showing a new side of myself,” Gomez noted, teasing her growth as an artist and a person over time.
As Friday heralds the arrival of I Said I Love You First, fans can expect to see more personal and relatable themes expressed not only in the album but in subsequent releases from Gomez and Blanco. The couple promises to keep pushing creative boundaries together, and listeners are undoubtedly hungry for what's next.
In conclusion, the synergy of Gomez and Blanco goes beyond mere professional collaborations; it symbolizes a unified front in both their relationship and their lives as artists. I Said I Love You First is not just an album; it’s a celebration of love, commitment, and the art of storytelling through music.
