Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have taken a significant step in their relationship with the release of their collaborative album, "I Said I Love You First," which hit the digital shelves on March 21, 2025. Just over three months after announcing their engagement, the couple has decided to share their journey through their music, revealing that their love story is just as important, if not more so, than the songs themselves.
The album consists of 14 tracks filled with pop melodies, but critics have noted that the arrangements seem to echo better works from both Gomez's past, like "Good for You" and "Fetish," and other artists’ projects, such as The Marías’ "Submarine" and Charli XCX’s "Brat." However, for Gomez and Blanco, creating the album together symbolizes their bond and artistic connection.
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Blanco shared, "She'd wake up, I'd have a pen out, and I'd write what was on her mind. Then we'd go into the other room and create it, and it became a song. It was such a cathartic and therapeutic experience." This level of collaboration has served as a display of their domestic bliss, as they have both made it a point to emphasize their respect for each other’s talents throughout the promotional tour.
In recent months, this trend of couples collaborating in the music industry has surfaced, signaling a new wave where musicians are not only focusing on their art but also sharing their romantic lives with audiences. As noted by Business Insider's Julia Pugachevsky, the so-called "rom-com economy" has found its way into the music industry, presenting an opportunity for pop stars to strategize their marketing to include personal narratives paired with music.
A prime example of this is Taylor Swift, who has shifted her stance on allowing glimpses into her private life since dating NFL star Travis Kelce. Swift's fans saw her publicly celebrate romance when she updated her Eras Tour set list to include "So High School," a song with lyrics that directly reference Kelce's love for football.
Alongside Gomez and Blanco’s project, Lady Gaga has also stepped into the spotlight with her latest album, "Mayhem," which she created with her fiancé, Michael Polansky. With Polansky’s influence in the studio and on the album’s production team, his role has been prominent, despite his lack of formal musical training. He’s credited as an executive producer, and he co-wrote seven of the 14 standard tracks, showcasing how couples are increasingly collaborating across artistic projects.
In discussing her creative union with Polansky, Gaga shared with Vogue, "He was like, 'Babe. I love you. You need to make pop music.'" This sentiment was echoed during her promotional efforts, where she articulated how Polansky was present in the studio daily, guiding creative decisions. Lady Gaga's "Mayhem" debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 stands testament to the commercial viability of these lovingly fueled collaborations.
Both Gomez and Gaga have pursued deeper discussions on their past traumas in relationships, specifically addressing emotional abuse and sexual violence. This vulnerability resonates with their audiences, who are undoubtedly delighted to witness their transformations into fulfilling, long-term relationships. Fans of both artists—affectionately known as Selenators and Little Monsters—express enthusiasm not just for the music but for the personal growth of their idols.
Interestingly, both albums manage to temper the often heavy themes of personal experience with celebratory notes. Gomez’s track, "Sunset Blvd," highlights nostalgic memories on her first date with Blanco, while Gaga’s "Blade of Grass" reflects on her engagement with Polansky. These emotional pieces are sprinkled throughout their respective works, offering insights into their personal lives without allowing the love themes to dominate the albums.
However, the risk of blurring the lines between publicity and authentic romantic connection looms large for both artists. Critics may argue that the strategies to integrate personal relations into musical promotion could lead to superficiality. Nevertheless, both Gomez and Gaga remain focused on ensuring that their artistic integrity shines through amidst their engagements’ various facets.
As Gaga told Entertainment Weekly, "It makes me so happy that my fans see that I'm really happy. Because I know that I'm not a role model for everyone, but I hope that I can maybe be an example that you can be a deeply artistic person and that we don't have to romanticize torture." This insight captures the essence of her relationship with Polansky: their love is not merely a backdrop for the music but an integral part of her identity as an artist.
In sum, the collaboration between musical couples has become a nuanced narrative of contemporary pop culture, wherein artists are encouraged to intertwine their professional endeavors with personal experiences. Gomez and Blanco’s "I Said I Love You First" may offer catchy tunes but ultimately stands as a celebration of their relationship. Meanwhile, Gaga's "Mayhem" illustrates that returning to pop roots while being anchored in love can yield powerful results. The music industry is witnessing a transformation where love serves as a profound creative force, celebrated by both artists and their fans.
