Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have joined forces to share an emotional soundtrack to their love story with the release of their new album, I Said I Love You First, which made its debut on March 21, 2025. This collaborative effort features 14 tracks that delve into the intricate themes of both heartbreak and true love, allowing fans a deeper understanding of their relationship.
Continuing a trend that has intrigued fans and the media alike, the couple announced their engagement on December 11, 2024, via an Instagram post, generating buzz around their romantic timeline, which is rumored to have begun in the fall of 2023.
The album’s title has a charming backstory: Gomez said “I love you” first immediately after coming out of surgery under anesthesia, a moment that clearly holds poignant meaning for both artists. Blanco explained in a recent interview with Today, that although he intended to find a grand way to express his feelings, Gomez’s spontaneity took him by surprise, stating, “she steals my moment.” This light-hearted admission emphasizes the chemistry that defines their relationship.
Clocking in at 34 minutes, the album opens with the title track, which features a voice recording of Gomez expressing her gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career. Following this introspective start, the album shifts its tone with the slow and heartfelt ballad, “Younger And Hotter Than Me” — one of the four singles released ahead of the album, joining the ranks of tracks like “Scared Of Loving You,” “Call Me When You Break Up,” which features American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, and “Sunset Blvd.”
On the day of the album’s release, Gomez and Blanco unveiled the music video for “Younger And Hotter Than Me,” which attracted attention for its vibrant set design that mirrors the nostalgic aesthetics of Gomez’s Disney Channel show, Wizards of Waverly Place, a program that significantly propelled her to stardom during her teen years.
The album showcases a diverse range of musical influences, as highlighted by the track “Ojos Tristes,” translating to “Sad Eyes,” which is predominantly sung in Spanish, providing a striking contrast to the English tracks that make up the rest of the album. The single “Sunset Blvd” stands out as a buoyant love song, featuring cheeky lyrics that incorporate playful sexual innuendos, lightening the overall mood of the album, which often revolves around themes of heartache.
The main chorus of “Sunset Blvd” playfully sings, “I know you’re awfully shy, but I can’t wait to hold it, to hold that, your big big hard…heart!” This cheekiness is consistent throughout the record, particularly in tracks like “Cowboy” and “Bluest Flame,” which balance love’s lighthearted moments with the sincerity found in other ballads such as “How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten” and “You Said You Were Sorry.”
Track 12, “I Can’t Get Enough,” features renowned artists J Balvin and Tainy, blending Spanish and English lyrics that enrich the album’s diversity. Another standout track is “Don’t Take It Personally,” which addresses the complexities and challenges of modern relationships, encapsulating issues of jealousy while still providing a musically satisfying experience.
The album closes with the beautifully crafted track, “Scared Of Loving You,” which resonates with an enchanting message about vulnerability and emotion in love. The bittersweet chorus, singing, “Cause I’m not scared of loving you, I’m just scared of losing you,” perfectly encapsulates the closing sentiments of the album, reinforcing the overall theme that love is often complicated yet worth fighting for.
In sum, I Said I Love You First, brilliantly showcases Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s musical talents while providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into their lives, perspectives, and shared experiences. This album is currently available for streaming across all major platforms and is sure to resonate with fans and new listeners alike.
