Selena Gomez has once again made waves in the music industry with the release of her new Spanish-language song, "Ojos Tristes," featuring the band The Marías. Released on March 27, 2025, this track showcases Gomez's dedication to her Latinx heritage and her continued exploration of Spanish music.
Translating to "Sad Eyes" in English, "Ojos Tristes" is a modern take on the classic Spanish hit "El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes" by Jeanette. Gomez collaborated with producer Benny Blanco, with whom she has a close personal and professional relationship, to co-write the song alongside The Marías. The band, known for their unique sound, lends their vocals to the track, adding depth and authenticity to the piece.
The chorus, sung by The Marías' lead singer María Zardoya and Gomez, captures the essence of longing and emotional connection: "The boy with the sad eyes / Lives alone and needs love / Like the air, he needs to see me / Like the sun, I need him." These lyrics reflect a poignant narrative of love and desire, resonating with listeners on multiple levels.
In a track-by-track commentary for her album, "I Said I Love You First," Gomez expressed her admiration for The Marías, stating, "Benny and I went on a date to go see The Marías. He introduced me to a whole new artist and what she does is just beautiful. I was trying to do a song in Spanish for each of my albums, and I just thought she has the perfect tone for this." This comment emphasizes the collaborative spirit that defined the creation of "Ojos Tristes" and highlights Gomez's commitment to integrating her cultural roots into her music.
Gomez's journey into Spanish-language music is not new; she released her debut Spanish-language EP, "Revelación," in 2021, which earned her a Grammy nomination. This latest single is a continuation of that exploration, showcasing her growth as an artist and her desire to honor her Mexican heritage.
Meanwhile, Gomez's fourth studio album, "I Said I Love You First," also released on the same day, presents a blend of happiness and conflict, reflecting her experiences in both love and fame. The album, which features Blanco as her main collaborator, has been well-received for its authenticity and emotional depth. During a recent appearance on "The Tonight Show," the couple showcased their chemistry and shared insights into their creative process, with Blanco revealing, "She’d wake up, I’d write what was on her mind. Then we’d go into the other room and create it, and it became a song." This intimate glimpse into their working relationship adds another layer of intrigue to the album.
Gomez's previous record, "Rare," released in 2020, marked a significant shift in her musical style, moving away from the EDM influences of her earlier work to a more authentic, introspective sound. The lead single from that album, "Lose You to Love Me," became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. With "I Said I Love You First," Gomez continues to build on that success, offering a reflective and confident voice that resonates with her audience.
The album addresses themes of love and personal growth while also touching on the complexities of celebrity life. Notably, tracks like "Don’t Take It Personally" and "How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten" seem to reference Gomez's past relationship with Justin Bieber, particularly in light of his marriage to Hailey Bieber. The lyrics convey a sense of emotional truth that many fans can relate to, showcasing Gomez's ability to weave personal experiences into her music.
In addition to its lyrical depth, "I Said I Love You First" features catchy tracks like "Bluest Flame," which combines elements of dance-pop with a playful energy. Another standout, "Call Me When You Break Up," featuring Gracie Abrams, delivers a witty and catchy take on moving on from relationships. Gomez's ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion is evident throughout the album.
One of the more introspective tracks, "Younger and Hotter Than Me," offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the challenges of growing up in the public eye. In the accompanying music video, Gomez revisits her roots, referencing her early career on the Disney show "Wizards of Waverly Place," effectively bridging her past with her present. This self-awareness demonstrates Gomez's comfort with her journey as an artist and her willingness to embrace her history.
As the founder of Rare Beauty, a billion-dollar makeup company, Gomez also comments on the nature of authenticity in the beauty industry. The album's closing track, "Scared of Loving You," produced by Finneas O'Connell, encapsulates her growth as an artist, inviting listeners to reflect on the noise surrounding them while finding solace in personal connections.
The cover art for "I Said I Love You First" features Gomez and Blanco peering through a keyhole, symbolizing the desire for privacy and intimacy in an often intrusive celebrity culture. This imagery resonates with the overarching theme of the album: the importance of maintaining personal boundaries, regardless of fame.
In a world where celebrity lives are constantly scrutinized, Gomez's music serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their status, deserves moments of privacy and connection. Through her exploration of love, identity, and authenticity, Selena Gomez continues to captivate audiences and redefine her narrative in the music industry.
