Search Results
5439 results found with an empty search
- Review: "Don't Get Me Wrong" - Brosie
Brosie's new single "Don't Get Me Wrong" is an inspection of grief. Written during the aftermath of losing her grandmother suddenly, Brosie begins the song communicating directly with her grandmother telling her, "I had a dream you were back from the dead." The ballad is pop-heavy and filled with emotion. She notices how the loss of her grandmother only highlights her presence further such as in the line "Cause every corner in my room has got your signature tattooed." Reflecting on her relationship and the last conversation they shared, the singer can't help but wonder what would be different if someone could choose how and when they die. But, don't get her wrong, she continues, "it's way too soon to say goodbye." singing against a bold blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation, Brosie's vocals carry the weight of the song. She displays her vulnerability, divulging the intimacy of the relationship she shared with her grandmother. Brosie's lyricism indicates to listeners the lingering presence of someone who has passed on and the internal questions that arise as part of journeying through grief. The existential elements of the song come through when the singer a sks, "Is that what you would have wanted if you could choose your destiny?" This catchy indie pop tune rejects traditional lyrical elements of the genre by diving into the complicated, messy, nonlinear process of grieving. Dropping her first single "Coulda Shoulda Woulda Enthusiast" on March 1st, 2024, the Austrian artist has quickly gained traction for her versatile and candid pop songs. Having garnered over 8,000 monthly Spotify listeners after only a year of putting out music, Brosie is paving the way for an even brighter future in music. She has played festivals such as the Reeperbahn festival in Germany and opened for several artists on tour including Biig Piig . Brosie's frank lyrics and catapulting vocals connect with listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles. Brosie is an artist to watch, already making waves in the pop genre. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW Brosie: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "All White M1" - Chavar Dontae
In life the people who are the closest to us are often some of our biggest doubters. They have a huge disbelief in the things we can create, but more importantly they don’t believe in the person we will become. They criticize or make fun of the things that are most important to us constantly. So, there comes a point where we view those negative beliefs by those in which we thought supported us as nothing more than a weight holding us down. Chavar Dontae’s latest single “All White M1” centers around breaking free from those who have disbeliefs and harsh views. While creating and living a life that only you are proud of. “All White M1” attracts attention immediately with opening synth sounds that remind me of outer space and entering into a different universe for the very first time. This track was absolutely amazing in every way possible. His vocals blew me away as he sang with so much heart yet in a smooth, laid-back kind of way. The entire track had the most vibrant, energizing, uplifting beat that will put anyone in a great mood. One lyrical aspect that really caught my eye and made me love the vibe was when he sang “They don’t know what I’ve had to overcome.” I thought that was super inspirational and showed just how meaningful the song is. Chavar Dontae is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is now based in Los Angeles, California where he moved after completing music school. Dontae grew up in Ohio and Michigan where he discovered a way to meld together numerous genres, to create his very own unique but impactful sound. Since being in Los Angeles, he has made quite the name for himself, as he has opened and shared the stage with many popular artists like Billie Eilish and Pat Benatar . “All White M1” is available now on all major streaming platforms and I recommend listening to his other great songs like “Keep My Cool” and “Too Much.” Be sure to also follow his social medias below and never miss another release. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Chavar Dontae: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Up Next Ash" - Landan Ash
Finding yourself may come with a price, and “Up Next Ash” by Landan Ash dives into a deeply personal narrative through which Landan found a way to be seen. This story is from the perspective of someone who is searching to fill a void in their life and ends up finding a place on stage. The lyrics point out that he’s grappling with confidence and self-esteem issues, especially because one of the lyrics points out that back at home, he felt like he was nothing, so he let himself be bought. If he suddenly came with a price tag, maybe he thought that it would increase his worth. He felt like he wasn’t valued at all by the people in his life, and by giving up parts of himself, he could finally be seen. “It's not an auction, an item tossed out when it's used”, is a lyric that says that although these people are giving him the validation he’s looking for, he still knows his worth. There’s a contradicting lyric to this though which is “nothing can buy him what he really lacks”, which is saying that no amount of money or attention could give him what he really needs. “Up Next Ash, that’s your cue” is his sign to take the stage. When he’s on stage he’s putting on a show. Ash is his stage name and can be an alter-ego that takes over which could be a form of reinvention. On that stage, he could be anyone he wants, and he knows people in the audience are willing to pay whatever price for it. “Up Next Ash” is a song with great storytelling. As listeners, we’re following Landan’s journey to reclaiming his own identity. This song explores finding power in a performance landscape. The lyrics are raw and vulnerable, and really explores his choices and what they mean for him. Before I listened to the track, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Based on the fun cover art, I thought this song had to do with a performance, which technically is the case. I wasn’t expecting this song to have so many emotional layers tied to a performer's backstory on why he turned to the stage. The production of this song is very crisp, and you can tell while listening. Produced by Wesley Henry, “Up Next Ash” has a strong upbeat instrumentation that’s contrasted by deeper lyrics. Landan is a great storyteller, and you can hear the emotion in his voice when he sings which adds to the song. Landan Ash is a singer-songwriter from Texas but is now based in Los Angeles. His first release was “Quicksand” in 2020, and he’s gone on to release many more songs that resonate with his listeners. His music reflects how he’s feeling, if you’re listening to his songs, it’s like you ripped a page out of his diary. It’s Landan’s mission to make sure queer voices are heard in music, and one way he does that is shedding light on his own experiences as a queer man navigating love and heartbreak. He’s inspired by artists like Gracie Abrams, Troye Sivan, Beach House, and Cigarettes After Sex. It’s clear Landan Ash is one to keep on your radar. With a voice like his, there’s no doubt he’s going to achieve great success. Check out “Up Next Ash” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW LANDAN ASH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "21" - Maddox Jones
When you’re young, people will always tell you that you won’t be that way forever. Youth disappears, and suddenly you’re older than you ever thought you’d be, always looking back at your twenties like a distant memory. Maddox Jones has a different spin on that way of thinking with his single “21”, both reminiscing on those earlier years while acknowledging that it’s OK that those days have come and gone. A powerfully poignant ballad, the single’s melancholy yet hopeful soundscape will pull you into its world and have you reflecting on your own life. The message in “21” is one I think we all need to hear at some point in our lives, with us realizing that no matter what age you are, it’s OK if you don’t have everything figured out. Everyone’s pathway is different. “21” is one of those songs that’ll have you laying on your bed, staring up at your ceiling, and feeling like you’ve just had one of the best pep talks of you life– like someone’s just put a hand on your shoulder, or given you a hug, and told you that everything is going to be fine, everything is going to work out. The soundscape will be a solace to all who love an uplifting ballad filled with a rich piano and moving guitar– I especially loved the transitional sections between the chorus and verses that have the percussion rising with the growing energy. Everything just moves together so well in this track. And, of course, the songwriting is brilliant here; there’s just so much to love about the lyricism and its full, cathartic acknowledgment of the loss of youth, but the remaining hope that lingers still. As Maddox sings, “That’s ok / It’s alright / I’m gonna figure it out sometime”, you’ll feel along with him the sensation of letting go, and being completely accepting of that. Maddox Jones is a British singer-songwriter making soul pop. Having grown up in a commune with no television nor much access to the outside world, he was ultimately drawn to creating music as a child. With sounds like Coldplay, Teddy Swims, and Imagine Dragons, Maddox combines all the best elements of pop and infuses it with his own soulful style. His debut solo release “Headspace” dropped in 2020, and was followed later that year by his EP of the same name, Headspace EP . “21” was originally part of his 2024 album Waiting For The World To Turn ; he has since re-released the track as a single, the new mix being recorded in Nashville at Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studio. It was tracked by Lowell Reynolds and mixed at Sputnik Sound by the six-time Grammy-Award winning producer Vance Powell. For those of you who enjoyed “21”, I highly suggest you give Waiting For The World To Turn a listen, as well as the rest of Maddox’s fantastic discography! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MADDOX JONES: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | SoundCloud
- Review: "Blow Up My Life" - Frankie Orella
Everyone has experienced FOMO – or fear of missing out – at some point. Whether its for a concert, trip, party, or something else, its likely that you were consumed by regrets or “what-if” thoughts. Something that isn't as frequently talked about is the fear of missing out on life. It is easy to feel as if you are falling behind compared to those around you or missing out on certain experiences because societal pressures can exacerbate internal struggles and complicated thoughts. Frankie Orella does not shy away from sharing raw thoughts in her vulnerable single “Blow Up My Life". Every lyric and every line of the song holds such deep weight, reflecting those tough thoughts that everyone has experienced, but rarely vocalized to others. From the very opening line “I didn't eat for a week. Wanted to feel skinny. Look pretty" to the line “All of the boys I could have kissed, parties missed. I'm still that kid held hostage by the habit…”, each lyric serves as a heartfelt confession of thoughts people tend to store away in their mind under lock and key. The added worries of being judged for your impulsive thoughts that others might not understand can be overwhelming to grapple with. So overwhelming that you might have the urge to simply disappear, pause time, or as Frankie Orella conveys in her song, blow up your life to have a moment of peace. “Blow Up My Life" is a deeply personal, vulnerable song. The soft sound and soft vocals add to the song's overall intimate vibes. There is a guitar that is strummed gently, adding a sense of comfort to the very heavy lyrics. Frankie Orella's voice is as gentle as the guitar. Her tone is quite soft and reminds me of hesitant, whispered confessions of secret struggles shared with someone in private that you have never divulged before. However, her voice can also best be described as a tender hug that brings a lot of comfort. The music and her voice combined all feels very quiet and calm, like the vulnerable, personal thoughts conveyed through the lyrics are meant to be shared in whispers to protect an inner sense of peace. Around halfway through the song, the rhythm of the song picks up and becomes a bit brighter, even with the emotion-packed lyrics. The shift from a slower, more melancholic tune to one that is more energetic reminds me of a “so what" moment. It's a moment when you realize your struggles don't have to define you because it would be easy to just “blow up your life" and get away from everything troubling you. Nashville native Frankie Orella grew up with a love of music and was immediately immersed in music-performing. She played in churches at a young age, studied The Beatles' discography, and performed alongside her jingle-writing father. Frankie Orella has created an incredible sound for herself, with raw songs that perfectly encapsulates the complicated and beautiful emotions of the human experience. Her latest single, “Blow Up My Life", is another example of this, with honest, transparent lyricism that she has quickly become known for. Orella creates music that is deeply personal, yet universally relatable, making her a source of inspiration and comfort for many of her devoted listeners. In 2020, Orella released an EP, “Stages of Grief", which explored the grief as she grappled with her adolescent loss of her mother. In 2023, she released an alt-pop EP, “Sad in Paradise", that explored themes of mental health through unforgettable orchestral moments. Her forthcoming EP, "It's Kind of a Mess in Here", will feature five tracks that highlights struggles with anxiety, growing pains, and fear of losing control. Frankie Orella continues to create incredible, unfiltered music discussing various struggles that resonates with many people from all over the globe. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW FRANKIE ORELLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Fall Like a Feather" - Maggie Andrew
Fall into the best life has to offer with Maggie Andrew’s latest single “Fall Like a Feather”. Andrew utilizes strong qualities of pop, indie, and alternative music to create an emotionally intriguing, powerful song. “Fall Like a Feather” puts listeners in the atmosphere of a wide, open field – somewhere free to roam and embrace the sweet, simple beauties of the world. Andrew places specific imagery throughout the song that morphs your environment into another, showcasing the full nature of “Fall Like a Feather”. The song, to its core, is about empowerment and accepting one’s full & widespread potential. Phrases such as, “I’ll put on my armor,” and, “I fall like a feather”, both repeated for emphasis in the song, proudly and visually display to listeners what resilience and belief in oneself can look like. Andrew wonderfully balances keeping the song upbeat in sound and being honest regarding hardship, creating a song that is to stick in the realm of pop music. “Fall Like a Feather” is a personal, detailed song regarding mental health. The introduction of the song details how Andrew has struggled with being put in the spotlight, trusting others, pushing past her limit, etc. She doesn’t shy away from bringing listeners into her world and being vulnerable, putting it out on the table to lead toward brighter possibilities. Her vulnerability and trust in her own self is what propels her forward, as well as what shifts the overall tone of “Fall Like a Feather”. There is emphasis placed, not on the past, but on the fact that she is a fighter and knows how to protect herself. While that in itself is enthralling and powerful, Andrew’s ability to tie in raw emotion and ear-catching sound creates a well-rounded tune through “Fall Like a Feather”. Maggie Andrew is an artist from Nova Scotia, Canada. Andrew layers her music with qualities from other genres such as R&B, Punk, Hip-Hop, Alternative, etc. Her style of pop is one that cannot be defined but revolves around lyrics with confidence and a sound that challenges normalcy. Andrew draws inspiration for her music from her own life – diving into conversations she’s had amongst her friends, experiences with former loves in her life – anything that piques her interest. Andrew has previously worked with artists like Blackbear, Ash Riser, Doc McKinney, etc., who have helped her channel a collection of influences into her music. Thus far, she has amassed over 6+ million global streams, been decorated with numerous awards for her artistry, and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard – the list goes on. Andrew is an incredibly talented, genuine & rising star who is continually reaching new heights and is actively putting out new work. For the future, she is setting sights on collaboration with artists she enjoys listening to and is continuing to steadily release music. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MAGGIE ANDREW: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "my little island" - NEVE
NEVE graces fans with yet another poignant, poetic pop gem with the release of her single, "my little island." Rich with colorful nostalgia, unshakeable homesickness, and beautiful youth, NEVE reminisces the old memories of the life left in her home country, Ireland. She defines this home through her fond recollections of family and familiarity, intricately capturing the depth of place and how it deeply roots itself within her heart and her music. In writing "my little island," NEVE touches on the emotional journey and sweet epiphany of realizing both the value and significance of those sweet "rolling fields of evergreen". She warmly reminds us of the privilege of living and loving our families and environments, which serve as the crux of our livelihoods and make up the factors that shape and support our ever-growing characters. NEVE characterizes herself and her career through her compelling experiences, effortlessly relating to so many. Gently put, NEVE's "my little island" masterfully relays how people are made up of what they call home, how people can be places. "my little island" is a delicate soft-pop melody that relishes in its lyrical and instrumental sentimentality. With tender acoustics and heart-warming strings, the track creates a tranquil space for the listener; it eases us into NEVE's subtle verses. NEVE flows elegantly from one line to the next with a wistful, breathy tone, her deliverance of each line backed with sincerity. The way she couples demonstrates her natural sense for the craft and love for the art. The chorus is as gorgeous as it is compelling, fully capturing that deep resonance with the places we associate with home and fulfillment. What sets this single apart from others is the personal message NEVE includes towards the end of the song, a clip expressing the faith, hope, and support that stems from those dear to her. In all, "my little island" is so much more than a simple track; it is a tribute to youth and the beauty of one's home. NEVE is an Irish singer-songwriter whose passion for music shines in everything she does. Moving from Ireland and chasing new opportunities in England, NEVE took the reigns on her musical career and entrance into the pop music industry. Since then, garnering a large social media following and expanding her discography, NEVE has touched fans all across the globe with her authentic brand and relatable tunes. Some of her most popular tracks, "Want U Back" and "Brutally Honest," demonstrate her range, artistry, and unique style! NEVE aims to put fans' emotions into words when they fall short, inspiring diverse audiences and uplifting people using her songwriting talents! Stay tuned and be on the lookout for new updates and releases from NEVE by following the links down below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW NEVE: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Soft Bitch" - Lucy DK
Cover art: @viicthekid Photos & Visuals: Marshall Lawrence Makeup: Marie Reitner Styling: Lucy DK "Soft Bitch" is the newest single from Lucy DK, which focuses on how intimidation in the workplace can easily get to you and make you feel small. In the business world, white men are favored and respected more over everyone else, and therefore are the ones put in charge. They see a young black woman trying to "invade" their space and they shut her down and make her feel unworthy and that she doesn't belong. This causes DK to fear this stressful environment, and she imagines a world where she can be in charge and not have to deal with these racist misogynists calling all the shots. However, she knows she's stronger and more important than they will ever be. The instrumentation of "Soft Bitch" mostly includes the strumming of an acoustic guitar and powerful drums that have been engineered to be layered with pop production. The song is sonically upbeat and fun, and is reminiscent of early 2010s indie pop. DK is a very talented vocalist, and elements of spoken word are interwoven in the singing, making "Soft Bitch" a creative and distinctive song. The way that the harmonies are layered adds lots of depth to the song in addition to the layering of the instruments. The sound effects featured in the background are another great addition to the production, which work well with all the other parts of the overall sound. Lucy DK is a music artist based in London. After perfecting her songwriting craft, she began her music career in 2015 with the release of her debut EP Cosmopolitan Girl . Since then, she has released several singles in addition to "Soft Bitch", including "Queen Bed", "Bye to My Last White Boy", and "Overnight". Her songs have been recognized on multiple music publications. DK runs radical hotties , a spiritual way to recollect yourself and manifest being the happiest and best version of you amidst the current state of the world. Lucy DK is an amazing and very talented and creative artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW LUCY DK: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "sorry in advance" - Yorke
Hair and makeup: Kahlii Morrison MUA Director: Kyle Caulfield “sorry in advance” is a song off Yorke ’s upcoming EP unfinished business , the lyrics relating to rejecting a potential romantic interest that you don’t want to be a romantic interest. Yorke explains that if she doesn’t feel a connection with someone, she won’t force herself to like them back, and that they shouldn’t try to start a relationship that they know won’t go anywhere. Trying to be into someone that you aren’t interested in is a disaster waiting to happen, because no one should have to waste their time doing something they don’t want to do. It’s better to move on from someone that doesn’t want you then to try to convince them to be in a relationship with you. Sonically, “sorry in advance” is very fun and upbeat, it’s production making up an exceptional pop anthem. It features unique elements, liked reverberated claps and a prominent bass line, which are often unused in pop songs, but fit perfectly in this track. Yorke is also an immensely talented vocalist and is able to switch octaves easily throughout “sorry in advance”. The way she sings the “la la la”’s adds to the pop excellence of the song as well. The descending guitar chords section in the chorus is another fun and unique addition to this amazing song. Another definitive part is the celestial-sounding synths that are layered with the rest of the instrumentation. Yorke is a multi-talented music artist based in Australia and is originally from Byron Bay. She began her music career with the release of her debut single “First Light”, a track off her 2020 debut EP Liberosis . In 2022, she released her sophomore EP ten feet tall , and will release unfinished business in June 2025. She has performed her music live before, including opening for several artists, such as Lewis Capaldi and The Veronicas , as well as many more. Another song from Liberosis and one of her first singles, “Wake the City”, can be listened to while watching an episode of the very popular drama TV series 9-1-1 . Yorke is an amazing and very talented musician! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW YORKE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "EVERY OTHER MONTH" - Trey Ewald
Photo Credit: Anna Miller “EVERY OTHER MONTH” is the newest single from Trey Ewald released on March 21, 2025. This song is about navigating through the hard world of dating. Meeting new people who come from different backgrounds and have different aspirations can be extremely fun. But It can also become a little repetitive and leave you in the end longing to find just one person you connect with. There are only so many questions to be asked with answers that may be as simple as a yes or a no. While dating can seem nearly impossible with numerous failed attempts, it could also be a sign that something greater is in store. From the start you can immediately hear the pop mixed with nostalgic musical elements. The song starts off with an ear catching guitar instrumental and flows right into his relatable lyrics. The beat of the song paired with the rhythm of the lyrics was an amazing touch in my opinion. While the track is all around great, my favorite aspect was when the lyrics sang “Lets just get the check” and an overlap of checking out at a register was present. I thought that was pretty iconic and gave the song a very unique feel to it. Overall, the single had a fun vibe to it and definitely gave off the sound of those early boy band eras. Trey Ewald is a singer/songwriter who was born and raised in Long Island, New York. He not only performs but he also makes time to produce. His latest single “EVERY OTHER MONTH” debuts his newest sound into the musical world and gives you just a tiny taste of what is to come. Hailing from Long Island now based in Los Angeles, Ewald is a jack of all trades when it comes to instruments making him stand out from the rest. “EVERY OTHER MONTH” is out now on all major streaming platforms and I highly recommend giving him a listen. Make sure you also follow his social medias below and stay tuned for what he has in store for us next. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Trey Ewald: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "House Sitting" - Caitlin Mae
Caitlin Mae's latest single, "House Sitting," is a poignant exploration of the emotional aftermath of falling out of love. This heartfelt country ballad marks a significant step forward in Caitlin's musical journey, blending her rich vocal delivery with a haunting melody and deeply evocative lyrics. The song captures the listener from the outset with its mesmeric effect, inviting them into a narrative of love lost and the bittersweet realization that comes with it. The impactful imagery in lines like "The walls are bare in places we used to be. Picture frames shattered are better than empty" encapsulates the sorrow of a faded relationship, contrasting the emptiness left behind with memories that once filled the space. Musically, "House Sitting" showcases Caitlin Mae's ability to harness raw emotion through her powerful voice and lyrical storytelling. The track's haunting melody serves as the perfect backdrop for the exploration of desolation and yearning when cherished connections deteriorate. As Caitlin sings "As glass meets brick, I wish it could have been different," the listener is drawn into the physical and emotional debris of separation, where shattered items echo the breakdown of love. This honest portrayal of vulnerability and the wish to turn back time resonates deeply, delivering a cathartic experience to those who have faced similar heartbreak. Caitlin Mae, a rising star in the Nashville country scene, continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of lyrical depth and vocal prowess. Moving 4000 miles from her family and all that was familiar, Caitlin has emerged as one of the most talked-about young artists in the industry. Her ability to channel personal experiences into her music makes her storytelling relatable and impactful. With "House Sitting," Caitlin offers an honest take on the collapse of a seemingly unbreakable relationship, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter. As she rises through the ranks, industry professionals are watching with interest, aware that Caitlin Mae is an artist who brings authenticity and raw emotion to each note she sings. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW CAITLIN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Album Review: "I Said I Love You First" - Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco
The first time Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco collaborated was for Gomez’s second studio album entitled “Revival”. The two announced their engagement in December of 2024 and began teasing new music in January of 2025 with clips of Gomez in her home studio posted to Blanco’s TikTok. The artists set up the tracks as a narrative, beginning with the end of a failed relationship and the different feelings involved in the development of a new one. This album is set up as a love story, chronicling their meeting and falling in love. TRACKLIST I Said I Love You First Younger and Hotter Than Me Call Me When You Break Up feat. Gracie Abrams Ojos Tristes feat. The Marias Don't Wanna Cry Sunset Blvd Cowboy Bluest Flame How Does It Feel To Be forgotten Do You Wanna Be Perfect You Said You Were Sorry I Can't Get Enough feat. Tainy & J Balvin Don't Take It Personally Scared of Loving You Selena Gomez is an American actress and singer. She was born Selena Marie Gomez in Grand Prairie, Texas on July 22nd, 1992. Her career began when she acted in “Barney and Friends” in 2002, but it took off after she played Alex Russo in Disney Channel show “The Wizards of Waverly Place”. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and created the band “Selena Gomez and the Scene”, releasing successful albums. After that, she began her career as a solo artist and has released multiple albums that have topped charts upon her transition to Interscope Records. She works with numerous charity organizations and is an advocate for mental health awareness and gender and racial equality. She founded the cosmetic company Rare Beauty and the non-profit Rare Impact Fund. I Said I Love You First The album starts with an emotional speech that Gomez gave to the cast of “Wizards of Waverly Place”, thanking them for their support and promising to make them proud. This speech is unbelievably sweet and is super raw and vulnerable. In a sort of “full-circle” moment, the addition of this recording tying her back to her earlier career activities adds to the feeling and atmosphere of the album that will no-doubt touch listeners everywhere. Younger and Hotter Than Me Upon first listen, one may assume that this song is about insecurities plenty of people feel in a relationship. One may constantly wonder about if the person they are seeing will find something newer and more interesting and if they will be replaced. However, this song speaks to a much larger trend within the lives of women. Gomez stated that this song reflects the pressure women face, especially child stars, to not become obsolete in their own lives. Every day, women force themselves to evolve so that they are not left behind with the “old” in favor of the “new” and the bright and shiny. Call Me When You Break Up feat. Gracie Abrams This song is about the complicated situation of desiring someone that does not belong to you. Gomez said that this song is about the crushing reality of friends favoring romantic relationships over their platonic connections. As a result, those friendships tend to fizzle out and die, leaving one party crushed and wanting what once was. However, this song is beautifully written to where it can apply to a variety of situations, such as wanting to date someone who is already taken. Ojos Tristes with The Marias Breakups are a messy situation and can sometimes be more complicated than “I don’t like you, I’m leaving”. In this fantastic track, Gomez tells the story of having to leave someone despite not wanting to and being hurt by their tears. This sound blends the worlds of acoustic and electronic music in a way that creates a work of art. The melody is catchy and will have audiences humming it hours after listening. Don’t Wanna Cry A powerful track describing complex relationships with others and oneself, “Don’t Wanna Cry” is about the process of choosing yourself. This track depicts complicated feelings of being hurt constantly and still not willing yourself to leave. Eventually, you have enough, and you let go of the hope that things will change and choose to walk into the unfamiliar for hopes of finding better. Gomez solidifies herself as a role model in this track. It is almost a pinnacle of the “young girl” experience to hold on to bad things because of the false hope that things can change. It is so incredibly valuable for women to talk about this experience and teach each other that things can be so much better if you can choose that path for yourself. Sunset Blvd “Sunset Blvd” is a classic example of a love song with a mature twist. The name itself has personal meaning to the couple, as it is where their first date was. In a wonderful flurry of emotion, this track depicts the mental and physical sensations of a new relationship. The line “But fill you up what’s broken” may also allude to the past hurt and mistakes it took to get to this moment and find each other. This paints a picture of how every misstep and broken heart turned each other into the person that they each love, which is a beautiful concept to explore. Cowboy This track is a more sensual song. It depicts Gomez in a position of power, instructing someone on how to properly love her. She describes this work as “sexy” and “fun”, and listeners couldn’t agree more. It describes the exciting and intimate components of an adult relationship while still being empowering. This maintains Gomez’s platform while allowing her to mature and progress through life as anyone else. Bluest Flame This track is fun and exciting and reflects Charli XCX’s contributions to the work. The chorus is deliciously upbeat, and the repetition allows for a wonderful dance song. Lyrics such as “Ah, never get you out my mind / Never get you out my brain” relate to the excitement of a new relationship, and how it feels as though you can’t get enough of the other person. How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten This song is one about Gomez and Blanco’s personal experiences. It is an honest dissection of a narrative in their lives. The lyrics suggest the account of a former lover, friend, connection coming back into someone’s life expecting the typical back and forth emotional game, only to find that they have moved on to something better, something stable and trustworthy. While being a criticism of immature behavior and a song of devotion to the newer relationship, the song is also oddly empowering as it praises the process of abandoning what is unhealthy and familiar and doing better for oneself. Do You Wanna Be Perfect Gomez describes this track as a “shake up” in the middle of the album. It acts as another interlude and discusses societal pressures to be perfect. With the line of “With six easy payments of $139”, comments on how beauty industries pray on women’s insecurities to sell products and make a buck. Rather than selling, say, a skincare product, they are selling a lifestyle of being put-together, responsible, and “perfect”. This track is a humorous jab at the unreachable finish-line set and impossible double-standards, as well as a call for listeners to love themselves. You Said You Were Sorry Dreams are an exceedingly powerful thing in relationships, and these fictional visions can create very real feelings that mirror real occurrences with an almost disturbing accuracy. The wistfulness of this track’s instrumentals creates a reflective atmosphere that is bound to entice listeners and encourage them to reflect on their own experiences. I Can’t Get Enough feat. Tainy and J Balvin The reggae-infused backing of the next track creates a dynamic shift in energy and reflects previous collaborations between Blanco and Gomez. The energetic electric-pop song is on the topic of the excitement of a new relationship. The puppy-love era where both sides want to be around each other all the time is demonstrated in this upbeat track. Don’t Take It Personally The next track is minimal and light in its instrumental, but not at all lacking in emotional value. Gomez states that this song is not from her perspective, but rather it is a song that is being sung to her. This dynamic switch of perspective is genius and allows for the reflection on a variety of valuable topics. First of all, there is the topic of resentment for people we see as romantic “competition”. Whether a current partner’s old fling, or a past partner’s new one, it can feel like a punch in the gut imagining your “person” in the arms of another. However, it is not right to pour that hatred on the new person. This song is relatable and tells listeners that everyone is human and has areas in their life to heal. Scared of Loving You The production of this final track is touchingly soft and immediately creates a reflective atmosphere. Past experiences do not go away simply because they are not currently happening. Everyone carries all versions of their past selves with them and all the feelings that came with being that person. In new relationships, it can be hard to remember that things are different, and a lot of old fears may arise. Trust is a process, not an action, and one must fight the fear and give the new person a chance to be different than the others. I find this album incredibly beautiful. Gomez is not just a singer; she is a storyteller. Combined with the production and writing prowess of Blanco and other featured artists, this album proves itself as a timeless masterpiece. Not only is it artfully crafted, but it is also wonderfully vulnerable. Through their experiences, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are allowing other people to process their own lives. Listening to this album was a wonderful opportunity for emotional introspection and musical immersion, and I cannot wait to see what activities are in store for the couple. Written By Victoria Fitzgerald Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.


















