DRIFT

In an unexpected and thrilling announcement, Selena Gomez has revealed that she and her fiancé, renowned music producer Benny Blanco, are releasing a surprise collaboration album titled I Said I Love You First. The album is set to drop on March 21, 2025, and features a collection of deeply personal songs reflecting their love story and creative synergy. The news has sent fans into an excited frenzy, marking Gomez’s first studio album in nearly five years since Rare (2020).

A Love Story in Music

Gomez made the big announcement via Instagram on February 13, sharing a series of intimate behind-the-scenes photos of her and Blanco working together in the studio. In her post, she wrote:

“I always trick you guys 🥰. My NEW album I Said I Love You First with my best friend @itsbennyblanco is out on 3/21 🖤. Our first song, ‘Scared of Loving You,’ is out now on all streaming platforms!”

Benny Blanco, a celebrated producer known for his work with top-tier artists like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande, quickly responded to the post with a heartfelt comment: “I love you baby.” He later posted his own tribute, stating: “I’m the luckiest guy in the world to be able to create music with the love of my life. This album is a reflection of our journey together, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

This album isn’t just a musical project—it is an embodiment of their personal and professional partnership. The two first started dating in June 2023, making their relationship public in December 2024 when Gomez confirmed their engagement. While they have collaborated on music before, this marks their first full-length album together.

The Lead Single: “Scared of Loving You”

The first single off the album, Scared of Loving You, was released alongside the announcement. The track, co-written and produced by Gomez, Blanco, and Finneas, is an emotional ballad that explores the complexities of falling in love—especially after experiencing heartbreak.

Lyrically, Scared of Loving You captures the fear of vulnerability and the hesitancy that often accompanies opening up to a new romantic relationship. With lines like “I built these walls so high, but you found a way inside,” the song resonates with anyone who has ever been cautious about love. The acoustic-driven melody, paired with Gomez’s soft and raw vocals, makes the track one of her most personal to date.

Critics have already praised the song, with Rolling Stone calling it “an emotionally charged and sonically rich piece that highlights Gomez’s growth as an artist and storyteller.” Fans have also taken to social media, sharing how the song resonates with their own experiences of love and heartbreak.

A Partnered Album Rooted in Emotion

According to a press release from Gomez’s team, I Said I Love You First is an album that documents the journey of love, from uncertainty and doubt to unwavering commitment and joy. The tracklist, while not yet fully revealed, is expected to feature a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat love anthems.

Blanco and Gomez’s musical chemistry is nothing new—they previously collaborated on her 2015 hit Kill Em with Kindness and the 2019 track I Can’t Get Enough, which also featured J Balvin and Tainy. However, this album signifies a deeper level of connection, with both artists taking creative risks and embracing vulnerability in their songwriting.

Selena’s Return to Music

The announcement of I Said I Love You First comes at an interesting time in Gomez’s career. In recent years, she has been focusing more on acting, starring in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building and taking on a dramatic role in the upcoming film Emilia Pérez. In fact, at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Gomez made a statement that led many to believe she was stepping away from music:

“It will be very hard for me to ever go back to music after [Emilia Pérez].”

Her comment sparked widespread speculation about whether she was retiring from music entirely. However, this surprise album proves that she’s still passionate about making music—it just had to be the right project at the right time.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from Gomez, and this project serves as a reminder of her ability to seamlessly balance music and acting. The emotional depth of the album also aligns with her recent focus on storytelling, both in film and music.

Benny Blanco’s Role in the Album

Benny Blanco is no stranger to creating hit records. As a producer, he has helped shape some of the biggest pop songs of the past decade, working with artists such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Halsey. His ability to craft emotionally charged yet commercially successful music makes him the perfect partner for Gomez on this project.

While Blanco is best known for working behind the scenes, he has increasingly stepped into the spotlight in recent years. He released his own music, collaborating with artists like Juice WRLD and Khalid, and now, with I Said I Love You First, he takes on a more prominent role alongside Gomez.

This project is also unique because it highlights the deep personal connection between the two artists. Unlike a standard artist-producer collaboration, their relationship adds an extra layer of authenticity to the music. The album isn’t just about love—it is built on love.

Fan Reactions and Anticipation

Since Gomez’s Instagram announcement, fans have flooded social media with their excitement. The hashtag #ISaidILoveYouFirst started trending almost immediately, with many expressing their joy over the couple’s collaboration.

One fan tweeted: “Selena and Benny making an album together?? This is literally the most romantic thing ever.”

Another fan wrote: “I’ve been waiting for a new Selena album for YEARS and now we’re getting one that’s all about love?? I’m crying.”

Some fans have even speculated that the album could include a wedding song or hint at their future plans as a married couple. While neither Gomez nor Blanco has confirmed wedding details, this album certainly feels like a celebration of their love leading up to their big day.

What to Expect From “I Said I Love You First”

Although the full tracklist has yet to be revealed, here’s what we can expect from the album based on hints from Gomez and Blanco:

• A blend of ballads and upbeat love songs: The lead single Scared of Loving You is a ballad, but given Blanco’s production style, there will likely be a mix of mid-tempo and more upbeat tracks.

• Raw and honest lyrics: Gomez has always been known for her emotional and introspective songwriting, and this album appears to be no different.

• Guest features? While no features have been announced yet, fans are hoping for collaborations with artists like Finneas, Julia Michaels, or even past collaborators like Charlie Puth.

• A deeply personal narrative: More than just another pop album, I Said I Love You First serves as an intimate reflection of Gomez and Blanco’s love story.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s I Said I Love You First is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2025. With its deeply personal themes, heartfelt lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between the two artists, the album promises to be both musically and emotionally powerful.

Gomez has always been an artist who wears her heart on her sleeve, and this project is no exception. Fans who have followed her journey—both in love and music—will undoubtedly appreciate the authenticity and emotion infused in every song.

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