Selena Gomez’s latest album, “I Said I Love You First,” released on March 21, 2025, is a collaborative project with her fiancé, Benny Blanco. The album intricately weaves personal narratives, reflecting both their individual pasts and shared experiences. Among the tracks, several have sparked discussions and speculations about references to Gomez’s past relationship with Justin Bieber.
“You Said You Were Sorry”
One of the standout tracks, “You Said You Were Sorry,” delves into the theme of an ex-partner seeking forgiveness. The lyrics depict Gomez dreaming of an ex apologizing for the pain caused during their relationship, offering her a sense of closure. Fans have drawn parallels between this song and Bieber’s 2015 hit “Sorry,” interpreting Gomez’s track as a response to their tumultuous past.
“How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten”
Another track that has garnered attention is “How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten.” In this song, Gomez critiques an unnamed ex with lines like “You’re so embarrassing” and “Look at you, just look at you now.” Many listeners speculate that these lyrics reference her on-and-off relationship with Bieber, which spanned from 2010 to 2018. The song’s tone suggests a dismissal of past heartbreaks, labeling them as embarrassing history.
“Younger and Hotter Than Me”
The track “Younger and Hotter Than Me” addresses feelings of jealousy and insecurity, particularly when seeing an ex with someone younger. Gomez sings, “Wish I never loved you / We’re not getting any younger / But your girlfriends seem to.” Fans have connected these lyrics to Bieber’s relationship with Hailey Baldwin, who is four years younger than Gomez.
Artistic Intent and Interpretations
Despite the speculations, Gomez has clarified that the album reflects her experiences with various people and transitions in her life, not solely focusing on Bieber. She emphasized that the songs encapsulate a range of emotions and stories, offering listeners multiple interpretations.
Collaborative Dynamics
The album also showcases the couple’s creative synergy, blending their personal histories into a meaningful project. Collaborations with artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX add depth and variety to the album, reflecting Gomez’s evolving musical style that combines vulnerability with playful sensuality.
Critical Reception
Critics have noted that while the album aims to present an authentic reflection of Gomez and Blanco’s experiences, it struggles to form a unique identity. The varied musical styles, including Latin pop and piano ballads, lack memorable hooks, leading to a muted response from some reviewers. However, fans appreciate the candidness and emotional depth of the lyrics, resonating with the sense of closure and personal growth conveyed throughout the album.
In summary, while “I Said I Love You First” contains tracks that fans believe reference Selena Gomez’s past relationship with Justin Bieber, the album primarily serves as a testament to her personal and artistic evolution, highlighting her journey towards self-acceptance and newfound love.The Guardian+9Music Times+9People.com+9
