By Marissa Massare, Living and Arts Editor
Selena Gomez fans were treated to not one, but two surprise singles this week with first the release of “Lose You To Love Me” and then less than 24 hours later with “Look At Her Now.”
I grew up listening to Gomez’s early music during her Disney Channel days. With hits like “Who Says,” “A Year Without Rain” and the Wizards of Waverly Place theme song “Everything Is Not What It Seems,” young fans had endless possibilities of Gomez songs to jam out to.
The first concert I ever went to was a Selena Gomez concert. I couldn’t turn down free tickets when my 25-year-old cousin won them on the radio, which he obviously wasn’t going to use. I sat in the pouring down rain and humid heat to watch Gomez perform in Hershey. To my 11-year-old self, the night couldn’t have been more magical, especially when she closed with my favorite song, “Who Says.”
In the 24 hours since the release of both her new singles, it has been implied that both have ties to her former flame, Justin Bieber.
Both new singles were also accompanied by music videos from Gomez. Both singles are also clearly about finding out who Gomez is through the highs and lows of her life. As the name suggests “Lose You To Love Me,” it’s about how she was able to lose that person in her life, again potentially Bieber, to find out who she was without being associated with that other person. Sometimes one’s loss is another’s gain.
“Lose You To Love Me” is the slower of the two. It’s clear that this is a very raw and heartfelt song for Gomez. It leaves her vulnerable, but also shows growth. If you’re feeling down on yourself or doubting your worth at the hands of another person, “Lose You To Love Me” reassures listeners that we can give our all to someone without them realizing our value, and that’s okay because “now the chapter is closed and done” “and now it’s goodbye, it’s goodbye for us.” As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens.
I can imagine “Lose You To Love Me” will ignite more feelings among Gomez’s fans as it relates to issues many people go through.
The second of the new singles “Look At Her Now” is going to be the next pop hit overplayed on the radio. While “Lose You To Love Me” revealed a softer and vulnerable side of Gomez, “Look At Her Now” is the getting over you power bop that fans will need to listen to after the “Lose You To Love Me” breakup ballad.
Gomez sings “Took a few years / To soak up the tears / But look at her now / Watch her go.” Who needs Bieber when she’s the one and only Selena Gomez?
Just by the title of “Look At Her Now” we know that Gomez is not about to let anyone break her heart again. Look at her now, she’s back and better than ever.
For any Gomez fans, the two new singles are a sigh of relief not only because they’ve been dying for new music from her, but also because the singer has been through a lot recently.
Gomez hasn’t released a full album since 2016, with “Revival.” Since then, she’s released droplet singles like “Bad Liar,” “Wolves” and “Back To You.”
A comment from Gomez herself on the “Lose You To Love Me” music video reads “This song was inspired by many things that have happened in my life since releasing my last album. I want people to feel hope and to know you will come out the other side stronger and a better version of yourself.” Both songs replicate those intentions from Gomez.
While both are relatable, it’s honestly a personal preference which one will be your next go to song. If you want to be in your feelings but also feel a sense of empowerment, you might prefer “Lose You To Love Me,” like I do.
But if you’re in the mood for a powerful jam about just being yourself without any attachments or people to make you feel better about yourself, go ahead and put “Look At Her Now” on repeat.
Add these two songs to your latest playlist if you’re a Gomez fan, or if you simply enjoy empowering music.
