Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Selena Gomez released her new album “Rare” on Jan 10 of 2020, the first album she has released since 2015. The former Disney star goes deeper with this album, singing about the heartache she went through with Justin Bieber and the depression and anxiety she has struggled with, as well as touching on the stress of being famous.

The album starts with the title track “Rare,” a catchy pop tune that breaks down a relationship where the person she is with doesn’t appreciate her. The main point is that he doesn’t understand that she is “rare.” This is a powerful song to encourage women to never settle for someone who doesn’t see how special they are.

The next song on her album, “Dance Again,” is about her moving on from her trauma and opening herself up to having fun again and trying to find happiness. She sings about how she feels high without emotional baggage weighing her down.

Gomez’s song “Look at Her Now” refers to herself in the third person and once again touches on a toxic relationship. She discusses how she was hurt and how she bounced back and grew from her troubles.

One of my favorites on her album is “Lose You To Love Me.” With slow vocals and a gentle instrumental, she croons about only loving herself after her breakup.

So much of her album covers her heartache — which shows that she is struggling to process everything — but I think that her self-love focus will be very helpful for countless listeners who are dealing with toxic relationships. Similarly, it could help those who are dealing with depression and anxiety which she touches on in several songs.

Overall Review: This album, while not totally soulful, I think has some really important songs that can help those who listen. I recommend this album to those who want a bop that has some more meaning behind the lyrics.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of selenagomez.com