Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Unveil Deluxe Edition of ‘I Said I Love You First’
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Announce Deluxe Edition of I Said I Love You First… And You Said It Back
In a vibrant resurgence of sounds and collaborations, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have unveiled plans for an expanded edition of their dazzling LP, I Said I Love You First… And You Said It Back, set to drop on May 2. Joining the dynamic duo on this deluxe reimagining are indie dream-pop outfit Cigarettes After Sex, and Jersey club innovator DJ Sliink, further amplifying the anticipation around this already celebrated album.
In a recent Instagram post, Gomez expressed her excitement, stating, “There are some new songs, some favorites you might recognize, and reimagined tracks from the original album.” The announcement, accompanied by a fresh photo of her and Blanco, hints at an adventurous expansion of their sonic universe. While the specifics on guest appearances remain shrouded in mystery, it’s noteworthy that GloRilla’s spoken interlude graces the original cut’s closing track, “Cowboy.”
Ahead of the deluxe release, fans can also look forward to the upcoming music video for “Talk,” which Gomez cheekily promoted by urging followers to “pick out your prom outfit.” As if the nostalgia of adolescent romance wasn’t enough, the promise of a new visual accompaniment adds an enticing layer to this expanding narrative.
Unforgettable partnerships punctuate the original album, which saw the light of day on March 21. Collaborators included the poignant Gracie Abrams on the breakup anthem “Call Me When You Break Up,” sultry sounds from The Marías on “Ojos Tristes," and a reggaeton hit with Tainy and J Balvin on “I Can’t Get Enough.” Moreover, Charli XCX’s backing vocals lend an electric vibrancy to “Bluest Flame,” making for a truly multifaceted experience.
The track “Ojos Tristes” notably incorporates a delicate interpolation of Jeanette’s melancholic classic “El Muchacho de Los Ojos Tristes.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, Jeanette remarked on the beauty of Gomez’s rendition, praising its modern twist while honoring the song’s essence.
Critics like Rob Sheffield have championed the initial release, suggesting in his review, “Let’s hope we get many sequels to this album over the years to come, because the world needs all the uplifting pop-star love stories we can get.” As anticipation builds for the deluxe version, fans are left wondering what surprises and stories Gomez and Blanco have yet to share.
With Cigarettes After Sex and DJ Sliink joining this star-studded affair, the I Said I Love You First deluxe version is set to be an alluring blend of indie charm and high-energy dance beats—a fresh narrative of love, loss, and celebration waiting to be unveiled.
