Album Review: Selena Gomez’s “Rare”

Noelle Walker

On January 10, Selena Gomez released her long-anticipated album titled “Rare.” Long-anticipated indeed, considering her last album came out in October 2015. With 13 tracks–and her EP “Lose You to Love Me” earning number one on Billboard’s Hot 100, according to Billboard–fans could not wait for “Rare.”

So, how did this four-years-in-the-making album turn out? Read below to find out. 

1. Rare

A perfect opening for the album, the singer realizes her self-worth. She comprehends that she’s always there for her lover, but they do not do the same for her–and “that’s not fair.”

Best Lines: I’m not gonna beg for you / I’m not gonna let you make me cry / Not getting enough from you / Didn’t you know I’m hard to find?

2. Dance Again

This is definitely the go-to song for that midnight dance break session alone in your room. With its upbeat, fun tune, this song is for those who need to let loose and just dance again.

Best Line: Confidence is throwing your heart through every brick wall

3. Look at Her Now

This song is a must for every dance playlist. Before you know it, you’ll be singing “mm-mm-mm-mm-mm-mm-mm-mm” on your way to class.

Best Lines: Of course she was sad / But now she’s glad she dodged a bullet / Took a few years to soak up the tears / But look at her now 

4. Lose You to Love Me

Definitely one of her best songs on the album, Selena sings her heart out. This is a heartbreaking, beautiful song that’s for anyone who’s been hurt in a relationship. The song ends with the singer saying goodbye, marking “Lose You to Love Me” as a song about letting go of someone who used to be your world and moving on because it’s the best for you. 

Best Lines: I needed to lose you to find me / This dancing was killing me softly

5. Ring

A complete turn around from the previous track, “Ring” is a fun, flirty song fit for a night out or a night in, ignoring Tinder notifications.

Best Lines: Wrapped ‘round my finger like a ring, ring, ring / They just like puppets on a string, string, string

6. Vulnerable

In this song, the singer opens herself up to being vulnerable, despite the what if’s. It’s the perfect song for those who may be holding back from someone, scared to open up.

Best Lines: If I show you all my demons and we dive into the deep end / Would we crash and burn like every time before?

7. People You Know

In this song, Selena reveals a sad truth about life: people you used to be close with can become strangers. The singer reflects on her past with someone, wishing she could take back all the wasted nights. This is definitely the kind of song you listen to get you back in your feels.

Best Lines: We used to close, but people can go / From people you know to people you don’t

8. Let Me Get Me

In this song, Selena sings about how she won’t let her get herself down. An upbeat, soft song, this is for those who need to let loose and free their mind.

Best Lines: I’m good right now, I won’t let me get me / Take that tired heart and go and turn it inside-out

9. Crowded Room (ft. 6LACK)

While a little different from the theme of the album, this song still fits in with the album’s tune perfectly. Filled with beautiful lyrics like “Yeah, I was afraid, but you made it safe,” it’s ideal for when you’re in that “honeymoon” phase type of love. 

Best Lines: Baby, it’s just me and you / Just us two / Even in a crowded room

10. Kinda Crazy

You know that one guy you match with on Tinder that won’t stop messaging you even though you’ve let them know you’re no longer interested? This is the song for that. 

All jokes aside, this song is about that one toxic person who keeps giving you mixed signals.

Best Lines: I think you’re kind of crazy / And not the good kind, baby

11. Fun

Just like “Ring,” “Fun” is also a flirty, fun and upbeat song. Definitely about that new, exciting kind of relationship you want to explore. 

Best Lines: You may not be the one / But you look like fun

12. Cut You Off

This song is for those who have had enough and for those who need to let that toxic person go. Even though it’s the same theme as “Lose You to Love Me,” this song has a different style. It’s peaceful and carefree–and it’s the first step towards freedom.

Best Lines: Professionally messin’ with my trust / How could I confuse that shit for love?

13. A Sweeter Place (ft. Kid Cudi)

The perfect way to end the album, Selena and Kid Cudi present a beautiful, hopeful song about finding a sweeter place–a place where you can be free.

Best Lines: Holdin’ hands with the darkness and knowin’ my heart is allowed

While many of the songs in Selena Gomez’s newest album sound similar, they each have a uniqueness of their own in the lyrics. “Rare” is about heartbreak. It’s about healing. It’s about moving on. It’s about finding yourself.