Priyanka Tiwari
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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s debut joint album, I Said I Love You First, dropped on March 21 following their December engagement. The album racked up 14.2 million Spotify streams in its first full day. While solid for an indie project, the numbers seem underwhelming given Gomez’s global fanbase and the media buzz around her comeback.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's 'I Said I Love You First' earned 14.2 million streams in its first full day of release on Spotify. pic.twitter.com/WWCFc7jZgf
— chart data (@chartdata) March 22, 2025
For comparison:
- Jennie (BLACKPINK): Ruby – 29 million+ debut streams
- Taylor Swift: The Tortured Poets Department – 300 million debut streams
Internet Divided Over Album Quality
The album's reception has been polarising. Some listeners called it Gomez’s “best album yet”, praising its indie, whisper-pop tone. Others labelled it a "flop" or said it “tanked” on streaming platforms.
SHE FLOPPED SO HARD LMFAO SKSKSKSKSKS
— ❀ ⋆˙⟡ ???? ⋆˙⟡☼ (@ntlcsunshine) March 22, 2025
Despite the criticism, fans defended the album’s organic success, noting:
- No heavy label push
- No Interscope playlisting or major radio play
- No live performances or billboard promotions
The worst promo rollout, no interscope promo as its under an exclusive license of Selena Gomez (which means she’s basically an independent artist right now), no playlisting, NO RADIO, no live performances, no huge Billboards promo from her label.. just Selena, Benny, & Fan love.
— Selenur (@yourightselena) March 22, 2025
Many highlighted that the album’s modest streams were achieved without traditional industry promotion, attributing success to fan love and grassroots support.
Is "How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten" About Justin Bieber?
One track, “How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten,” has sparked speculation that it’s aimed at Gomez’s former partner, Justin Bieber. With lyrics perceived as moody and emotionally direct, fans were quick to draw connections to their past relationship.
However, Gomez clarified during her Spotify Countdown interview on March 19:
“Most of this album has nothing to do with what everyone may go to. It’s about my own journey, evolution, and personal relationships.”
Taylor Swift Backs Selena’s Album in Comeback Instagram Post
In a show of support, Taylor Swift broke her 100-day Instagram silence to post a shoutout to Selena and Benny, celebrating their new album. The move sparked renewed buzz and fan excitement around the project.
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