This past Friday, Jan. 10, pop singer Selena Gomez released her third solo studio album, “Rare.” The album released by Gomez, 27, has been highly anticipated by fans since her last album “Revival,” which came out nearly five years ago. 

The album mainly reflects on her relationship (and heartbreak) with singers Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, as well as the hardships she has faced with her own mental and physical health. It is an anthem for growing stronger and more confident, despite all her struggles.  

The album is packed with 13 tracks ranging from upbeat to slow tempo. Leading up to the album’s launch, a few singles were released, including “Lose You To Love Me” and “Look At Her Now.” The album was released a few months after her music video premieres for both singles. 

The songs are vulnerable and offer a look into Gomez’s last few hectic years. The album opens up with the title track, “Rare,” which is an empowering and strong-willed song that talks about the confidence necessary to know one’s self-worth. 

This theme of empowerment continues in “Dance Again,” “Ring,” “Look At Her Now,” “Let Me Get Me,” and “A Sweeter Place.” In these songs, Gomez reflects on what she has learned from past relationships and how they have made her into a stronger, happier person. 

Yet, Gomez still includes songs of heartbreak and bad relationships in tracks such as “People You Know,” “Kinda Crazy,” “Lose You To Love Me” and “Cut You Off.” In these songs, Gomez reflects on the pain she felt from failed and somewhat toxic relationships. 

On the flip side, however, Gomez offers up songs that discuss giving love another chance and what it’s like to start to fall for someone again, such as “Vulnerable,” “Crowded Room” and “Fun.” Each of these songs are hopeful, romantic, and are great portrayals of what love should be like.  

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez emphasizes the idea that despite having her own inspirations for each song, everyone can relate to her album in their own way. “Of course, I know the meaning, but someone else can take that meaning as well,” Gomez stated. “Everyone has felt the emotions that I have felt. I know I’m not a freak. It’s something that we all go through.” 

She continues, “We all go through hardships, breakups, complications with yourself, getting your mind out of just a bad place. So, I think it’s pretty obvious if you ask me, but I want people to make that their own.”

Compared to her other albums, it appears that Gomez is opening up more and allowing for listeners to connect more to her music than previously. She is vulnerable, tapping into the good and bad aspects of relationships, as well as her own personal struggles. With such themes prevalent throughout the album, it’s easy to find songs to relate to and sympathize with, culminating in one of the best albums Gomez has released to date. 

Album Rating: 4.5/5