In March 2025, the music world buzzed with excitement as Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco released the deluxe edition of their collaborative album, I Said I Love You First. The album, which had already garnered significant attention, was further enriched by the addition of two new tracks. Among them is "Stained," a song that fans have long awaited, originally teased nearly nine years ago. As the couple explores their personal and professional lives together, fans of both artists eagerly welcome this fresh offering into a narrative that blends their artistic endeavors with their deepening relationship.
The release of the deluxe edition comes at a pivotal moment for Gomez and Blanco, who recently announced their engagement. This status has not only sparked a resurgence of public interest in their music but has also infused a personal touch to their latest projects. The inclusion of "Stained" in the deluxe edition is especially significant, given its history. Written sometime after Gomez's 2015 album Revival, the song was initially produced by Blanco and even leaked online in an incomplete form.
In a livestreamed event prior to the album's release, Gomez addressed the backstory of "Stained." “You know, I actually loved that song and I was nervous… I remember I was still nervous to curse in a song,” she reminisced, indicating the personal stakes she has with the lyrics. “I’m sure I leaked it on accident, or I did something. But it got out, and I’m kind of happy that it did.” This candid commentary not only highlights her vulnerability as an artist but also showcases the intimate journey that led to this release.
The new acoustic version of “Call Me When You Break Up,” featuring Gracie Abrams, is another noteworthy addition. This collaboration represents the seamless blend of talent across generations—a trend becoming increasingly popular in today’s music landscape.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s partnership exemplifies how collaboration can evolve and resonate throughout an artist's career. Prior to this deluxe album release, they have worked together on several hits, building a creative synergy that fans adore. Their ability to intertwine their personal lives with their artistic outputs has become a defining characteristic of their joint work.
As solo artists, both Gomez and Blanco have their distinct sounds and artistry. Gomez gained her fame as a Disney star before branching into pop music with a sound marked by emotional resonance and relatable themes. Blanco, on the other hand, is known for his production skills, having worked with a broad spectrum of artists, including Justin Bieber, Halsey, and Katy Perry. Their collaboration showcases a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s artistry—something apparent in their shared electrifying performances.
The chemistry between the two extends beyond the music studio. This past March, fans observed the couple sharing personal moments—evidence of their authentic bond—during interviews, and social media sessions. Their engagement has further solidified their partnership, making their music a testament to their evolving relationship.
The songs not only serve as entertainment but also provide a medium for Gomez to connect deeply with her audience. Both tracks in the deluxe version cater to the sentiments many fans across social media have expressed, seeking not just music but the stories and emotions behind them.
Fans have responded to the new tracks with zeal, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, where snippets have been shared and re-shared. The anticipation surrounding the deluxe edition's release echoes the public’s early connection to Gomez, who has been candid about her life experiences—be it through her music or social media content. Such engagement reinforces the importance of authenticity in today’s music landscape.
The rollout of the deluxe version signals potential future collaborations, whether between Gomez and Blanco or in a wider context involving new artists and producers. The addition of tracks to the I Said I Love You First album suggests a formula that could redefine how artists approach album releases moving forward.
As artists continue to redefine how music is distributed, properties like deluxe editions have become essential for driving engagement and providing fans with fresh content. In an evolving music scene characterized by streaming and social media influences, Gomez and Blanco's approach highlights the possibilities of how narratives can be woven through music wrapped in personal stories and emotional depth.
The success of this deluxe album release marks another milestone in Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s careers. As fan anticipation brews for more collaborations, questions arise about what lies ahead for the newly engaged couple in the face of their personal and professional commitments.
The release of the deluxe version of I Said I Love You First has solidified Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s place in the current pop landscape while celebrating their personal relationship. With emotional tracks like "Stained" now officially part of their discography, fans are left eager for what the future may hold for this dynamic couple. The blend of personal connection with artistic collaboration not only enriches their music but also creates a new narrative of love and growth that resonates deeply with listeners.
The deluxe version includes two new tracks: "Stained" and an acoustic version of "Call Me When You Break Up."
"Stained" is a fan-favorite track that was originally produced by Benny Blanco and had a long history, having been teased in 2016 and leaked online, but not officially released until now.
The deluxe version of I Said I Love You First was released on March 28, 2025.
Fans have expressed excitement about the release on social media platforms, sharing their enthusiasm for the new tracks and discussing their emotional impacts.
Fans speculate on future collaborations, possibly exploring new creative avenues as the couple continues to develop their artistic and personal relationship.