“I dive into the future, but I’m blinded by the sun. I’m reborn in every moment, so who knows what I’ll become.”
It’s been 10 years since Selena Gomez opened her second solo album, Revival, with these striking words. At the time of its release I was in middle school and she was 23. Since then, I have graduated high school, college, and moved to a new city. I’m 23 now, and this album means as much to me as it did then, but in different ways. Certain songs remain my favorites, but have been given new meaning.
Revival
As the title and first song of the album, this wave of rebirth has always struck me. I have experienced and learned a lot in my late teens and early twenties. A good portion of it has been crushing, unpleasant, and I’ll be honest I wish I could forget it. However, these things were starting points to guide me where I want my life moving forward to go.
As Gomez sings, “I admit it’s been painful, but I’ll be honest I’m grateful. It’s my time to realize what I’ve learned is so vital, more than just survival. This is my revival.”
It’s not always easy to see the unfortunate scenes in life as something to be grateful for, but the best I can do is learn what I want out of it. I’m constantly growing, the world around me is constantly changing, and yet I choose my path, my story. “Revival” is a reminder of that.
Sober/Camouflage
Being break-up songs, they play off each other well with the sentiments they hold. They both have a few compelling verses, adding to their sentimental value.
Sober: “We fall for each other at the wrong time.” “You’ve got a hold on me. You’re like a wasted dream.” “I know I should leave, but your love’s too good.”
“Sober” is a song about relationships that aren’t necessarily healthy, but the person being the most affected is struggling to leave. When you love someone, wholly and deeply, it can be hard to separate your feelings from what’s good for you. Being with that person, especially when it’s been a few years, can feel exhausting, but being without them is scary. At least being with them, you know what to expect.
Camouflage: “All these memories seem so old, to think you were my everything.”
“You were mine just yesterday, now I have no idea who you are…how can love die?”
“Camouflage” is for the emotions that follow during a post-breakup reflection. While she does reflect on how seeing them again has been nice and she doesn’t want to leave, she acknowledges the fractures their relationship had. It details the harrowing reality that, even when you think you know someone, you really don’t in the end. It’s a very conflicting feeling.
Though these words cut like a knife, both songs display different sides of relationships that can feel validating to listeners with the same experience.
Same Old Love
One of the lead singles on the album and an overall classic, “Same Old Love” was something I experienced. I heavily related to “You left in peace, left me in pieces, too hard to breathe…” It was awful, which I’m sure others can relate to.
It differs from “Sober” and “Camouflage” because it holds feelings against a love that wasn’t really like love at all. She even says, “I’m not spending any time wasting tonight on you.” Therefore, it’s important to hold onto yourself and remain steadfast in your worth. Seriously, if you’re questioning if you should dump them, the answer is dump them!
Honorable Mentions: Me & The Rhythm/Me & My Girls
These are my absolute favorites as they are both such feel-good mood-boosters. “Me & The Rhythm” immediately lifts my spirits and gets me ready to dance. It’s impossible not to. One of its lyrics “You’re the spark” was featured on a Coca-Cola bottle, with her promotional picture breaking Instagram likes.
“Me & My Girls” gives off a sultry vibe that I absolutely die for. It’s the perfect G.N.O. song, and sets the expectation that women are out for a good time with friends, not to find a man. “No jodas, nosotras” (“Don’t bother us”) is exactly the vibe we are going for.
Of course, other classics like “Good For You” and “Hands To Myself” are always timeless and the album in its entirety is a no-skip. Whether I am going through the best of times, or the worst of times, Revival remains to be relevant for me, and I hope it can resonate with you.