Rank: 3.5/5
Selena Gomez has been through a lot, but her latest return to the spotlight proves to fans and haters alike the starlet may be able to do it all.
These past few years were hectic, from her relationship with Justin Bieber to ugly incidents of fat-shaming that led to emotional turmoil.
After releasing her first three studio albums as Selena Gomez and the Scene, her second solo studio album, “Revival,” sees Gomez take back control of herself and become a more mature artist.
Disney alumns seem to be going the overtly sexual route with their image and music lately, so much so that it seems forced at times. Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato are prime examples. While that may work for them, Gomez hasn’t necessarily gone down the same path.
Though Gomez is more sexually mature with this era of her music, she still doesn’t appear to be going that route, which is refreshing.
With “Revival” Gomez is finding her style, her signature pop-R&B blend, and it all comes together nicely.
But “Revival” is by no means perfect.
Gomez is no vocal powerhouse, and the lyrics are nothing revolutionary. However, none of that matters while listening to the album, which, when it works, is irresistible.
“Revival” works best with its singles. “Good For You” featuring A$AP Rocky is probably the most well-known single and is one of the best tracks of the album.
Gomez expertly utilizes her sultry voice on the song and exudes a sensual energy that pulsates throughout. She almost sounds nonchalant, but it works for the song. “Good For You” is smooth and a pleasant listen.
“Same Old Love” is more of a pop single compared to the R&B style of “Good For You” and is another album standout. The track sounds like a personal memoir that everyone can relate to.
It will be interpreted that every song on “Revival” is about Bieber, and “Same Old Love” is no exception. Though she denies it, “Same Old Love” certainly sounds like it could be about her relationship with him, and it’s fun to speculate.
The title track “Revival” is a great album opener, setting the tone for what’s to come. When artists have a track with the same name as the album, it need not be forgettable, otherwise it’s a disappointment.
Luckily, the song is worthy of sharing the album’s name. On “Revival,” Gomez sings about being restored and reinvigorated in life, summing up the album’s subject matter. The song is simple, slower with drumming synths, but still powerful as it can elicit a listener’s own revival.
For Gomez fans and non-fans, “Revival” is a good listen. It’s more interesting and introspective than anything she has done before.