She's mostly known for her roles as McKayala on "Hannah Montana" and Alex Russo on "Wizards of Waverly Place", so it's not surprising that most people don't take Selena Gomez seriously as a musician. True, there's the fact of her thin voice, blatant use of auto-tune and vocal processing, her over-reliance on her production team, and who could forget that awful SNL performance in 2009? It's easy to understand the disdain for Gomez foraying into singing, but all that chatter turns away from the fact that she actually has built up some impressive songs in her catalogue. Today, I'll pick ten songs from her four albums. These songs were not released as singles, and they go to show how having the right people in your corner can mask the flaws in your voice while providing an intoxicating sense of sheer joy.
1. "I Won't Apoligize" from Kiss & Tell (2009)
Why it's good: This is a mid-tempo rocker that's probably the response to Selena's relationship with Nick Jonas. It's a frothy mix of teen-pop and some new-wave, that insistently states that she's sorry that she had to grow up and start evolving into a young-woman, but she won't apologize for just being who she was. I mean, I like a kiss-off, especially when it's directed to a Jonas brother.
2. "I Don't Miss You At All" from Kiss & Tell (2009)
Why it's good: This is a very synth-driven rocker, fast-tempo and sassy performance from Selena. Once again, this could just be Selena telling Nick Jonas that she doesn't miss him or their relationship anymore, or she could just be playing a character (she is an actress, you know). Either way, it's fun to theorize about who she's telling off here.
3. "Stop & Erase" from Kiss & Tell (2009)
Why it's good: Any song that attempts to take down the bullies is a song of mine, and that's exactly what this song is. Selena finally universalizes a subject here, and creates a teen-emo-pop rocker that for a minute makes you believe Selena could be a great singer. She's not, but it's sure nice to hear her sing to the bleachers in a power stance like this one.
4. "Off the Chain" from A Year Without Rain (2010)
Why it's good: This song is a dramatic departure from Selena's pop-rock beginnings, and instead she takes to synth-pop. The beginning of this song is great and ethereal, and that mood pretty much stays there as she sings of church bells and angels. The phrase 'your love is off the chain' is pretty awesome, too.
5. "Summer's Not Hot" from A Year Without Rain (2010)
Why it's good: An EDM song produced by the very competend RedOne, this is a very simple tale of how even though it's 99 degrees outside, if Selena isn't with the one she loves, then it's still a cold, barron winter. This song will definitely ignite the dancefloor.
6. "Live Like There's No Tomorrow" from A Year Without Rain (2010)
Why it's good: Selena is obviously at her best when she sings about universal subjects, and even though this song is very cliched in its message to live and love like you won't be alive tomorrow, Selena pulls it off with her best vocal delivery. And come on, it's hard to not like a song like this, because it actually doesn't play as cheesy as it reads.
7. "My Dilemma" from When the Sun Goes Down (2011)
Why it's good: In her weakest album to date, you can't help but look for bright spots. This song is definitely one, with its return to pop-rock and it is the only song on the entire record to instantly set its roots in your ear and stay there.
8. "Like a Champion" from Stars Dance (2013)
Why it's good: This is a EDM/Dancehall song, very much like Rihanna's work, but Selena does manage to make it her own with a more girlish delivery and sincere sensuality. Obviously, this was meant to be a party song, but it could go in the way of building your self-esteem with lines like 'walk like a champion, talk like a champion'.
9. "Forget Forever" from Stars Dance (2013)
Why it's good: Right away, the production of this song is flawless: the synths and drum machines elevate Selena's powerful vocals to the stratosphere, and it can't help but affect you in some way. It's a giddy dance jam about breaking up (in this case, from Justin Bieber), and it's easily one of the best songs ever recorded by Selena.
10. "Save the Day" from Stars Dance (2013)
Why it's good: If 'Like a Champion' was Selena's bid to be Rihanna, then this song is her attempt to be JLo. Featuring some latin guitars and a "Love?"-inspired dance beat, Selena once again powers her way through another banger that exploits her strengths to a hilt. And that low-synth rhythm...oohhhh yes.
Were there any songs that you think I missed? Shoot me a response! And hopefully, the public will gain more exposure to songs like these, so the shit-talk can maybe subside...somewhat.
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