Selena Gomez has finally released new music and is opening up to her fans and the world in the process. After weeks of speculation and rumors about a best-of album and a new single, today (Nov. 6), the former Disney star released a highly emotional music video for the track "The Heart Wants What It Wants." And all the while, she's channeling the drama surrounding the relationship with her on-again, off-again ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber.
"When I was on stage and thinking of... I feel like I know him though, and I know his heart. I know what he wouldn't do to hurt me. But I didn't realize feeling confident and feeling so great about myself, and then it just be completely shattered by one thing... by something so stupid," Gomes says in a recording before breaking into tears. "But then you make me feel so crazy and make me feel like it's my fault. I was in pain."
The black and white video then continues with this emotional turmoil. Between shots of Gomez and her video lover looking happy together and making love, the real pain inside Gomez shows through.
Though she's at a club surrounded by friends, she looks bored and in pain while leaning on her man's shoulder. There are also poignant scenes of Gomez crying while looking into the camera and staring at herself in the mirror.
Though the song itself screams of inspiration from Gomez's rocky relationship with Bieber, the music itself is stunning sans the personal drama. Though Gomez has never necessarily been known for her vocal prowess, she managed to steam and sizzle in the mid-range of this song with more than simple competency.
She sells the raw emotion of the song, too. "Save you advice 'cause I won't hear / There's a million reasons why I should give you up / But the heart wants what it wants,' she sings in the pre-chorus with key vocal raises and choices that sound half between a cry and anger.
That's not to mention that the track itself has a catchy melody and unfortunately relatable message. Chalk this one as a win for the now grown up Gomez as she continues to shed her Disney image.
"The Heart Wants What It Wants" is the lead single from Gomez's upcoming best-of album For You.
