Kygo & Selena Gomez, It Ain’t Me | Track Review 🎵

Kygo and Selena Gomez make magic on electro-pop single, “It Ain’t Me.”

Selena Gomez has established herself as “a force to be reckoned with.” It is interesting that musically she’s “kind of a big deal.” Why? Vocally, she’s not the crème de la crème.  Being the honest, authentic person she appears to be, she owns her deficiencies, which is incredibly admirable.  Even given those deficiencies, Gomez manages to work well on select records, such as the infectious, sexy “Good for You”. She manages the same prowess on “It Ain’t Me,” a collaboration with Norwegian musician-DJ, Kygo.

“It Ain’t Me” opens more like a folk-pop record than an electro-pop one, thanks to the use of guitars.  Gomez vocally approaches the record in this manner, with sound results. Soon enough, thudding four-on-the-floor drums add that electro component, while not totally compromising the folk sensibility.  This makes “It Ain’t Me” an interesting concept from the jump, hence piquing interest more than some electronic records do because of its concept.

One of the great production touches isn’t instrumentally but rather vocally.  The vocal production is “on-point,” making Gomez’s vocals incredibly robust on the pre-chorus.

“Who’s gonna walk you on the dark side of the morning…”

It should also be noted that Gomez deserves some credit herself, delivering passionate vocals.

As for her partner in crime, Kygo, he “does the damn thing” as always.  Through his production work, it’s clear he has great musical intuition and has been exposed to a classical repertoire of music.  No, that doesn’t make his music imperfect, but clearly, he’s got great influences on his side.

Final Thoughts

So, is “It Ain’t Me” a hit? Potentially.  Having the star power of Selena Gomez never hurts.  Even those, as aforementioned, that take issue with her vocal prowess, can’t deny her celebrity musically and overall.  She has a lane and she excels in it.  Kygo is quickly building a name for himself as well, so this collaboration has that hit potential. The song isn’t a game changer, but it is enjoyable and well put together. Kudos.

Kygo & Selena Gomez • “It Ain’t Me” • Interscope • Release: 2.17.17

 Photo Credit: Interscope