Selena Gomez, De Una Vez | Track Review

Pop singer Selena Gomez shines on her truly empowering and thoughtful Latin pop single, “De Una Vez.”

Have I been critical of Selena Gomez from a musical perspective in the past? Yes – I admit it! Do I regret it? Nah, because it was never personal – Gomez seems like a very nice person.  The criticisms have often revolved around her lack of flashiness artistically and vocally.  On her 2020 studio album, Rare, Gomez stepped up her game.  It wasn’t a perfect album but well-rounded overall.  On “De Una Vez”, a single sung exclusively in Spanish, she delivers a solid, enjoyable performance.  According to Billboard, Gomez, who’s proud of her heritage, asserts, “It felt empowering to sing in Spanish again.” Indeed!

“De Una Vez” (“At Once”) is perfectly suited to Selena Gomez.  It’s a brief number, running just past two-and-a-half minutes. That’s sufficient.  Not particularly flashy, “De Una Vez” is moderately slow in pace and quite chill in its overall sound.  The backdrop, produced by Tainy, Jota Rosa, Albert Hype, and NEON16, gives Gomez the perfect canvas to express matters of the heart.  Truly empowering, the best moment of “De Una Vez” is definitely the chorus, where she sings (translated):

“Once and for all, ah-ah-ah
I’m stronger alone, ah-ah-ah
I don’t regret the past
I know the time by your side cut my wings
But now this chest is bulletproof.”

With him out of the picture, Gomez is stronger, even if it hurt her in the past.  She’s come to terms with the fact that she doesn’t need him – she’s strong all by herself.  That’s powerful.

Final Thoughts  

Again, I’ve criticized Selena Gomez in the past.  On “De Una Vez,” I have no glaring criticisms in all honestly.  While this isn’t a game changing Spanish pop number, it’s a short and sweet one with a thoughtful message.  The empowerment, as well as the respectable performance, with cool and colorful production work, make “De Una Vez” a winner in my book. 

Selena Gomez • “De Una Vez” • Interscope • 1.14.21

[: Interscope]