Selena Gomez returns with a polarizing new single, “Bad Liar.” It has both its flaws and its moments. 

Selena Gomez has returned with a new single ladies and gentlemen entitled “Bad Liar.” We won’t spend the time hating on Gomez’s vocals…that much. She’s admitted she’s not the greatest singer, though, she didn’t have to. No shade.  Anyways, she’s had her moments, rather, the right material to make it work. “Bad Liar” has an interesting sound, but sound alone does not make a great, memorable record.  Evaluating “Bad Liar” should be hit or miss to quote Jacob Sartorius, but it’s not.

Initially, Gomez seems to be talking through the record.

“I was walking down the street the other day / Tryna distract myself / But then I see your face / Oh wait, that’s someone else…”

Okay, okay, yes, she’s singing, but the approach is incredibly nonchalant, stoic – devoid of emotion.  She doesn’t add some emotion until the uncharacteristic “ooh” on the pre-chorus:

“Ooh, you’re taking up a fraction of my mind / Ooh, every time I want you serpentine.”

By the second verse, things percolate a bit.  Gomez enforces the pitch a bit more, adding more emotion to her performance. Still, it’s a bit odd, as is the production.  There’s this sense of polarization – the cool nature of the song is kind of cool, yet it’s lacking.  Vocally, Gomez still has her issues, namely the grit she attempts towards the end.  Give her credit, yet don’t…

Final Thoughts 

Honestly, it’s tough to know what to make of “Bad Liar.” It distinguishes itself from other singles on the radio, yet it feels unfinished, lacking the bombast that makes most pop singles great. Sometimes Gomez is put into an optimal vocal position, yet many of her colleagues could’ve pulled this one off better.  Some will like it, some will hate it.  As for me and my site, um, we’ll split the difference.

Selena Gomez • Bad Liar – single •  Interscope • Release: 5.18.17

Photo Credit: Interscope