Selena Gomez took her sweet time before recording her debut album. After all, she had her hands full starring in her hit Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverley Place, not to mention appearing in a string of movies and other TV shows. Still, music had been a passion of hers going back to childhood. All grown up, Selena comes on strong with her Hollywood Records premiere CD Kiss & Tell.
A Little Help
But she didn't get there alone. Producer Ted Bruner, along with songwriters Gina Schock, Tim James and Antonina Armato, plus Selena's band, The Scene, wrap her vocals with fire and fierceness. "Because it is my first record I wanted it to be amazing," Selena says. "I think of this record as a huge learning journey. I wanted to find my sound and see where I wanted to go musically."
Rock & Roll
On that journey, she clearly found her musical home base. And it rocks. Selena's blazing rock 'n' roll chops may surprise you, especially on songs like Kiss & Tell, with its drums, tight harmonies and lead guitar work. Says Selena with a laugh, "Basically this is my harsh song, but in a good way."
Back To Reality
Selena decided to make the album "passionate, fun and empowering,” as she puts it. So, for the most part, the 17-year-old singer bypasses the puppy love and goes straight to a righteous "guys are dogs" attitude in songs like Falling Down and I Don't Miss You At All. I Won't Apologize (which Selena co-wrote) takes a stand for self-affirmation. "Girls my age tend to change themselves for others, whether it's a boyfriend or trying to fit in with the 'cool kids.' This song says you're not going to apologize for who you are."
The ballads on this CD include The Way I Loved You and I Promise You - love songs steeped in romance. But then Stop and Erase, I Got U, Crush and As A Blond bring the edge back. "Every girl goes through a break-up at some point," says Selena, "and they never feel good. I wanted to make sure that the songs about heartbreak were all empowering rather than sad. When I perform these songs I don't feel I am dwelling on pain."
She ends the album with a re-recording of Tell Me Something I Don't Know, a hip-hop-flavored track she cut a few years ago. "I thought it would be a fun to redo the song and add some cool techno beats."
Fast Facts
- Birthdate: July 22, 1992
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
- Started acting at: 7
- First gig: Barney & Friends
- BFF: Demi Lovato
- First feature film: Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over
- Voice work: Horton Hears a Who!
- Cameos: Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
- Starring role: Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place
- Awards: 2009 Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program
- Soundtracks: Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie, 101 Dalmatians, Another Cinderella Story and Tinker Bell
- Volunteer work: St Jude's Hospital for children, Disney's Friends for Change and youth ambassador for UNICEF
- Goals: "I want to inspire others, help and make an impact."
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