Music Review: “When the Sun Goes Down” by Selena Gomez & The Scene

2011, Hollywood Records

Reviewed by Annie Robinson, 14
Canada

"Who says you're not perfect? Who says you're not worth it?" Certainly not the fans of Selena Gomez! On her third album, When the Sun Goes Down, this Disney star gone pop princess sings about love, inner beauty, and following your dreams. The 12-track album is strung together by up-tempo, up-beat songs with positive messages. It also boasts a highly renowned crop of co-songwriters including Pixie Lott, Britney Spears, and Katy Perry. " When the Sun Goes Down is an album you can listen to from start to finish without wanting to press pause.

The album begins with "I Love You Like A Love Song," an up-tempo twist on a classic love song. Its danceable electro-pop beat is carried throughout the entire album giving this CD the ultimate one two punch--it is fun to both sing and dance to! My personal favorite tracks were hard to choose, but included "Bang, Bang, Bang," "We Own the Night," and "Whiplash." All the songs on the album were equally enjoyable and featured bouncy, fast-moving, techno-saturated vibes.

Positive messages are a hallmark of this album, which is yet another reason to love it! Lyrics are punctuated by messages about inner beauty and following your dreams. One of the most influential songs on the album is "Who Says," a true empowerment anthem about loving and accepting yourself."  Within the first few weeks of being released, "Who Says" peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shortly thereafter became the number 1 dance/club play tune on the Billboard charts. This feel-good tune gives music lovers a reason to smile.

When the Sun Goes Down is Selena Gomez's best album to date. The fun, youthful spirit of the album is perfect for teenage girls especially because of its "dance-like-no-one-can-see-you" feel. This album is laced with electronic beats and thumping bass notes which make this CD perfect for dancing queens. When the Sun Goes Down is an amazing album, but watch out! It is highly addictive and very catchy. You will be listening to this album nonstop and it will soon become a favorite in your music library.