What makes The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez notable?

'The Heart Wants What It Wants' received widespread acclaim, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Gomez her first MTV VMA nomination for Best Lyric Video. The song's candid exploration of emotional vulnerability resonated with listeners, contributing to its status as a defining anthem for young adults navigating complex relationships. In 2014, Selena Gomez released 'The Heart Wants What It Wants' as her first major solo single following her departure from Disney and her band, Selena Gomez & The Scene. This track marked a significant moment in her transition to a more mature sound and image, reflecting her personal struggles and growth. The song's release also set the stage for her debut solo album 'Revival' in 2015.

How many songs are on The Heart Wants What It Wants?

The Heart Wants What It Wants has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Released 12 years ago today

The Heart Wants What It Wants

Selena Gomez · 2014

3 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A haunting blend of ethereal production and introspective lyrics that encapsulate the turbulence of love and loss.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Heart Wants What It Wants — This title track stands out for its raw emotional depth, combining vulnerable lyrics with a powerful vocal performance that showcases Gomez's artistic evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The song's atmospheric production and emotional delivery create a strong connection, marking a notable shift in Gomez's career.

What we noticed

The production features a sparse arrangement with layered synths and a steady beat, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the vocals.
The song employs a verse-chorus structure, with the chorus emphasizing emotional intensity through repetition.
Vocals are delivered in a breathy style, enhancing the intimate feel of the lyrics while maintaining a sense of vulnerability.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Gomez's transition to solo artistry and wider recognition post-Disney.
Themes: public heartbreak· celebrity relationship turmoil
Career context: In 2014, Selena Gomez released 'The Heart Wants What It Wants' as her first major solo single following her departure from Disney and her band, Selena Gomez & The Scene. This track marked a significant moment in her transition to a more mature sound and image, reflecting her personal struggles and growth. The song's release also set the stage for her debut solo album 'Revival' in 2015.
Stylistic neighbors: Dua Lipa· Sabrina Carpenter· Tinashe