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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Selena Gomez: Revelación

Streaming on Spotify

Remember “Despacito”? The sexy, sultry, and very dance-y Spanish single that was the summer of 2017’s unofficial anthem? It remains the longest-reigning No. 1 track on the Hot Latin Charts. A commercial and critical hit, the Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee collaboration reached number one on the Billboard charts following a remix from Justin Bieber. This success set off a series of Spanglish collaborations, from Beyoncé on “Mi Gente” to Billie Eilish on “Lo Vas a Olvidar.” Taking this trend to a new level is Selena Gomez’s fourth album—the star’s first Spanish EP—which promises to continue the sonic and lyrical experimentations seen in her third album, a critic’s darling. The first two singles have already reached the tops of the Hot Latin charts, and given the recent taste for Spanish crossover hits, the album seems poised to dominate the Billboard. Could she beat out Beiber, her former flame, as reigning Spanglish champion? We’re pulling for you, Selena. We prefer the Luis Fonsi-Daddy Yankee original anyway. —C.J.F.