Selena Gomez "Come & Get It"
In 2013, Selena Gomez made a striking statement with the release of "Come & Get It"—a bold and sensual track that marked a significant shift in her musical identity. Having risen to fame as a Disney Channel star and the frontwoman of Selena Gomez & the Scene, she took her first major step as a solo artist with this single. It was not only a commercial success but also an artistic evolution, showcasing a more mature sound, vocal confidence, and a willingness to experiment with global musical influences.
For both music fans and musicians, "Come & Get It" represents an interesting blend of Western pop and Eastern musical elements, combined with modern production and carefully crafted songwriting. Let’s explore the details behind this memorable track.
Song Overview
"Come & Get It" was released in April 2013 as the lead single from Selena Gomez's debut solo album, Stars Dance. The song is rooted in electro-pop and dance-pop genres but stands out due to its heavy incorporation of Indian and Middle Eastern musical influences.
The track opens with a mesmerizing tabla rhythm and features sitar-like melodies, layered with synths and electronic beats. The result is a sound that feels exotic yet accessible to mainstream audiences.
Lyrically, the song speaks from a position of power and self-assuredness. Gomez sings about love and desire but flips the traditional narrative—she is in control, inviting someone to "come and get it" on her terms. This theme of female empowerment is delivered through a sensuous vocal performance that marked a clear departure from her earlier, more innocent image.
Songwriting and Production
"Come & Get It" was written by Ester Dean, Mikkel S. Eriksen, and Tor Erik Hermansen. The latter two make up the Norwegian production duo Stargate, who also handled the production of the track.
Stargate was already well-established in the pop and R&B worlds, having worked with artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry. Their signature sound—slick, rhythmic, and hook-driven—is evident in this track, but they push the envelope by adding non-Western instrumentation and scales.
Ester Dean, known for her catchy hooks and emotionally resonant lyrics, crafted a melody that is both hypnotic and radio-friendly. Musicians will appreciate the clever use of harmonic minor scale elements, which contribute to the track's exotic feel.
Vocally, Selena Gomez delivers one of her most confident performances to date. Her restrained yet expressive tone blends perfectly with the beat-heavy arrangement, and the layered harmonies in the chorus provide a rich texture that enhances the overall atmosphere.
Charts
"Come & Get It" was a commercial breakthrough for Selena Gomez as a solo artist. It peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her first top 10 hit as a solo act.
The song also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Canada, the UK, and Australia. In the United States, it was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting over three million units sold.
Beyond chart performance, the song was a radio favorite and topped Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart. It also received nominations at various award shows, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the Teen Choice Awards.
This success helped establish Gomez as a serious player in the pop music landscape and set the tone for her subsequent releases.
Music Video
The music video for "Come & Get It" was directed by Anthony Mandler, a filmmaker known for his visually striking work with artists like Rihanna and Lana Del Rey. The video complements the song’s mystique and global influences through imagery that blends nature, fire, and sensual choreography.
Selena is shown in a variety of settings: dancing barefoot in a field, submerged in water, and surrounded by flames. Each scene emphasizes elemental themes and aligns with the song’s underlying message of feminine strength and allure.
The visual aesthetic is rich in reds, golds, and dark tones, enhancing the exoticism of the song. Her wardrobe, makeup, and dance moves all reflect a mature and confident artist embracing her individuality and taking creative control.
From a production standpoint, the video uses slow motion, wide-angle shots, and symbolic visuals to great effect, offering both music fans and visual artists something to admire.
