Selena Gomez’s new single is a breath of fresh air for pop music. I never expected to write that sentence. Pop music has seen a decline in quality and authenticity over the years. It's become a homogenous pool of songs made for commercial consumption. Back in 2013 when Lorde released "Royals" it was a shock to the system. A song of almost demo-quality minimalism had become the best selling single in the States. It didn't have enough of an impact on the market, though, and in 2017 we are still being offered overproduced, by-the-book pop songs that don't feel personal, authentic, or art that has been slaved over. Selena Gomez picked up on this style of pop music that Lorde so effectively navigated in 2013. It seems that Gomez has finally effectively created her own minimal pop hit. "Bad Liar" is a rare glimpse of how simple, uncomplicated pop music can not only be personal, but still enjoyable.

The song is built on top of the bassline to Talking Heads’ classic "Psycho Killer." It is a minimal song that only features the bassline, electronic drums, syncopated hand claps, and additional chimes and bells. The song focuses on rhythm. The bassline keeps a steady rhythm as the additional percussion is layered on top to create an atmosphere, as well as keep the song moving and transition it to different parts. Gomez speak-sings with breathy vocals during the verses. There is a sense of unburdened causality. The song keeps its pace and Gomez never sings with too much or too little emotion to ensure that she does not complicate the mediation of the track. The lyrics explore her inability to keep her composure around this person she has feelings for. Her voice is also often layered with harmonies. All of this creates an intimate walk down the street with Gomez. The music allows just enough space for Gomez to deliver the lyrics in a passionate but not overly emotional style. There is no long, belting heavy chorus here. Instead, the songs chorus features a simple hook with layers of vocals, never once straying from the songs consistent cadence.

This seems like an important release, despite it not being overly emotional or produced. It's a slick uncomplicated pop song, a perfect casual summer song that is sturdy enough to weather the fast changing trends in pop music.