Release date and format
“Lose You to Love Me” was released as a single on October 23, 2020. It preceded the rollout of Selena Gomez’s second studio album, Rare, and was issued through Interscope Records as a standalone single before appearing on the album tracklist. The song was written by Gomez, alongside Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, and producers The Monsters & The Strangerz.
Context for the release
“Lose You to Love Me” arrived during a notable moment in Gomez’s public journey, coinciding with increased openness about mental health and personal growth. It marked a shift toward more piano-driven, introspective pop compared to her earlier dance-centric records. The release was part of a broader redefinition of her artistry in 2020, setting the stage for subsequent singles and the Rare album rollout.
Chart performance and milestones
Upon release, the single debuted atop the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Gomez’s first number-one song in the United States. It also achieved top-10 positions in multiple international markets and earned multi-platinum certifications in several regions. The track’s success reinforced Gomez’s momentum in the pop landscape during 2020 and early 2021.
Key milestones by region
| Region / Chart | Peak position or status | Notable timing |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | Number 1 | Late 2020 |
| UK Singles Chart | Top 10 | Late 2020 |
| Australia (ARIA) | Top 10 | Late 2020 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | Top 10 | Late 2020 |
Promotion and live performances
Gomez promoted “Lose You to Love Me” with high-profile televised performances and late-night appearances, including a notable rendition on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The song’s music video, directed by Sophie Muller, presented an intimate, stripped-down aesthetic that emphasized vocal delivery and emotional clarity. These choices signaled a more vulnerable image aligned with the song’s lyrical theme.
Reception and legacy
Critics highlighted the track’s sincerity and minimalist production, noting its departure from trend-driven pop. Fan reception was strong, with many connecting to its themes of self-love and emotional renewal. In retrospective looks at Gomez’s catalog, “Lose You to Love Me” is frequently cited as a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution, underscoring maturity and introspection.
Related context: from Rare to later work
As a precursor to Rare, the single helped establish an album centered on resilience and joy. Following its success, Gomez continued to explore upbeat yet reflective pop, balancing introspective tracks with celebratory anthems. The enduring popularity of “Lose You to Love Me” has kept it central to discussions of Gomez’s discography and her transition as a pop artist in the 2020s.