Kiss & Tell (Selena Gomez & the Scene album)
Encyclopedia
Kiss & Tell is the debut studio album by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene
. It was released on September 29, 2009 by Hollywood Records
. Gomez formed the band as she stated she did not want to become a solo artist quite yet. The band worked with several writers and producers on the album including Gina Schock
of the Go-Go's. Their work with Schock received a warm reception from musical critics, most of which praised the tracks worked on by Schock. The album was praised by music critics, however, several critics had a somewhat negative reception towards Gomez's vocal performance, in light of a critically panned performance on Dancing with the Stars
, in which the band performed to promote the album.
The album has spawned two singles, the lead single
"Falling Down
", and the follow up "Naturally
". "Falling Down" failed to chart well, however, it did peak at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100
. The single has become a hit in Japan, peaking at number 15, their only Top 20 hit in the country to date. The follow up single, "Naturally" proved to be more successful. It topped the Hot Dance Club Play
chart in the US, as well as peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100
, making it their first Top 40 hit in that country. The single was also an international success, reaching the Top 20 in 14 countries, including Germany
, Canada
, and the United Kingdom
, where it became the first Disney Channel
act to enter the Top 10 since Hilary Duff
and her 2005 single, "Wake Up
".
The album was met with a strong commercial performance. Kiss & Tell debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200
selling 66,000 copies in the first week. It later climbed to a peak of 47 on the Year-End Album Chart. It peaked at number twenty-two on the Canadian Albums Chart
, after the success of "Naturally". The album was a worldwide success as well, entering the Top 10 in countries such as Spain
and Greece
. The album also entered the Top 10 in Argentina
. In Germany
, the album peaked at number 19. In March 2010, the album was certified Gold in the US, for shipments of 500,000 copies. As of August, 2011, Kiss & Tell has sold 778,000 copies in the United States.
. stating, "I'm going to be in a band — no Selena Gomez stuff. I'm not going to be a solo artist. I think that I don't want my name attached to it." She also said that if her music doesn't make people wanna move or maybe just shake their head, then she has failed. After two years of recording and going over one-hundred songs, Gomez announced the name of her band. She explained,
Gomez has said in several interviews (including one with Z100 New York) that the band was formed through a long, exhausting audition process. She said it was worth it, though, because she has a great band. However, not long after joining the band, keyboardist Nick Foxer left for unknown reasons, and was replaced by Dane Forrest. Gomez also re-recorded her first charting single, "Tell Me Something I Don't Know
", for the album because she recorded the original version when she was about fifteen years old. She calls herself a "huge, huge fan" of Fefe Dobson
, to the extent that she included a cover of the Toronto
, Canada
native's "As a Blonde", which was a song for Dobson's unreleased album Sunday Love
on the disc. Writers on the album include Ted Bruner
, Trey Vittetoe and Gina Schock
of the Go-Go's
; who've contributed to the lead single
on the album. Gomez co-wrote one song on the album, entitled "I Won't Apologize". Selena admitted that her band was the best !
, Lady Gaga
and Avril Lavigne
. Gomez said the music is "fun, energetic, empowering." "I'm still new and still figuring out where I want to be musically. But I think this is a good start ... hopefully." Songs like "Falling Down
" are a upbeat pop
songs that contains a strong use of drums and electric guitar
s with predominant "bloopy synths
." Gomez elaborated on the concept of "Falling Down" during an interview, saying "[...] it's basically about Hollywood and what people think about it and essentially how plastic it is sometimes. It's fun and I think girls can relate to it somewhat, for me it was because of Hollywood, but it can really relate to a mean girl, an ex-boyfriend, to whoever." On the song "As a Blonde," originally a Fefe Dobson song, Gomez sings in regards to trying different things and changing up her personality.
Kiss & Tell is composed of songs with pop-rock, electro-rock, and dance
characteristics with influences of synth pop. "Kiss & Tell" is the first song on the album that tells of a supposed friend that tells her secrets and is described as a feisty electro-rock and punk rock
number with punkish guitars, hand claps, shouts of "Hey!" and even a touch of Adam and the Ants
jungle drums and bass figures. "I Won't Apologize" is a synth-rock song, co-written by Gomez. It tells about not changing yourself to fit someone else's approval. "Falling Down" is the first single off the album that, along with “Kiss & Tell”, have an aggressive, almost bratty, attack that borrows equally from punk attitude and pop melody. "[...] it's basically about Hollywood and what people think about it and essentially how plastic it is sometimes. It's fun and I think girls can relate to it somewhat, for me it was because of Hollywood, but it can really relate to a mean girl, an ex-boyfriend, to whoever." “I Promise You” is a pop-rock song with synth-pop characteristics. "Crush" is an aggressive rock
song that vocally and lyrically sound close to that of Avril Lavigne
. "Naturally
" is an electropop song that has a juicy and instantly memorable vocal hook.
"The Way I Loved You" is the ballad of the album. “More” is a party/dance song that has a similar sound to American pop artist Britney Spears
(Gimme More anyone). "As a Blonde" is a synthy
pop-punk cover of the original by Fefe Dobson
. “I Don’t Miss You At All” is an electropop song with techno beat and synthesizer
influences about post-break-up and sounds similar to that of the worldwide hit "Untouched
" and "This Is How It Feels" by The Veronicas
. “Stop and Erase” is an electro-rock song about a painful past with bullies and teasing. "I Got U" is a pop-rock song that, according to Bill Lamb of About.com
, is a “mix of sweetness and intensity that seems distinctively Selena Gomez.” "Tell Me Something I Don't Know
" is a song that was originally recorded for the soundtrack for Another Cinderella Story
, but was re-recorded for this album.
. The album was released in Australia by Universal Music on October 16, 2009. In India, the album was not released until 2010, when Universal Music released the album as a physical release only on April 3, 2010. In the United Kingdom, the album was released by Fascination Records
on April 19, 2010, with both a physical and digital release.
Radio Disney
premiered some songs from the album from Monday, September 21, 2009 to Friday, September 25: "Kiss and Tell," "Naturally," "Crush," "I Promise You" and "More." On September 26, the station premiered the entire album, with a rebroadcast the next day. The group also performed both "Falling Down" and "Naturally" at the 2009 Teletón in Mexico. They also performed at PopCon in February, along with Justin Bieber
. They have also performed live on televised events. On September 29, prior to the record release party, Selena Gomez & the Scene performed live on the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, to which they received a negative reaction, mainly due to Gomez's vocals. The group haven't performed the song televised since. However, "Naturally" was performed multiple times, including a performance onThe Ellen DeGeneres Show
, The song, along with "More" were performed on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest in 2010. Gomez performed both of those songs yet again on Good Morning America
, to promote the album. In the UK, the single was performed live on Studio Five, where Gomez also was interviewed.
. The tour featured 19 dates, one of which was in Europe
. Spanning from November 15, 2009 to October 10, 2010, the tour saw the band appearing in places such as San Diego, California
, Dallas Texas
, as well as Hot Francisco. Four shows on the tour were cancelled due to vocal injuries sustained by Gomez. Among the cancelled shows were stops in Holmdel Township, New Jersey
and Hartford, Connecticut
. The tour set-list saw Gomez performing all of the songs from the album, excluding "As A Blonde" and "I Got U". During the first leg of the tour, the band covered the song I Want It That Way
, a song by the Backstreet Boys
from their 1999 album, Millennium
. They also performed a cover of the recent hit by Katy Perry, Hot n Cold
, from her 2008 album One of the Boys
. The band also performed the song Magic
, which Gomez had recorded as a solo artist for the Wizards of Waverly Place
film, which premiered on Disney Channel
. The second leg of the tour saw an edited set-list, featuring both singles from the band's sophomore album
. The new set-list also featured the band performing the Taylor Swift
hit, You Belong With Me
. Gomez also requested that they perform the song Love Is a Battlefield
by Pat Benatar
for the tour. They also performed the hit single In My Head
by artist Jason Derulo
, from his eponymous debut album.
The tour proved to be a financial success for the band's label. During their stop in Dallas, the band sold all 1,741 tickets available, selling out that show. The show brought a total gross of $40,185. Their stop in San Francisco had similar success, selling a total of 953 tickets, which was the total amount available, making it their second stop to sell out. The show's total gross was $26,507. The band's stop in New York City
also sold out, with the total amount of 706 tickets becoming sold out. The show earned a total gross of $18,410. Gomez's performance on the tour was praised by critics who saw the show. John J. Moser praised the performance, saying "Most of her show – 10 songs – was from her debut disc, last year’s “Kiss & Tell.” But she opened with her latest single, “Round and Round,” from sophomore disc, “A Year Without Rain,” due out next month, and did that disc’s title song, as well – a dance/techno tune that showed her nice upper register. That’s where her voice works best, as on probably the show’s highlight—the slow, voice-and-acoustic-guitar “The Way I Loved You,” for which she sang from a stool. It was an audience favorite, too, as they waved their arms and screamed loudly afterward." Yvette Armendariz also praised the show, commenting "It wasn't a splashy performance, but it adequately entertained young fans who just wanted to see her up close. On set, Gomez chatted between songs, talking about favorite songs (among them "Crush"), a great Italian meal and how fabulous the Phoenix crowd was ("I think you're my favorite.") And she made sure to give an extra long thank you/good-bye for her fans. No diva on stage - so refreshing!"
" the lead single
from the album, was released to Radio Disney
on August 21, 2009 and later for purchase on August 25, 2009 in selected countries. A music video
premiered on Disney Channel
on August 28, 2009. Critics received the song well, claiming that what Gomez continues to prove is that she has the talent and energy to match any of the other successful Disney acts that came before. "Falling Down" peaked at number eighty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100
, at sixty-nine on the Canadian Hot 100
, and at fifteen on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. "Naturally
" is the album's second single. The music video premiered on December 11, 2009 on Disney Channel. The single debuted at number thirty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100
and has peaked at number twenty-nine. On the Canadian Hot 100
it has peaked at number eighteen. "Naturally" debuted at number forty-six on the Australian Singles Chart making it the first single from the band to appear on that chart. The song also made its debut at number twenty on the New Zealand Singles Chart making it the band's first top 20 appearance there.
Despite not being released as a single, the song "More", which appears as the eighth track on the album, was performed multiple times by Gomez & the Scene. It was the opening song on their debut tour, and was also performed on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, as well as a performance on Good Morning America
. The song "The Way I Loved You", also gained some recognition, charting at number 73 in Korea.
commented on the album, stating "There is an energy and excitement here that is positively infectious. On a number of songs Selena Gomez works with Gina Schock, drummer of the legendary punk girl group the Go-Go's. The title song and the single "Falling Down" have an aggressive, almost bratty, attack that borrows equally from punk attitude and pop melody. The well-chosen cover here, FeFe Dobson's "As a Blonde," positively bursts with intense, pounding force. However, even in this song Selena Gomez shows she is capable of a sweet breakdown. The lyrical subjects here are no surprise for a teen artist, but it is Gomez' delivery that makes the music fresh and fun." Tim Sendra of Allmusic gave the album a positive review, commenting "Kiss & Tell" is a work of near-genius modern pop that shows off Gomez's light but surprisingly soulful vocals in a near-perfect setting. The producers and writing teams involved frame Gomez as a tougher, sassier version of the usual tween pop singer and keep the sappy ballads to a bare minimum. Instead, plenty of songs have her telling off lame boyfriends, tracks joyously detail newfound love affairs, and a good many generally rock out in a manner that might surprise a few people. Indeed, the variety of styles and sounds on the record is pretty impressive. Snappy bursts of punky pop bump up against Latin-influenced dance jams, bubblegummy midtempo ballads sit easily next to spunky new wave rockers, techno-ish dancefloor stompers lead into hopeful love songs, and Gomez is at home singing all of them."
Mikael Wood of Billboard
gave the album a mixed review, saying "...if Gomez wants to outlast her current context, her music could use more of her in it." However, he later on praised the album, adding,"It's not always easy to tell what distinguishes the work of this "Wizards of Waverly Place" TV star from that of her fellow Disney-factory females. That doesn't mean "Kiss & Tell" doesn't deliver its required payload of electro-rock delights. The song "Naturally" (produced by Mouse House regulars Tim James, Antonina Armato and SuperSpy) has a juicy and instantly memorable vocal hook, while the pop-punk title track expertly channels the good-natured sass of the Go-Go's (no surprise, given drummer Gina Schock's co-writing credit)." Entertainment Weekly
criticized the album, as well as Gomez's vocal performance, saying "the multihyphenate (Gomez) has no vocal chops. On Kiss & Tell, all the slick production in the world can't erase the 'Mom! Where's my allowance money?' whine she mistakes for Avril-esque attitude". Rober Copsey of Digital Spy
also gave the album a negative review, when he said "unfortunately, the catchy hooks that anchor 'Naturally' are often M.I.A elsewhere on the album, with many songs coming off as saccharine, forgettable Miley/Avril/Pink hybrids."
selling 66,000 copies the first week. It continued to remain on the chart for 52 consecutive weeks thereafter. On the Billboard 2009 Year End and 2010 albums charts, Kiss & Tell appears at number 187 and 47, respectively. The album failed to chart on the ARIA Charts
but charted on the component chart Australian Hitseekers Albums chart at number four. The album also entered the Top 10 in Greece
, where it reached a peak of number two. The album reached the same peak on the Spanish
album's chart, and later peaked at number 28 on the Year-End Chart in that country. In Poland
, the album debuted and peaked at number 4, peaking Gomez's first chart entry in that country. The album also debuted and peaked inside the Top 10 in Argentina
, peaking at number 10. It has sold 778,000 copies to date.
Kiss & Tell debuted at 12 on the UK Albums Chart
, after the Top 10 premiere of the single Naturally. The album had a similar outcome in Ireland
, where the album climbed up the album's chart to peak at number 14. The album also entered the Top 20 in Germany
, reaching a height of number 19, after the album's second single, Naturally, began receiving heavy radio airplay. The album also reached a peak of number 20 on the Mexico
album's chart list. In New Zealand
, the album climbed up to a peak of number 21, barely missing out on the Top 20. The album also reached a peak of 22 on both the Canadian Album's Chart
and the Belgium Album's Chart
. In France, the album debuted at number 24. Kiss & Tell debuted at number 33 on the Italian Album's Chart
, as well as number 36 on the Swiss Album's Chart
. In Norway
, the album barely made the Top 40, peaking at number 38. On the Dutch Album's Chart
, the album failed to have much success, only peaking at number 47.
retail stores released an exclusive CD/DVD edition of the album. With over 20 minutes of exclusive footage including:
Selena Gomez & the Scene
Selena Gomez & the Scene is an American pop band formed in Hollywood, California in 2009. Along with lead singer and founder Selena Gomez, the band consists of bassist Joey Clement, guitarist Ethan Roberts, drummist Greg Garman and keyboardist Dane Forrest. Selena Gomez & the Scene have released...
. It was released on September 29, 2009 by Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
. Gomez formed the band as she stated she did not want to become a solo artist quite yet. The band worked with several writers and producers on the album including Gina Schock
Gina Schock
Gina Schock is best known as the drummer in the all-girl punk/pop band The Go-Go's....
of the Go-Go's. Their work with Schock received a warm reception from musical critics, most of which praised the tracks worked on by Schock. The album was praised by music critics, however, several critics had a somewhat negative reception towards Gomez's vocal performance, in light of a critically panned performance on Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is the name of several international television series based on the format of the British TV series Strictly Come Dancing, which is distributed by BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC. Currently the format has been licensed to over 35 countries...
, in which the band performed to promote the album.
The album has spawned two singles, the lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
"Falling Down
Falling Down (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Falling Down" is a song performed by the American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. It was co-written and produced by Ted Bruner and Trey Vittetoe. Gina Schock of the Go-Go's also receives writing credits. The song was released on August 25, 2009 as the lead single from their debut album, Kiss & Tell...
", and the follow up "Naturally
Naturally (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Naturally" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene from their debut album, Kiss & Tell. The song serves as the album's second single in the United States and a few other countries, and as the album's lead single in most European markets. It was produced by Antonina Armato and...
". "Falling Down" failed to chart well, however, it did peak at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. The single has become a hit in Japan, peaking at number 15, their only Top 20 hit in the country to date. The follow up single, "Naturally" proved to be more successful. It topped the Hot Dance Club Play
Hot Dance Club Play
The Hot Dance Club Songs chart is a weekly national survey of the songs that are most popular in U.S. dance clubs...
chart in the US, as well as peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, making it their first Top 40 hit in that country. The single was also an international success, reaching the Top 20 in 14 countries, including Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, and the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, where it became the first Disney Channel
Disney Channel
Disney Channel is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company. It is under the direction of Disney-ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. The channel's headquarters is located on West Alameda Ave. in...
act to enter the Top 10 since Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff
Hilary Erhard Duff is an American actress, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and author. After working in local theater plays and television commercials in her childhood, she achieved fame playing the title role in the Disney Channel television series Lizzie McGuire. She also reprised her role in...
and her 2005 single, "Wake Up
Wake Up (Hilary Duff song)
"Wake Up" is a song by American recording artist Hilary Duff from her first compilation album, Most Wanted. It was released as the lead single from the album on July 12, 2005 by Hollywood Records...
".
The album was met with a strong commercial performance. Kiss & Tell debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
selling 66,000 copies in the first week. It later climbed to a peak of 47 on the Year-End Album Chart. It peaked at number twenty-two on the Canadian Albums Chart
Canadian Albums Chart
The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS...
, after the success of "Naturally". The album was a worldwide success as well, entering the Top 10 in countries such as Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. The album also entered the Top 10 in Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. In Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, the album peaked at number 19. In March 2010, the album was certified Gold in the US, for shipments of 500,000 copies. As of August, 2011, Kiss & Tell has sold 778,000 copies in the United States.
Production
Gomez first announced the album publicly in late July 2008 on an interview with Jocelyn Vena of MTV NewsMTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
. stating, "I'm going to be in a band — no Selena Gomez stuff. I'm not going to be a solo artist. I think that I don't want my name attached to it." She also said that if her music doesn't make people wanna move or maybe just shake their head, then she has failed. After two years of recording and going over one-hundred songs, Gomez announced the name of her band. She explained,
Gomez has said in several interviews (including one with Z100 New York) that the band was formed through a long, exhausting audition process. She said it was worth it, though, because she has a great band. However, not long after joining the band, keyboardist Nick Foxer left for unknown reasons, and was replaced by Dane Forrest. Gomez also re-recorded her first charting single, "Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Tell Me Something I Don't Know
"Tell Me Something I Don't Know" by Selena Gomez was released as a single on August 5, 2008 on iTunes and a Radio Disney, which removes the Hurricane Katrina reference by replacing the lyrics "like Katrina making waves" with "like a surfer making waves", was released on September 9, 2008 on iTunes....
", for the album because she recorded the original version when she was about fifteen years old. She calls herself a "huge, huge fan" of Fefe Dobson
Fefe Dobson
Felicia Lily "Fefe" Dobson is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her self-titled debut album earned her two Juno Award nominations. Her second album, Sunday Love, was not released and she was terminated from her recording company...
, to the extent that she included a cover of the Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
native's "As a Blonde", which was a song for Dobson's unreleased album Sunday Love
Sunday Love
Sunday Love is the unreleased second studio album by pop-rock singer Fefe Dobson. The release date was pushed back a number of times by Island Records before its eventual cancellation. The album had earned good reviews, including the highest rating given on any of the albums reviewed in the July...
on the disc. Writers on the album include Ted Bruner
Ted Bruner
Ted Bruner is a musician, songwriter, and producer originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Bruner began his professional music career when his band Colony was signed to MCA Records in 1998. In 2002, he relocated to Los Angeles and began writing and producing for Rondor Music/Universal. He left...
, Trey Vittetoe and Gina Schock
Gina Schock
Gina Schock is best known as the drummer in the all-girl punk/pop band The Go-Go's....
of the Go-Go's
The Go-Go's
The Go-Go’s are an all-female American rock band formed in 1978. They made history as the first all-female band that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard album charts....
; who've contributed to the lead single
Falling Down (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Falling Down" is a song performed by the American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. It was co-written and produced by Ted Bruner and Trey Vittetoe. Gina Schock of the Go-Go's also receives writing credits. The song was released on August 25, 2009 as the lead single from their debut album, Kiss & Tell...
on the album. Gomez co-wrote one song on the album, entitled "I Won't Apologize". Selena admitted that her band was the best !
Composition
Musically, the album drew influences from different artists such as Demi LovatoDemi Lovato
"She’s got the range, the full emotional spectrum, incredible control… Vocally, she’s the best thing Disney’s had since Christina Aguilera."—Producer Toby Gad on Demi Lovato's vocals...
, Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
and Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne
Avril Ramona Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She was born in Belleville, Ontario, but spent most of her youth in the small town of Napanee. By the age of 15, she had appeared on stage with Shania Twain; by 16, she had signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records worth more...
. Gomez said the music is "fun, energetic, empowering." "I'm still new and still figuring out where I want to be musically. But I think this is a good start ... hopefully." Songs like "Falling Down
Falling Down (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Falling Down" is a song performed by the American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. It was co-written and produced by Ted Bruner and Trey Vittetoe. Gina Schock of the Go-Go's also receives writing credits. The song was released on August 25, 2009 as the lead single from their debut album, Kiss & Tell...
" are a upbeat pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
songs that contains a strong use of drums and electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
s with predominant "bloopy synths
Synthpop
Synthpop is a genre of popular music that first became prominent in the 1980s, in which the synthesizer is the dominant musical instrument. It was prefigured in the 1960s and early 1970s by the use of synthesizers in progressive rock, electronic art rock, disco and particularly the "Kraut rock" of...
." Gomez elaborated on the concept of "Falling Down" during an interview, saying "[...] it's basically about Hollywood and what people think about it and essentially how plastic it is sometimes. It's fun and I think girls can relate to it somewhat, for me it was because of Hollywood, but it can really relate to a mean girl, an ex-boyfriend, to whoever." On the song "As a Blonde," originally a Fefe Dobson song, Gomez sings in regards to trying different things and changing up her personality.
Kiss & Tell is composed of songs with pop-rock, electro-rock, and dance
Dance music
Dance music is music composed specifically to facilitate or accompany dancing. It can be either a whole musical piece or part of a larger musical arrangement...
characteristics with influences of synth pop. "Kiss & Tell" is the first song on the album that tells of a supposed friend that tells her secrets and is described as a feisty electro-rock and punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
number with punkish guitars, hand claps, shouts of "Hey!" and even a touch of Adam and the Ants
Adam and the Ants
Adam and the Ants were a British rock band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The original group, which existed from 1977 to 1980, became notable as a cult band marking the transition from the late-1970s punk rock era to the post-punk and New Wave era...
jungle drums and bass figures. "I Won't Apologize" is a synth-rock song, co-written by Gomez. It tells about not changing yourself to fit someone else's approval. "Falling Down" is the first single off the album that, along with “Kiss & Tell”, have an aggressive, almost bratty, attack that borrows equally from punk attitude and pop melody. "[...] it's basically about Hollywood and what people think about it and essentially how plastic it is sometimes. It's fun and I think girls can relate to it somewhat, for me it was because of Hollywood, but it can really relate to a mean girl, an ex-boyfriend, to whoever." “I Promise You” is a pop-rock song with synth-pop characteristics. "Crush" is an aggressive rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
song that vocally and lyrically sound close to that of Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne
Avril Ramona Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She was born in Belleville, Ontario, but spent most of her youth in the small town of Napanee. By the age of 15, she had appeared on stage with Shania Twain; by 16, she had signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records worth more...
. "Naturally
Naturally (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Naturally" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene from their debut album, Kiss & Tell. The song serves as the album's second single in the United States and a few other countries, and as the album's lead single in most European markets. It was produced by Antonina Armato and...
" is an electropop song that has a juicy and instantly memorable vocal hook.
"The Way I Loved You" is the ballad of the album. “More” is a party/dance song that has a similar sound to American pop artist Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
(Gimme More anyone). "As a Blonde" is a synthy
Synthpop
Synthpop is a genre of popular music that first became prominent in the 1980s, in which the synthesizer is the dominant musical instrument. It was prefigured in the 1960s and early 1970s by the use of synthesizers in progressive rock, electronic art rock, disco and particularly the "Kraut rock" of...
pop-punk cover of the original by Fefe Dobson
Fefe Dobson
Felicia Lily "Fefe" Dobson is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her self-titled debut album earned her two Juno Award nominations. Her second album, Sunday Love, was not released and she was terminated from her recording company...
. “I Don’t Miss You At All” is an electropop song with techno beat and synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
influences about post-break-up and sounds similar to that of the worldwide hit "Untouched
Untouched (song)
"Untouched" is an electropop song written by Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, and Toby Gad, produced by Gad for The Veronicas' second album Hook Me Up . It was released as the album's second single in Australia on 10 December 2007. The song is notable for becoming the band's breakout hit in the United...
" and "This Is How It Feels" by The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
. “Stop and Erase” is an electro-rock song about a painful past with bullies and teasing. "I Got U" is a pop-rock song that, according to Bill Lamb of About.com
About.com
About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....
, is a “mix of sweetness and intensity that seems distinctively Selena Gomez.” "Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Tell Me Something I Don't Know
"Tell Me Something I Don't Know" by Selena Gomez was released as a single on August 5, 2008 on iTunes and a Radio Disney, which removes the Hurricane Katrina reference by replacing the lyrics "like Katrina making waves" with "like a surfer making waves", was released on September 9, 2008 on iTunes....
" is a song that was originally recorded for the soundtrack for Another Cinderella Story
Another Cinderella Story
Another Cinderella Story is a 2008 romantic comedy directed by Damon Santostefano and starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley. The film was released direct-to-DVD by Warner Premiere on September 16, 2008. It was released on DVD in the UK on October 27, 2008...
, but was re-recorded for this album.
Release & promotion
Kiss & Tell was released digitally and physically on September 29, 2009 in both Canada and the United States by Hollywood RecordsHollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
. The album was released in Australia by Universal Music on October 16, 2009. In India, the album was not released until 2010, when Universal Music released the album as a physical release only on April 3, 2010. In the United Kingdom, the album was released by Fascination Records
Fascination Records
Fascination Records is a UK-based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as an imprint of Polydor Records. The label was launched in spring 2006, and is managed by former TOTP Magazine editor Peter Loraine...
on April 19, 2010, with both a physical and digital release.
Radio Disney
Radio Disney
Radio Disney is a radio network based in Burbank, California and headquartered out of the Disney Channel headquarters on West Alameda Ave., from where it has been based since November 2008. Prior to that, the network was based in Dallas, Texas...
premiered some songs from the album from Monday, September 21, 2009 to Friday, September 25: "Kiss and Tell," "Naturally," "Crush," "I Promise You" and "More." On September 26, the station premiered the entire album, with a rebroadcast the next day. The group also performed both "Falling Down" and "Naturally" at the 2009 Teletón in Mexico. They also performed at PopCon in February, along with Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and actor. Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager...
. They have also performed live on televised events. On September 29, prior to the record release party, Selena Gomez & the Scene performed live on the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, to which they received a negative reaction, mainly due to Gomez's vocals. The group haven't performed the song televised since. However, "Naturally" was performed multiple times, including a performance onThe Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often shortened to Ellen, is an American television talk show hosted by comedian/actress Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it is produced by Telepictures and airs in syndication, including stations owned by NBC Universal. For its first five seasons, the show...
, The song, along with "More" were performed on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest in 2010. Gomez performed both of those songs yet again on Good Morning America
Good Morning America
Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...
, to promote the album. In the UK, the single was performed live on Studio Five, where Gomez also was interviewed.
Tour
Gomez and her band also performed songs from the album on their concert tour, Selena Gomez & the Scene: Live in ConcertSelena Gomez & the Scene: Live in Concert
The Selena Gomez & the Scene: Live in Concert was the debut concert tour by American pop band Selena Gomez & the Scene. Beginning in the fall of 2009, the trek supported the band's first studio album, Kiss & Tell...
. The tour featured 19 dates, one of which was in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. Spanning from November 15, 2009 to October 10, 2010, the tour saw the band appearing in places such as San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, Dallas Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, as well as Hot Francisco. Four shows on the tour were cancelled due to vocal injuries sustained by Gomez. Among the cancelled shows were stops in Holmdel Township, New Jersey
Holmdel Township, New Jersey
Holmdel Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 16,773. Holmdel Township was formed by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 23, 1857, from portions of Raritan Township .Holmdel is a suburb of...
and Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
. The tour set-list saw Gomez performing all of the songs from the album, excluding "As A Blonde" and "I Got U". During the first leg of the tour, the band covered the song I Want It That Way
I Want It That Way
"I Want It That Way" is a song by the Backstreet Boys, and their first single from their 1999 album Millennium. It was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson along with other producers. The song was highly played on the radio and the video, directed by Wayne Isham, was well played on television...
, a song by the Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The band originally consisted of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys...
from their 1999 album, Millennium
Millennium (Backstreet Boys album)
Millennium is the third album by American boyband Backstreet Boys. It was a highly anticipated follow-up to both their United States debut album, and their second internationally released album. It was their first album to be released in both the U.S...
. They also performed a cover of the recent hit by Katy Perry, Hot n Cold
Hot N Cold
"Hot n Cold" is a song by American singer Katy Perry. The song was written and composed by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Perry for her major mainstream debut album, One of the Boys. The track was released as the album's third single...
, from her 2008 album One of the Boys
One of the Boys (Katy Perry album)
One of the Boys is the second studio album by American recording artist Katy Perry and her major-label debut. Her change in record label and adoption of a pseudonymous surname accompanies a notable shift from the Christian gospel rock of her self-titled debut album. The album was released on June...
. The band also performed the song Magic
Magic (Pilot song)
"Magic" is a popular song from 1974, and was the first hit single for the Scottish band Pilot. It was written by Pilot's Dave Paton.It charted most successfully in Canada, where it reached #1, topping the RPM national singles chart on July 19, 1975, and received a gold certification...
, which Gomez had recorded as a solo artist for the Wizards of Waverly Place
Wizards of Waverly Place
Wizards of Waverly Place is a Disney Channel Original Series that premiered on October 12, 2007. It won "Outstanding Children's Program" at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009...
film, which premiered on Disney Channel
Disney Channel
Disney Channel is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company. It is under the direction of Disney-ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. The channel's headquarters is located on West Alameda Ave. in...
. The second leg of the tour saw an edited set-list, featuring both singles from the band's sophomore album
A Year Without Rain
A Year Without Rain is the second studio album by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. The album was released on September 17, 2010 via Hollywood Records. The band once again worked with writers and producers from their debut, Kiss & Tell such as Rock Mafia duo Tim James, and Antonina Armato, as...
. The new set-list also featured the band performing the Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift
Taylor Alison Swift is an American country pop singer-songwriter, musician and actress.In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", then her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America...
hit, You Belong With Me
You Belong with Me
"You Belong with Me" is a country pop song performed by American recording artist Taylor Swift. The song was co-written by Swift and Liz Rose and produced by Nathan Chapman with Swift's aid. It was released on April 21, 2009, by Big Machine Records as the third single from Swift's second studio...
. Gomez also requested that they perform the song Love Is a Battlefield
Love Is a Battlefield
"Love Is a Battlefield" is a song written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, after Pat Benatar asked Chapman to write her a hit song. It was released as a single from Benatar's album Live from Earth. The single has been certified gold and is her highest charting single in the United States...
by Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American singer and four-time Grammy winner. She had considerable commercial success particularly in the United States...
for the tour. They also performed the hit single In My Head
In My Head (Jason Derülo song)
"In My Head" is a song performed by American R&B singer Jason Derülo as the second single released from his self-titled debut album, Jason Derülo. It was first released via digital download on December 9, 2009. It topped the charts in Australia and the United Kingdom, and reached the top ten in...
by artist Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo
Jason Joel Desrouleaux , better known by his stage name Jason Derülo, is an American singer-songwriter, actor and dancer. After producing records for several artists and writing songs for Cash Money Records, co-founder of the label Birdman, Young Money Entertainment owner Lil Wayne and rapper...
, from his eponymous debut album.
The tour proved to be a financial success for the band's label. During their stop in Dallas, the band sold all 1,741 tickets available, selling out that show. The show brought a total gross of $40,185. Their stop in San Francisco had similar success, selling a total of 953 tickets, which was the total amount available, making it their second stop to sell out. The show's total gross was $26,507. The band's stop in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
also sold out, with the total amount of 706 tickets becoming sold out. The show earned a total gross of $18,410. Gomez's performance on the tour was praised by critics who saw the show. John J. Moser praised the performance, saying "Most of her show – 10 songs – was from her debut disc, last year’s “Kiss & Tell.” But she opened with her latest single, “Round and Round,” from sophomore disc, “A Year Without Rain,” due out next month, and did that disc’s title song, as well – a dance/techno tune that showed her nice upper register. That’s where her voice works best, as on probably the show’s highlight—the slow, voice-and-acoustic-guitar “The Way I Loved You,” for which she sang from a stool. It was an audience favorite, too, as they waved their arms and screamed loudly afterward." Yvette Armendariz also praised the show, commenting "It wasn't a splashy performance, but it adequately entertained young fans who just wanted to see her up close. On set, Gomez chatted between songs, talking about favorite songs (among them "Crush"), a great Italian meal and how fabulous the Phoenix crowd was ("I think you're my favorite.") And she made sure to give an extra long thank you/good-bye for her fans. No diva on stage - so refreshing!"
Singles
"Falling DownFalling Down (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Falling Down" is a song performed by the American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. It was co-written and produced by Ted Bruner and Trey Vittetoe. Gina Schock of the Go-Go's also receives writing credits. The song was released on August 25, 2009 as the lead single from their debut album, Kiss & Tell...
" the lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
from the album, was released to Radio Disney
Radio Disney
Radio Disney is a radio network based in Burbank, California and headquartered out of the Disney Channel headquarters on West Alameda Ave., from where it has been based since November 2008. Prior to that, the network was based in Dallas, Texas...
on August 21, 2009 and later for purchase on August 25, 2009 in selected countries. A music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
premiered on Disney Channel
Disney Channel
Disney Channel is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company. It is under the direction of Disney-ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. The channel's headquarters is located on West Alameda Ave. in...
on August 28, 2009. Critics received the song well, claiming that what Gomez continues to prove is that she has the talent and energy to match any of the other successful Disney acts that came before. "Falling Down" peaked at number eighty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, at sixty-nine on the Canadian Hot 100
Canadian Hot 100
The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007...
, and at fifteen on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. "Naturally
Naturally (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)
"Naturally" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene from their debut album, Kiss & Tell. The song serves as the album's second single in the United States and a few other countries, and as the album's lead single in most European markets. It was produced by Antonina Armato and...
" is the album's second single. The music video premiered on December 11, 2009 on Disney Channel. The single debuted at number thirty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and has peaked at number twenty-nine. On the Canadian Hot 100
Canadian Hot 100
The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007...
it has peaked at number eighteen. "Naturally" debuted at number forty-six on the Australian Singles Chart making it the first single from the band to appear on that chart. The song also made its debut at number twenty on the New Zealand Singles Chart making it the band's first top 20 appearance there.
Despite not being released as a single, the song "More", which appears as the eighth track on the album, was performed multiple times by Gomez & the Scene. It was the opening song on their debut tour, and was also performed on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, as well as a performance on Good Morning America
Good Morning America
Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...
. The song "The Way I Loved You", also gained some recognition, charting at number 73 in Korea.
Critical reception
The album received mixed reviews from music critics. Bill Lamb of About.comAbout.com
About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....
commented on the album, stating "There is an energy and excitement here that is positively infectious. On a number of songs Selena Gomez works with Gina Schock, drummer of the legendary punk girl group the Go-Go's. The title song and the single "Falling Down" have an aggressive, almost bratty, attack that borrows equally from punk attitude and pop melody. The well-chosen cover here, FeFe Dobson's "As a Blonde," positively bursts with intense, pounding force. However, even in this song Selena Gomez shows she is capable of a sweet breakdown. The lyrical subjects here are no surprise for a teen artist, but it is Gomez' delivery that makes the music fresh and fun." Tim Sendra of Allmusic gave the album a positive review, commenting "Kiss & Tell" is a work of near-genius modern pop that shows off Gomez's light but surprisingly soulful vocals in a near-perfect setting. The producers and writing teams involved frame Gomez as a tougher, sassier version of the usual tween pop singer and keep the sappy ballads to a bare minimum. Instead, plenty of songs have her telling off lame boyfriends, tracks joyously detail newfound love affairs, and a good many generally rock out in a manner that might surprise a few people. Indeed, the variety of styles and sounds on the record is pretty impressive. Snappy bursts of punky pop bump up against Latin-influenced dance jams, bubblegummy midtempo ballads sit easily next to spunky new wave rockers, techno-ish dancefloor stompers lead into hopeful love songs, and Gomez is at home singing all of them."
Mikael Wood of Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
gave the album a mixed review, saying "...if Gomez wants to outlast her current context, her music could use more of her in it." However, he later on praised the album, adding,"It's not always easy to tell what distinguishes the work of this "Wizards of Waverly Place" TV star from that of her fellow Disney-factory females. That doesn't mean "Kiss & Tell" doesn't deliver its required payload of electro-rock delights. The song "Naturally" (produced by Mouse House regulars Tim James, Antonina Armato and SuperSpy) has a juicy and instantly memorable vocal hook, while the pop-punk title track expertly channels the good-natured sass of the Go-Go's (no surprise, given drummer Gina Schock's co-writing credit)." Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
criticized the album, as well as Gomez's vocal performance, saying "the multihyphenate (Gomez) has no vocal chops. On Kiss & Tell, all the slick production in the world can't erase the 'Mom! Where's my allowance money?' whine she mistakes for Avril-esque attitude". Rober Copsey of Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
also gave the album a negative review, when he said "unfortunately, the catchy hooks that anchor 'Naturally' are often M.I.A elsewhere on the album, with many songs coming off as saccharine, forgettable Miley/Avril/Pink hybrids."
Chart performance
Kiss & Tell debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
selling 66,000 copies the first week. It continued to remain on the chart for 52 consecutive weeks thereafter. On the Billboard 2009 Year End and 2010 albums charts, Kiss & Tell appears at number 187 and 47, respectively. The album failed to chart on the ARIA Charts
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
but charted on the component chart Australian Hitseekers Albums chart at number four. The album also entered the Top 10 in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, where it reached a peak of number two. The album reached the same peak on the Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
album's chart, and later peaked at number 28 on the Year-End Chart in that country. In Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, the album debuted and peaked at number 4, peaking Gomez's first chart entry in that country. The album also debuted and peaked inside the Top 10 in Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, peaking at number 10. It has sold 778,000 copies to date.
Kiss & Tell debuted at 12 on the UK Albums Chart
UK Albums Chart
The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
, after the Top 10 premiere of the single Naturally. The album had a similar outcome in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, where the album climbed up the album's chart to peak at number 14. The album also entered the Top 20 in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, reaching a height of number 19, after the album's second single, Naturally, began receiving heavy radio airplay. The album also reached a peak of number 20 on the Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
album's chart list. In New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, the album climbed up to a peak of number 21, barely missing out on the Top 20. The album also reached a peak of 22 on both the Canadian Album's Chart
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the Belgium Album's Chart
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. In France, the album debuted at number 24. Kiss & Tell debuted at number 33 on the Italian Album's Chart
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, as well as number 36 on the Swiss Album's Chart
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. In Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, the album barely made the Top 40, peaking at number 38. On the Dutch Album's Chart
MegaCharts
MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top...
, the album failed to have much success, only peaking at number 47.
Track Listing
Additional notes- "As a Blonde" is a coverCover versionIn popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
, original performance by Fefe DobsonFefe DobsonFelicia Lily "Fefe" Dobson is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her self-titled debut album earned her two Juno Award nominations. Her second album, Sunday Love, was not released and she was terminated from her recording company...
on the album Sunday LoveSunday LoveSunday Love is the unreleased second studio album by pop-rock singer Fefe Dobson. The release date was pushed back a number of times by Island Records before its eventual cancellation. The album had earned good reviews, including the highest rating given on any of the albums reviewed in the July...
.
- Japan edition features new album artwork, one bonus track and DVD.
Target exclusive
TargetTarget Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
retail stores released an exclusive CD/DVD edition of the album. With over 20 minutes of exclusive footage including:
- Making of Kiss & Tell
- "Falling Down" music video
- Photo Gallery
Personnel
- Vocals - Selena GomezSelena GomezSelena Marie Gomez is an American actress and singer best known for portraying Alex Russo in the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel television series Wizards of Waverly Place...
- Background Vocals - Selena Gomez, Lindy Robbins, Gina Schock, Fefe DobsonFefe DobsonFelicia Lily "Fefe" Dobson is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her self-titled debut album earned her two Juno Award nominations. Her second album, Sunday Love, was not released and she was terminated from her recording company...
, Char Licera - Guitar - John FieldsJohn Fields (producer)John Fields is an American record producer and musician. Fields has produced for a number of musical artists, including the Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot, Pink, Andrew W. K., Har Mar Superstar, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato...
, Greg Johnston, Jimmy Messer, Tim Pierce, Isaac Hasson - Bass - John Fields, Sean Hurley, Isaac Hasson
- Keyboards - John Fields, Isaac Hasson, Mher Filian
- Drums - John Fields, Dorian CrozierDorian Crozier- Drummer :A session drummer whose credits include Pink, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, the film Rent, Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, and David Cook...
, Josh FreeseJosh FreeseJosh Freese is an American session drummer and songwriter. He is a permanent member of A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, and Devo, having formerly played drums for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 until late 2008, and for Guns N' Roses from mid-1998 to 2001. Freese has appeared on close to 300 records.... - Beats - Mher Filian
- Producer - John Fields, Matthew Wilder, Rob Wells, Toby Gad, Trey Vittetoe, Devrim Karaoglu, Antonina Armato
- Engineer - John Fields, Matthew Wilder, Rob Wells, Trey Vittetoe, Chris Anderson, Adam Comstock, Steve Hammons, Luke Tozour
- Mixing - John Fields, Matthew Wilder, Toby Gad, Chris Anderson, Clif Norrell, Paul Palmer, Paul David Hager
- Programming - John Fields, Rob Wells, Toby Gad
- Instrumentation - Matthew Wilder, Rob Wells, Toby Gad, Trey Vittetoe
- Vocal Producer - Rob Wells, Shelly Peiken
- Drum Engineering - Ghian Wright
- Arranger - Toby Gad
- Assistant Engineer - Dorian Crozier
- Mastering - Robert Vosgien
- A&R - Cindy Warden, Jon Lind
- Creative Director - David Snow
- Design - Nick Steinhardt
- Art Direction - Jeri Heiden
Charts
| Chart (2009–2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Argentinian Albums Chart Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers The Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers is an Argentine organization member of the IFPI, which represents the music industry in the country. It is a nonprofit organization integrated by multinational and independent record labels.... |
10 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 4 |
| Belgium Albums Chart Ultratop 40 Ultratop 40 singles, often just Ultratop 40, is the weekly chart of best-selling singles in Wallonia and Brussels Capital Region, the french-speaking parts of Belgium. Its equivalent covering the Flanders region is Ultratop 50. Both charts are produced and published by the Ultratop organization... (Flanders) |
22 |
| Belgium Albums Chart Ultratop 50 Ultratop 50 singles, often just Ultratop 50, is the weekly chart of fifty best-selling singles in Flanders, Belgium, and is produced and published by the Ultratop organization. The chart has existed since March 31, 1995... (Wallonia) |
26 |
| Canadian Albums Chart Canadian Albums Chart The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS... |
22 |
| Dutch Albums Chart MegaCharts MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top... |
87 |
| French Albums Chart | 24 |
| German Albums Charts IFPI The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a not-for-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland... |
19 |
| Greek Albums Charts IFPI Greece International Federation of the Phonographic Industry Greece or IFPI Greece is the Greek branch of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and is the official charts provider and recording sales certification body for Greece. Currently two charts are compiled, one for sales of... |
2 |
| Irish Albums Chart Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically... |
14 |
| Italian Albums Chart | 33 |
| Mexican Albums Chart AMPROFON Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas is a non-profit organization integrated by multinational and national record companies in Mexico. Established on April 3, 1963, it groups phonographic companies that represent more than 70 percent of the market in Mexico... |
20 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
21 |
| Norwegian Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
38 |
| Poland Albums Chart Polish Music Charts The Polish Music Charts are two official album charts and seven singles charts in Poland, provided by ZPAV, the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . The first, the Top 100, is a monthly chart based on data received from the album companies... |
4 |
| Spanish Albums Chart | 2 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 36 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
12 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
9 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2010) | Position |
|---|---|
| Spanish Albums Chart | 28 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
47 |
Certifications
| Country | Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (sales thresholds) |
|---|---|
| Argentina Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers The Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers is an Argentine organization member of the IFPI, which represents the music industry in the country. It is a nonprofit organization integrated by multinational and independent record labels.... |
Gold |
| Canada Canadian Recording Industry Association Music Canada is a Toronto-based, non-profit trade organization that was founded 9 April 1963 to represent the interests of companies that record, artists, manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music in Canada... |
Gold |
| United States Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... |
Gold |
Release history
| Region | Date | Label | Format | Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | September 29, 2009 | Hollywood Records Hollywood Records Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote... |
CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
D000283102 |
| United States | ||||
| Australia | October 16, 2009 | Universal Music | ||
| Japan | February 24, 2010 | Avex Group | CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... +DVD DVD A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions.... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
AVCW-13120 (CD), AVCW-13119B (CD+DVD) |
| India | April 3, 2010 | Universal Music | CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... |
D000283102 |
| United Kingdom | April 19, 2010 | Fascination Records Fascination Records Fascination Records is a UK-based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as an imprint of Polydor Records. The label was launched in spring 2006, and is managed by former TOTP Magazine editor Peter Loraine... |
CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
D000575702 |