Hopefully, it’s the artist we hear on “Bad Liar,” a brand new song Gomez wrote alongside Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter. Looking at the single’s cover, shot by Petra Collins, you might develop some fairly tragic expectations concerning what you’re about to hear. In what seems like a reference to a tabloid firestorm over her recent stint in rehab, Gomez is wearing hospital bandages and gazing vulnerably at the camera. But “Bad Liar” isn’t that deep. The all-rhythm track is a simple proposition, sampling the jagged, iconic Tina Weymouth bass line from Talking Heads’ beloved “Psycho Killer” for a light, spritzy song about romantic anticipation. And it works. Really well. Even snagging an endorsement from David Byrne.
Now, Gomez’s consistent affability is beginning to feel like a solid strength. Maybe she’s had it right all the time, the proverbial tortoise to the fame hares of the world, slowly and methodically edging through the race, one foot in front of the other, until she snags a win. Which is precisely what “Bad Liar” is: A victory for an uncomplicated pop star who makes uncomplicated pop music, and a fizzy fun track that will sound as good all summer as the Gomez-endorsed Coke you pour into your rum.