Selena Gomez Tells Us About The 'Incredible Freedom' At The Heart Of Her 'Rare' Video

Just hours soon after releasing her wonderful third album, Selena Gomez has shared her vision of what it's like to feel, well, Rare. On Friday (January 10), Gomez released the video for the album's sparkling title track, on which she assumes the mantle of an ambitious woman who's comfortable on her own and in her own company: "I know that I'm special," she sings. "And I'll bet there's somebody else out there / To tell me I'm rare."


"I hope each person that listens to the song will know that they have something special to distribute Gomez told MTV News over email. "It's essential to wait for someone to come into your life that recognizes and appreciates that."


In the iridescent, BRTHR-directed video, she brings that confidence to life by wandering a vibrant forest filled with bubbles, butterflies, and prismatic rainbows. "I had just returned from this incredible trip to Kenya also it was crucial to me that the video be shot outdoors in nature," she explained. The only downside to that? While in the bathtub scene it was midnight and freezing outdoor. I may only do two takes of that scene because it was so cold."


Throughout the video, Gomez becomes visibly more empowered — in the initial scenes, she looks at the camera with mad and restless expressions, nevertheless by the end, she is a grinning, glittering goddess with technicolor butterflies surrounding her. Speaking about that symbolism, Gomez explained, "The video is very ethereal and captures the journey through three different states of mind. The moths define determination and attraction. The forest resembles the path to freedom and the washroom self-reflection. At the end of the day, allowing yourself to be susceptible and self-reflective can lead to this incredible freedom."


because the opener and title track of her new album — her first in over four years — "Rare" sets the tone for Gomez's new era, and it's a special one for her. "I actually recorded the song earlier into the process," she revealed. "And as soon as different things happened in my life and I'd take a break from writing and recording, I still knew that song could be the title of the album. It’s a powerful word."