Background
Gomez said in an interview with Z100 New York that it will feature some songs that did not make it onto the first album and that the rest of the band will be much more included on it. When asked about plans for a new single the front woman said:
"I think we might go right into the second album so it might be something completely different. Hopefully we'll get the next single out before the summer because [we] have a new song that's just a really fun summer song and I want it out really soon!"[6] In a recent interview with MTV, Gomez stated that the working album title is A Year Without Rain, saying, "Um, the title so far of my album, I mean, I'm hoping this is what it'll stick to, is called A Year Without Rain. I'm really proud of this record, it's very different, and kind of shows my growth a little bit in my music, so...I'm excited, I can't wait."[7] Referring to any difference from previous work, Gomez added, "I think, if anything, the lyrics are more powerful, in a way."[8] The album has ten songs as of July 20, 2010.[9] Gomez stated the band had been "in the studio the last couple of days putting the final touches on [our] second album" on August 3, 2010.[10]
[edit]Songs
When asked if "Round & Round" sounded like the rest of the album or was a completely different track, Gomez said, "I think a little bit of both. I mean, Round & Round sounds like some of the other songs that I've recorded, but at the same time, there're songs that are completely different and kind of got a different sound. A little softer sound, a little sweeter sound, and some have a more rock sound, so I kind of have a different kind of vibe with each song."[11] In an interview with MTV, Gomez spoke of the title track and second single, "A Year Without Rain", saying, "It's basically one of my favorite songs on the record, um, and it's kind of got a more feel-good, dance beat feel, I love it."[12] Gomez also mentioned a track titled "Intuition", calling it "one of my favorites", and describing the message as "basically being about, every decision that you second-guess, every decision that you think, 'I shouldn't do that', do it, and I love that. I love that message so much."[13] On July 20, 2010, in an interview on Z100, Gomez confirmed that one song on the album, "Rock God", is an original by Katy Perry that was given to Gomez and her band. Perry has provided the background vocals for the song. Gomez also briefly mentioned another song called "Off the Chain".[14]
Promotion
"Round & Round" was performed by the band on America's Got Talent on July 14, 2010.[15]
Singles
"Round & Round" the lead single from the album, premiered on June 18, 2010.[16] It became available for digital download on June 22, 2010.[17] The accompanying music video, was filmed in Budapest, and premiered two days later.[18] The single debuted at number 24 on Billboard's Hot 100, and 76 on the Canadian Hot 100. It also debuted at number 15 on Billboard's Digital Songs chart.[19].
Gomez confirmed via Facebook that the second single would be the title track, "A Year Without Rain", and that its music video with a desert setting was recently shot.[20]
