Back to You — Selena Gomez song (2018 lead single)

Writing and production

The song was written by Amy Allen, Selena Gomez, Diederik van Elsas, Parrish Warrington and Micah Premnath. Production credits go to the production collective known as Trackside and noted pop producer Ian Kirkpatrick. The arrangement places vocal phrasing and emotional delivery at the center while supporting them with restrained electronic textures and rhythmic elements typical of mainstream pop production.

Themes and composition

"Back to You" addresses the pull of a past relationship and the difficulty of walking away from someone who remains emotionally important. Its lyrics use conversational images and repeated refrains to communicate the cyclical nature of desire and regret. Musically the song favors a polished, radio-friendly sound that balances intimacy with broad commercial appeal.

Release, promotion and reception

Released digitally and promoted through streaming platforms and radio, the single received widespread airplay and streaming attention. Critics generally commented on its mature tone and Gomez's understated vocal performance, noting that the production supports rather than overwhelms the song's emotional core. The track was featured prominently in promotional material for the corresponding season of the television series.

Credits and notable facts

• Writers: Amy Allen; Selena Gomez; Diederik van Elsas; Parrish Warrington; Micah Premnath.
• Producers: Trackside; Ian Kirkpatrick.
• Served as the lead single from the second-season soundtrack of 13 Reasons Why.
• Marked a high-profile release during a period when Gomez was active across music, acting, and production projects.

Over time, "Back to You" has become one of Gomez's recognizable singles from the late 2010s era, cited for its clear songwriting and its role tying her pop music to a contemporary television soundtrack. For listeners, the song often registers as a concise exploration of longing and the difficulty of moving on.