Claim: Selena Gomez is a pop singer.

`` The Heart Wants What It Wants '' is a song by American singer Selena Gomez from her 2014 compilation album For You . It was released on November 6 , 2014 , through Hollywood Records . The song was written by Gomez , Antonina Armato and Tim James . Additional songwriting was provided by David Jost . Armato and James , who collectively form the production duo Rock Mafia , also produced the song . A mid-tempo pop and R&B track with a minimal electropop beat , its accompanying music video was premiered on November 6 , 2014 , alongside the premiere of the song itself . It is Gomez 's last release under the label .   Music critics mostly commended the song 's lyrical content , production , vocals , and Gomez 's new direction . The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 . It also reached number six in Canada , and peaked in the top 40 in sixteen countries , including Australia , Belgium , New Zealand , and the United Kingdom .