In the span of its ten songs, the Jeff Trott (Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow) produced Rule The World traverses varying themes of heartbreak, regret, young love, desperation and, ultimately redemption. "Run From You", the album’s first single and co-written with Trott, reveals Max’s story telling skills. Gomez explains, “Sometimes I refer to this one as an anti- love song. We all come across trouble and often take the wrong road even when we know we should turn back." With his smoky voice, Gomez sings of desperation for change on “Rule The World” and on "Never Say Never", young love is likened to a "cool kiss in the August summer heat," as the protagonist laments its fleeting nature. While the LP's pop instincts are evident, Rule The World is balanced by Gomez's love of roots music; see the blues-driven "Ball And Chain."