9/10
Global Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny solidifies his presence as a top reggaeton artist with the release of his sixth album, DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS, on Jan. 5, the day before the Puerto Rican holiday Three Kings Day. The album focuses on his family and heritage, incorporating folk and mariachi-style sounds.
The opening track, “NUEVAYoL” describes New York’s rich Puerto Rican culture. The song samples the opening melodies of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s 1975 hit, “Un Verano en Nueva York,” featuring upbeat folk rhythms, which are new for him and represent his heritage. With lines like “Puerto Rico feels so close” and “My people in the Bronx know what’s up,” Bad Bunny depicts New York as a home away from home. This song is slower-paced and more emotional compared to his previous releases. Across the album, he smoothly layers folk sounds with his usual reggaeton style.
“BAILE INoVABLEID,” the third track, is more lively. Electronic beats are layered over Bad Bunny’s typical reggaeton with hints of classic folk which are smoothly blended with his newer sounds as he sings about an unforgettable woman. “While one is alive, one must love as much as possible,” Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacob Morales advises after the chorus on the track. “I thought I’d grow old with you / Maybe in another life, in another world, it could be,” Bad Bunny adds, making the song a message to keep your loved ones close. This song matches many of his older releases with upbeat tones while still showing his progression as an artist through the heartfelt lyrics.
“EL CLúB,” one of the most popular songs off the record, carries Bad Bunny’s classic fast-paced flow. “At least I hope to be a good memory,” he sings, reflecting on lost love. The track is ultimately a less complex version of “BAILE INoVABLEID,” with repetitive lyrics and a familiar sound for fans that the album would have been better off without.
In “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” Bad Bunny compares the displacement and mistreatment of Hawaiians under U.S. occupation to the U.S.’ similar neglect of Puerto Ricans: “I don’t want them to do to you what they did to Hawaii,” he sings. Over subtle beats, Bad Bunny speaks honestly to his audience about his fears for the future of Puerto Rico, while calling for the preservation of the Puerto Rican identity. “They want to take my river and my beach too / They want my neighborhood and your kids to leave,” he sings. Even with his global success, Bad Bunny highlights the complicated experiences of Puerto Ricans.
Bad Bunny returns to his folk-rap hybrid on closer “LA MuDANZA” as he celebrates his heritage. “Here, people were killed for raising the flag / That’s why I carry it everywhere,” he sings. He continues to use his platform to spotlight the story of everyday people in Puerto Rico, like his parents. Opening the song by telling the story of how they met and closing with the statement “Long live Puerto Rico,” Bad Bunny isn’t subtle about his pride for his country and culture.
Discussing the Puerto Rican identity on top of infectious beats while experimenting with folk sounds, Bad Bunny cements himself as a voice of the island.
