In a surprise move reminiscent of his 2020 Sunday album drop, Bad Bunny has gifted fans with a brand new LP, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, just in time for Día de Reyes. Released on Sunday, January 5th, this unconventional album launch from the Puerto Rican superstar delivers 17 tracks of innovative sounds and introspective lyrics. Following the success of his Billboard 200-topping album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, this sixth studio album, whose title loosely translates to “I should’ve taken more photos,” showcases Bad Bunny’s continued evolution as an artist, blending familiar rhythms with fresh explorations. Fans eager for a Bad Bunny New Song experience will find themselves immersed in a vibrant soundscape deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture and musical traditions.
Alt text: Bad Bunny performing live on stage, captivating the audience with his energy during a concert.
Debí Tirar Más Fotos is a sonic love letter to Puerto Rico, weaving together generations of island sounds. Bad Bunny masterfully mixes plena and salsa with genres like house and his signature reggaetón, surprisingly omitting trap from this collection. Produced by a team including Tainy, MAG, and others, the album features collaborations with Chuwi, Dei V, Omar Courtz, and more, highlighting both established and emerging talents within the Latin music scene. The album’s announcement on December 26, 2024, via a social media teaser featuring Puerto Rican film director Jacobo Morales, hinted at the album’s reflective themes. A press release further elaborated that the album explores Bad Bunny’s evolving perspective on life, moving from living solely in the moment to recognizing the importance of capturing memories and experiences.
Prior to the full album release, Bad Bunny offered glimpses into Debí Tirar Más Fotos with the release of two singles. “EL CLúB,” a fusion of house music and plena guitar, and “Pitorro de Coco,” a nostalgic track embracing the traditional Afro-Caribbean jíraba rhythm, served as previews of the album’s diverse sonic palette and tropical influences. Now, with the full album available, let’s delve into each track and explore the sounds and stories within Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Track-by-Track Review of Debí Tirar Más Fotos
17. “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR”
Alt text: Energetic crowd illuminated by stage lights at a Bad Bunny concert, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere.
This track is a raw, unfiltered return to reggaetón roots. “I was born here and so was reggaetón,” Bad Bunny declares, backed by a hard-hitting beat crafted by Tainy and Dysbit. “Voy a Llevarte Pa PR” is a celebration of Puerto Rico and its vibrant nightlife, embodying the uninhibited spirit that initially propelled Bad Bunny and reggaetón to global prominence. It’s Bad Bunny at his most primal, reigniting the fiery energy that captivated audiences worldwide.
16. “NUEVAYoL”
The album opener immediately sets a vibrant tone, paying homage to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. “NuevaYol” seamlessly blends classic and modern Caribbean rhythms, incorporating cultural references to Big Pun, the Yankees, and Juan Soto. This track explores the Nuyorican connection, featuring salsa legend Andy Montañez, and evokes the infectious energy of “Tití Me Preguntó” with its dembow and reggaetón beats, promising an engaging listening experience from the outset.
15. “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”
Alt text: Close-up view of musicians skillfully playing salsa instruments, highlighting the rich musicality of the genre.
Beginning with melancholic vocals and dramatic synths, “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” transitions into a lively salsa tune after a minute-long intro. Supported by live instrumentation including congas, piano, and trumpets, the song narrates the story of a man unable to forget a past love, particularly the woman who taught him how to dance. It’s a blend of nostalgia and vibrant rhythm, showcasing Bad Bunny’s versatility.
14. “PERFuMITO NUEVO” feat. RaiNao
A dynamic collaboration with Puerto Rican singer RaiNao, “PERFuMITO NUEVO” merges perreo with alternative pop. RaiNao’s ethereal vocals float above Bad Bunny’s rhythmic delivery, creating a captivating melody driven by energetic beats. The track depicts an intense flirtation on a dance floor, capturing the magnetic connection between two people amidst a vibrant atmosphere.
13. “TURISTA”
“TURiSTA” stands out as the album’s most vulnerable moment, a soft bolero accompanied by poignant guitar riffs. Bad Bunny passionately sings about a fleeting love, comparing the former partner to a tourist who only experienced the best aspects of his life without seeing his struggles. The lyrics express the bittersweet nature of a relationship that was enjoyable but ultimately temporary.
12. “DtMF”
The title track, “DtMF,” short for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, beautifully combines modern plena rhythms with reggaetón beats, resonating with nostalgia. The song’s verses reflect on the value of meaningful experiences over superficial pursuits. Bad Bunny concludes with a shift in perspective, prioritizing substance over fleeting trends, encapsulating the album’s overarching theme of reflection and appreciation for life’s deeper moments.
11. “CAFé CON RON” feat. Pleneros de la Cresta
Alt text: Pleneros de la Cresta band members passionately performing Plena music with traditional instruments.
This vibrant track is a collaboration with Los Pleneros de la Cresta, celebrating Puerto Rican plena music with contemporary flair. “CAFé CON RON” evokes local culture and tradition with lyrics about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like coffee in the morning and rum in the afternoon. The song’s infectious rhythm and instrumental richness embody the lively spirit of Puerto Rico, culminating in an energetic percussion solo.
10. “LA MuDANZA”
On the album’s closing track, Bad Bunny shares a personal narrative about his parents’ meeting and his own birth, acknowledging their role in his journey to stardom. “LA MuDANZA” transitions into a fast-paced salsa song infused with urban and bomba elements, where Bad Bunny recounts his success story while affirming his unwavering connection to Puerto Rico. It’s a declaration of pride and belonging, emphasizing his roots despite global fame.
9. “WELTiTA” feat. Chuwi
Featuring emerging Puerto Rican group Chuwi, “WELTiTA” is an airy, slow-paced salsa track perfect for swaying. The lyrics express a desire for a relaxing escape to the beach, with Bad Bunny and Chuwi trading verses about the joy of simple pleasures and connection. The song includes a charming nod to Jarabe de Palo’s “La Flaca,” adding a touch of familiar sweetness.
8. “VeLDÁ” feat. Dei V & Omar Courtz
Alt text: Dei V and Omar Courtz performing onstage, engaging with the audience during a collaborative performance.
Among the album’s Afro-Puerto Rican folk music influences, “VeLDÁ” stands out as a hardcore reggaetón track. Featuring Dei V and Omar Courtz, the song boasts a pulsating perreo beat and playful lyrics about online flirting. Reggaetón veteran Wisin makes a surprise appearance, adding his stamp of approval to the new generation of artists, solidifying the track’s high-energy vibe.
7. “EL CLúB”
“EL CLúB,” the album’s lead single, merges house beats with Afro-Puerto Rican plena guitar, setting the tone for DTMF. The lyrics hint at reflections on a past relationship, while the music video, directed by STILLZ, enhances the track’s psychedelic and introspective mood, portraying Bad Bunny entering a club amidst swirling imagery and a large crowd.
6. “EoO”
“EoO” is a tribute to early ‘90s reggaetón de marquesina, reminiscent of the genre’s informal beginnings in Puerto Rican neighborhoods. Produced by Tainy, this perreo track is raw and authentic, capturing the unpolished sound of reggaetón’s origins. Bad Bunny emphasizes the track’s Puerto Rican roots, connecting listeners to the genre’s historical context.
5. “Pitorro de Coco”
Alt text: A glass of Pitorro de Coco, a traditional Puerto Rican rum drink, garnished with cinnamon sticks and coconut flakes.
“Pitorro de Coco” evokes the holiday spirit with its name and jíbara rhythms. The track explores feelings of loneliness and nostalgia often associated with festive times, interpolating a song by Chuíto el de Bayamón. Bad Bunny’s lyrics capture the emotional duality of holidays, blending festive cheer with personal introspection.
4. “KETU TeCRÉ”
In classic Bad Bunny style, “KETU TeCRÉ” delivers a quintessential reggaetón track with an infectious beat centered on heartbreak. The song narrates the transformation of a woman who has embraced a vibrant nightlife, contrasting with the narrator’s sense of longing and nostalgia. It’s a relatable portrayal of heartbreak set to a compelling reggaetón rhythm.
3. “BOKeTE”
“Bokete” creates a captivating atmosphere with its ethereal, shoegaze-y essence, produced by MAG and La Paciencia. Mick Coogan’s guitar work adds a celestial melody reminiscent of “Trellas.” The track shifts midway with a quirky beat while maintaining its haunting allure. The lyrics reflect on emotional coldness amidst Puerto Rico’s perpetual summer, adding depth to this introspective piece.
2. “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii”
Alt text: A vibrant Puerto Rican flag waving proudly in the wind, symbolizing national identity and heritage.
The tenebrous opening and captivating güiro in “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” immediately draw listeners in. The poignant lyrics address the fear of Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. state like Hawaii. Bad Bunny sings evocatively about protecting Puerto Rico’s identity and resources, expressing a somber warning against cultural and political assimilation.
1. “KLOuFRENS”
Inspired by Instagram’s Close Friends feature, “KLOuFRENS” is a certified reggaetón anthem for the digital age. Bad Bunny sings about the torment of seeing an ex on Close Friends, fueling false hope and preventing him from moving on. The lyrics resonate with modern relationship anxieties set against driving reggaetón rhythms, making it a relatable and catchy track.
Conclusion
Debí Tirar Más Fotos is a multifaceted album that reaffirms Bad Bunny’s position as a leading innovator in Latin music. By blending traditional Puerto Rican sounds with contemporary genres and introspective themes, Bad Bunny delivers a project that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant. From reggaetón anthems to soulful boleros and vibrant plena tracks, the album showcases his artistic range and commitment to celebrating his cultural heritage. This surprise release serves as a thoughtful gift to fans, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that solidifies Bad Bunny’s continued evolution and enduring impact on the global music scene.
