Bad Bunny has launched his highly anticipated sixth album, titled “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” showcasing his deep connections to Puerto Rican culture. This new collection incorporates traditional rhythms, particularly plena music, alongside classic reggaeton beats, reflecting his artistic evolution. The album was recorded in Puerto Rico and features an array of live instruments, prominently including rich horns and percussion. Notably, Bad Bunny collaborated with young salsa students, along with prominent artists from the island such as RaiNao and the band Chuwi.
The album’s title, which means “I Should Have Taken More Photos,” aligns with Bad Bunny’s growing interest in traditional Latin music. This trend has been evident since he featured Puerto Rican legend José Feliciano during his 2023 Coachella performance and collaborated with the Mexican ensemble Grupo Frontera on the hit “un x100to.” In an interview, he reflected on the evolving perception of traditional music among younger generations, acknowledging that it can initially be viewed as music for older relatives, but appreciation often develops over time.
Interestingly, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” was released on a Sunday morning, deviating from the typical Friday midnight launch strategy. This choice, which hasn’t been thoroughly explained, follows a growing trend among artists like Tyler, the Creator and Kendrick Lamar, who have also taken unconventional approaches to album releases. However, this Sunday timing might impact chart tracking, which begins each Friday. It remains to be seen whether Bad Bunny will secure a top position in the charts against other prominent artists like Lil Baby and SZA.
In summary, Bad Bunny’s new album exhibits not just a personal but a cultural reflection, expanding the boundaries of reggaeton and enriching the global music scene with Puerto Rican sounds. As he champions traditional music within a contemporary framework, fans can look forward to a bright future for Latin music and its innovators.