Bad Bunny Pens Love Letter to Puerto Rico in New Album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is back with his sixth studio album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (translation: I Should Have Taken More Photos). The 17-track album effortlessly combines old-school salsa rhythms like including with the artist’s signature reggaeton flare for not just an album but a love letter to the island.

His fifth album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, remained rooted in reggaeton sound but explored a different aesthetic as his concerts were filled with cowboy hats and playful horse props. Now, the artist born as Benito Martinez Ocasio returns to his roots for a homecoming album that deeply resonates with fans. His “recommitment” to the island is evident from the timeless plastic backyard chair album cover to the opening salsa track “NUEVAYoL,” which is also projected to take “Tití Me Preguntó’s” spot as the new club anthem.

Having recorded the album in Puerto Rico, he collaborated with a range of artists from young salsa students to island-known names like RaiNao and Chuwi. 

Gracias Bad Bunny por estas joyitas: pic.twitter.com/veAYSIFHzI

— KLOuFRENS (@esquinaextrema) January 5, 2025

Like most Latino children who once dreaded waking up to the sounds of Marc Anthony and La India on a Saturday morning because it meant a day spent cleaning, there is an appreciation for the music they have as they get older. The artist himself shares this same sentiment. 

“Sometimes young people can think, and I used to think this when I was a kid, this type of music is for old people, that’s my abuelita’s or my grandpa’s music…But when you grow up, you start to appreciate it and understand it more,” he told The New York Times.

Breaking from the tradition of a typical Friday night release, the artist dropped his album on January 5, on the eve of Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day)—a cherished holiday in Puerto Rico that honors the Three Wise Men. On this night, children are encouraged to place hay under their beds before sleeping, waking up to find gifts nestled in the hay come morning. This year, the artist’s gift to his fans was the anticipated new album.

He simply captioned the announcement, “Llegaron,” or “They arrived.” 

So far, the album has garnered rave reviews from fans and critics alike, with Rolling Stone calling it “an instant classic” and praising the artist for his depth. The album is pegged as “his most political record” yet. As he sings about the consequences of statehood while denouncing the gentrification and displacement of Puerto Rico, it is clear that his connection to the island is stronger than ever.

bad bunny just gave a masterclass on how to do introspection and pay homage to your roots while developing artistic growth so if anyone keeps hating on his music and especially this album, they have to admit they simply hate him and move on pic.twitter.com/rHwQSx79EP

— mar (@chrrypm) January 5, 2025

The gift of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is officially here and can be streamed on all platforms.