Yes, El Muerto, the Spider-Man villain who will be played by the actor who plays it, also makes music. We laugh about Bad Bunny’s bizarre decision to be in a film whose character appeared in only two total Spider-Man comics. But there is truth to the joke. Bad Bunny works hard.
Between the movies, he will star in David Leitch’s ‘Bullet Train’ starring Brad Pitt and a newly released movie “American Sole” with Pete Davidson. Corona commercials are also being done opposite Snoop Dogg.
His most recent release, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” (“A Summer Without You”) is shaping to be one you’ll treasure fondly. Think Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band from The Beatles (1967), Purple Rain, Prince (1984), Raising Hell, Run D.M.C. (1986), Funk Wav Bounces Vol. Calvin Harris (2017). It’s very probable that Bad Bunny will be heard in every Discoteca.
While this might seem like a generalization about the album’s contents, there are so many complexities and subtleties that work in harmony with the beats that induce head nods. People who listen to streaming music services like Spotify and Apple Music will not know that this album has two parts. There are A-sides and B-sides.
The A-side is packed with fast-paced, hip-shaking reggaeton like Despues de la Playa. This is an ode Dominican Mambo. Tony Dize, a fellow countryman, is also involved in “La Corriente”, and Chencho Corleone for “Me Porto Bonito.”
The album’s second half evolves nicely into its B-side. The album includes songs that encourage reflection, political outcry, as well as a song dedicated Andrea Ruiz. Bad Bunny teams with Puerto Rican Duo Buscabulla in telling the story Ruiz’s death. This happened after her ex-boyfriend killed her. “Andrea” and “Otro Atardecer,” featuring LA indie band The Marias, is a deeply moving and captivating song.
Bad Bunny has still been criticised. There’s not much Afro Latinx representation on the album due to all the Black-inspired musical styles. Bad Bunny shouts Dahian el Apechao on the aforementioned “Despues de la Playa”, however, there isn’t a lot more Black Dominican participation. It becomes even more apparent when the album uses instrumentation from Black genres such as bomba (reggaeton), dembow, and babachata. We can’t claim it’s Gwen Stefani, but we think it’s close enough to the Harajuku Girls/Chola aesthetic.
Bad Bunny’s album will continue to be loved by many. He’s on top form and can deliver both of his trademark styles on separate CDs. After all the hardships the world has experienced over the past few years this album can bring about a summer of joy, party anthems and music that is right in line with the sunset.
