Yes, El Muerto the Spider-Man villain will also be portrayed by an actor who makes music. We joke about Bad Bunny appearing in a movie, even though he only appeared in two Spider-Man comics. Bad Bunny has a very busy life.
Between movies, he’ll be in David Leitch’s “Bullet Train”, starring Brad Pitt; and a new movie with Pete Davidson called “American Sole”. He will also appear in Corona commercials alongside Snoop Dogg.
His most recent album, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which means A Summer Without You, is shaping up well to be one of those summer records you remember fondly. Think Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles (1967), Purple Rain (Prince (1984), Raising Hell (Run D.M.C. (1986), Funk Wav Bounces Vol. Calvin Harris (2017). Because Bad Bunny is so popular, it’s highly probable that his album will be played by every Discoteca.
It may sound like this is a blanket statement for the album, but it’s not. There are many complexities that fit in with the head-nodding beats. For those who rely on streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music, this album is divided into two tracks. An A-side and B-side are the songs.
The A-side is filled with hip-shaking reggaeton. Tony Dize joins him on “La Corriente,” and Chencho Corleone on Plan B for the “Me Porto Bonito” album.
The B-side, which is the last half of this album, evolves nicely. This album features songs that focus on introspection and political outcry. It also includes a song dedicated to Andrea Ruiz. Bad Bunny and Buscabulla, a Puerto Rican duo, team up to tell the story about Ruiz. Ruiz was killed by her ex. The Puerto Rican court didn’t do enough to protect Ruiz. “Andrea”, and other songs like “Otro Atardecer”, featuring LA-based indie rock band The Marias, are deeply touching and beautiful.
Bad Bunny continues to be criticized. The album is filled with Black-inspired songs, so there is not much Afro-Latinx representation. Bad Bunny shouts Dahian el Apechao during the “Despues de la Playa”, but there isn’t a lot of Black Dominican representation. It is even more obvious when much of the album’s instrumentation takes from Black roots genres like bomba reggaeton or dembow. While we won’t be able to say that it’s Gwen Stefani-esque with the Harajuku Girls/Chola aesthetics, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Bad Bunny is an album that will get replays around the globe, despite all criticisms. He delivers his trademark styles on two separate discs and is in peak form. This album will bring joy to all those who have suffered over the years. It can also be a soundtrack to a summer filled with party songs and music that blends in with the sunset.
