Bad Bunny, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”

The new LP by Bad Bunny feels like a passport to Puerto Rico, brimming with celebratory rhythms, poignant reflections and an unmistakable sense of cultural pride.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (“I should have taken more photos”), his eighth album,  masterfully merges traditional Afro-Puerto-Rican sounds with modern elements—like synth-heavy beats—while remaining faithful to the live, hand-played instrumentation at its core. The attention to detail in the rhythms and live instrumentation sounds like a love letter to the island.

As part of the lead-up to the release, Benito Martínez Ocasio launched an online game, revealing coordinates for each song on the track list. Fans took to Google Maps, hunting for clues and turning the album’s debut into a worldwide treasure hunt.

The journey begins with a bang on “NUEVAYoL,” a subtle nod to Frida Kahlo. Its ethereal opening gradually mutates into a hard-hitting dembow, where salsa and bomba collide in a sonic statement of Boricua resilience—saluting tradition while never letting it grow stale.

The old-school reggaeton of Puerto Rico returns on “EoO,” channeling the genre’s classic dembow kicks and bold hooks for a nostalgic yet forward-facing jam. Then comes the title track, “DtMF,” which cements Bad Bunny’s mission to immerse listeners in his island’s essence. It toys with the fleeting nature of memories—an idea propelled by a raucous chorus that bursts with pride.

“VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR” is full of Puerto Ricsan pride. The track conjures a sense of breezy warmth before a sudden rhythmic shift jolts it into a full-throttle party. The bass alarm signals the exhilarating rush of freedom, especially now that Bad Bunny is single—an unapologetic invitation to let loose and embrace the infectious spirit of perreo. Then, “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” slows things down with a contemplative intro, buoyed by a resonant voiceover insisting we seize every moment while we can. Soon enough, the song bursts into an uplifting salsa breakdown. “You taught me to love/ You taught me to dance,” Bad Bunny sings.

The reflective vibe, often centering on the fleeting nature of memories, continues on “PERFuMITO NUEVO,” floating in on delicate vocals by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter RaiNao before Bad Bunny steps in to share his vulnerability that sometimes meditation feels impossible, and avoidance seems easier.

Just like the track’s title (which means “new little perfume”), the top notes of RaiNao’s harmonies blend perfectly with Ocasio’s steady undertones. Shifting from introspection to romance, “WELTiTA” bathes listeners in a sun-kissed groove. The lighthearted feel is a bit reminiscent of 2022’s Un Verano Sin Ti. Promising “una weltita” (a spin, a stroll) around the beach, it radiates warmth and affection, anchored by guest artist Chuwi’s commanding vocal turns.

“VeLDA’’ hits the ground running, its slick synergy making for an instant fan favorite. Guests Dei V and Omar Courtz play off each other, elevating Bad Bunny’s signature style to vibrant new heights. The party then takes a left turn with “EL CLub,” which layers house music synths over plena’s Afro-Puerto-Rican guitar sounds. An emo edge underscores the track’s wistful longing. On past albums, Bad Bunny leaned more heavily into trap or mainstream reggaeton, yet on this one he seems intent on pushing boundaries musically without losing sight of his roots.

Melancholy creeps in on “KETU TeCRE.” Ocasio’s subdued, almost monotone sadness echoes his conflicted thoughts. “You were not like that, when I met you,” he sings, capturing both heartbreak and disillusionment. Since 2018’s X100Pre, Bad Bunny has shared his emotional highs and lows with fans, and this album is no exception. The abrupt, hushed ending leaves a lingering sense of distrust—a confession of how much has changed. A dreamy haze then envelops “BOKeTE,” which drifts between singing and spoken-word delivery, confronting stark truths (“You are lovely, but you like to lie”) and warning of the regrets that come with time.

“TURISTA” maintains a gentle, introspective mood, its languid guitar lines and melancholy tone evoking the quiet observation of a world traveler. But “CAFe CON RON” (featuring Puerto Rican band Pleneros de la Cresta) quickly shifts gears, pounding out a jubilant call-and-response that brims with salsa’s pulse and the communal heart of the island’s music. By contrast, “LO QUE LE PASO A HAWAii” stands as a cautionary tale about cultural erasure, urging listeners to keep their roots alive and celebrate their heritage rather than let it fade.

Like the majority of the songs on the album, “La MuDANZA” has a reflective undertone. Bad Bunny weaves his singing into a salsa framework that paints vivid portraits of the people who’ve shaped his life. It’s poignant and highly danceable.

Rounding out the album is the unforgettable “PIToRRO DE COCO,” arguably its strongest cut. The melodies and the comforting warmth of Bad Bunny’s vocals evoke the swirl of a holiday parranda, the aroma of coconut rum, and the nostalgia of big family gatherings. The culminating solo on a cuatro, Puerto Rica’s national instrument, seals the deal, capturing the essence of tradition at the island’s most joyful time of year.