Last January, Bad Bunny, aka Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, released the Spanish-language album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” or “I Should Have Taken More Photos.”

This album won him a Grammy last month, making history as the first all-Spanish record to win Album of the Year. He also headlined the Super Bowl halftime show this month, another major achievement. People had varying thoughts about the show; some were excited, and others in direct opposition. Many people didn’t want to watch a performance in a language they couldn’t understand, but how much does that really affect the experience of listening to Bad Bunny?

Let’s get something out of the way — if you really want or need to know what the lyrics are to enjoy an album, a quick Google search will help. There’s no need to avoid certain music altogether and deprive yourself of an incredible record.

As someone else who doesn’t understand Spanish fluently, I have to say that not knowing the Spanish language doesn’t affect or inhibit my enjoyment of Bad Bunny’s music. His songs are perfectly enjoyable to listen to. You’re still able to dance and appreciate the skill and beats, as those translate across all language barriers. 

You can tell how personal “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is to Bad Bunny. Without even understanding the words, he connects you to the music through his tone and the beat. Being able to sing in his native language has allowed him to tell the story he really wants without having to translate the lyrics.

One of my favorite songs is “PERFuMITO NUEVO,” which he made in collaboration with RaiNao. It’s a perfect dancing song, especially if you’re about to go out. It has a club energy to it, while also being fun and flirty. 

On the flip side, “EL CLúB” has the opposite feel. It has the vibes of “I’m going through a breakup, and I’m heartbroken and lonely,” but in the best way. If you want to really feel the feels, this is it. Similarly, “BOKeTE” and “KLOuFRENS” have similar vibes to them. The songs are more serious and less peppy, some of my favorites. 

“WELTiTA” featuring Chuwi is another pick of mine, and is meant to be an ode to Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican culture, summer and the joy of escaping to the beach. It has a very passionate and nostalgic feeling; you can tell he really cares and connects with what he’s singing about, even without understanding the words.

There are so many songs on this album, and they’re all enjoyable in different ways. I won’t analyze them all individually, but trust, there are enough songs with different ambiences that everyone can find at least one to enjoy. 

The album is a perfect mix of universal experiences, feelings and a celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Bad Bunny winning Album of the Year and performing at the Super Bowl is so much more than just personal victories for him; they’re a collective victory for the Latinx community, providing a long-overdue sense of cultural representation on the world’s biggest stages. He’s broken barriers wide open, no matter if people like it or not. 

The good news is that there’s nothing not to like, as the appreciation for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is definitely well deserved.