Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti redefined what a summer record could be. Blending reggaeton, indie pop, and a kaleidoscope of Caribbean sounds, the record made history as the first all-Spanish album to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. It broke streaming records, dominated charts, and secured Bad Bunny’s place as a global icon. But beyond the accolades and infectious beats, there are layers of creativity and history that make this album even more extraordinary. Here are five facts about Un Verano Sin Ti that you might not know.
1. The Artwork Took Over Six Months to Perfect
The striking album cover, featuring a sad, one-eyed heart set against a vibrant beach scene, was a collaboration between Bad Bunny and Los Angeles-based artist Adrian Hernandez, better known as Ugly Primo. The idea was born in summer 2021, with Bad Bunny sketching out his vision and Hernandez creating seven variations before landing on the final design. The cover’s bright yet melancholic aesthetic reflects the album’s themes of joy, heartbreak, and nostalgia, capturing the essence of a summer that lingers long after the season ends.
2. A Genre-Blending Masterpiece
Un Verano Sin Ti is a genre-defying project, seamlessly weaving reggaeton, cumbia, and indie pop with elements of dembow, mambo, bachata, and even psychedelia. Bad Bunny didn’t stop there, incorporating influences as diverse as surf rock, disco, synthwave, and trap. The result is an album that feels expansive and celebratory while paying homage to Caribbean musical traditions. Each track is a melting pot of sounds, making the record as diverse as the beaches it was meant to be played on.
3. “Me Porto Bonito” Was Recorded Right After the Met Gala
Bad Bunny’s collaboration with Chencho Corleone, “Me Porto Bonito,” was recorded under unique circumstances. After attending the Met Gala in New York, Bad Bunny went straight to the studio, still in his gala outfit and iconic hairstyle. The song, a playful ode to admiration and flirtation, was crafted with Corleone specifically in mind. Bad Bunny even admitted that if Chencho couldn’t collaborate, the track wouldn’t have been released—a testament to the synergy between the two artists.
4. “Tití Me Preguntó” Ranked as Rolling Stone’s Best Song of 2022
One of the standout tracks, “Tití Me Preguntó,” combines Dominican dembow, Latin trap, psychedelia, and bachata, creating a genre-fusing hit. The song samples Antony Santos’s “No Te Puedo Olvidar,” adding a layer of Dominican musical heritage. Its playful yet introspective lyrics, paired with innovative production, earned it acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Rolling Stone went as far as to name it the best song of 2022, solidifying its place in modern music history.
5. Breaking Records and Making History
From the moment Un Verano Sin Ti dropped, it shattered expectations. It became the first album by a Latin artist to reach 10 billion streams on Spotify and spent 13 weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart. It was also the first Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200 Year-End Chart and the first to receive a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. These accomplishments not only highlight Bad Bunny’s global appeal but also signify a pivotal moment for Latin music in mainstream culture.
From its intricate artwork to its genre-bending tracks and groundbreaking success, Bad Bunny crafted a project that resonates across borders and languages. Whether you’re vibing to “Me Porto Bonito” or reflecting on the melancholia of summer through its artwork, the album’s impact is undeniable. It’s the soundtrack of endless summer nights and proof that music knows no boundaries.