On August 14, multi-platinum artist Becky G released her most authentic work to date. BARAJA BENDITA (RCA Records), her fifth studio album, is a 17-track body of work that represents the totality of who she is as an artist — everything from her brassy confidence to her poignant vulnerability. It was essential that the global superstar build this studio album herself on her own terms so she could showcase every aspect that makes her who she is.

Just hours before the music dropped to the public, Becky G had a star-studded party that was hosted by PATRÓN Tequila at NOVA Studios in LA. International icons Kali Uchis and DANNA attended the festivities along with notable stars, such as Cierra Ramirez (The Fosters, Good Trouble), to help their friend, Becky G, celebrate.

Becky G ‘BARAJA BENDITA’ Release Event.

What does ‘BARAJA BENDITA’ mean?

What is the literal translation of ‘BARAJA BENDITA?’

BARAJA BENDITA translates to “Blessed deck of playing cards.” The baraja española, the traditional deck of Spanish playing cards, differs from a standard poker deck because it only has 40 cards. The cards are numbered 1 through 7 (some regions include 8 and 9, which bumps the deck up to 48 cards) with three face cards per suit. The four suits include:

  • Oros (Gold Coins), which represent wealth and commerce.
  • Copas (Cups) which represent the clergy or church.
  • Espadas (Swords) which represent the military and nobility.
  • Bastos (Clubs/Sticks) which represent peasants and agriculture.

What is the symbolism behind ‘BARAJA BENDITA?’

According to Becky G’s press announcement, “BARAJA BENDITA explores the idea of agency over chance. It’s not about the hand you’re dealt, but about becoming the one who deals it.” In essence, the individual songs on this album create a world where “control and unpredictability coexist.”

What does ‘BARAJA BENDITA’ mean to Becky G?

Becky G revealed, ”BARAJA BENDITA is about trusting myself enough to stop choosing between different parts of who I am. For so long, people wanted to define me by one thing: one language, one sound, one version of myself. This album isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about fully owning every part of who I’ve always been.”


‘BARAJA BENDITA’ album artwork. Credit: Jeremy Soma

The Complete Tracklist for ‘BARAJA BENDITA’

  1. “5’5”
  2. “CNTRL”
  3. “+PRETTY”
  4. “OASIS”
  5. “CHULA”
  6. “MAL TIEMPO”
  7. “FACTOS”
  8. “TQM / ILY”
  9. “UNSEND”
  10. “BANDERA BLANCA”
  11. “PERREO TRISTE”
  12. “AUTOMÁTICO”
  13. “EPA”
  14. “2AM”
  15. “MARATHON”
  16. “GLITCH”
  17. “PATRONA”
Becky G ‘BARAJA BENDITA’ Release Event.

‘BARAJA BENDITA’: A Track-by-Track Review

“5’5,” the album’s opener, is an upbeat Spanglish club track that celebrates the joy of getting caught up in the moment. “CNTRL” struts into the spotlight next, showcasing Becky G’s confidence and energy. The track salutes being in control and facing life on your own terms. “+PRETTY” is about intimate empowerment, how beautiful the singer feels when she’s with her partner. It’s sweet and playful, revealing yet another wonderful piece of the artist’s soul. “OASIS” turns the heat up a little more, showing how closely the songs on this album are connected. There’s a natural emotional progression that makes BARAJA BENDITA a true album and not just a collection of songs. Just four songs in, and you know this is the work of an artist with vision.

“CHULA” is simply a gorgeous song. The groove is hypnotic, giving the track a meditative flow that embraces the beautiful side of “baddie” energy. Next, Becky G sings about getting through rough emotional patches in “MAL TIEMPO.” She encourages two people to find peace by holding each other tightly until the bad time passes. “FACTO” explores romantic attraction and chemistry, while “TQM/ILY” (Te Quiero Mucho/I Love You) eloquently expresses how emotion transcends language.

Becky G explores the “whoops” feeling that follows a late-night, impulsive message in “UNSEND.” “BANDERA BLANCO” is about making the choice to choose love over fighting and surrender to achieve peace. However, in the sad “PERREO TRISTE,” she sings about the heart not being ready to move on. As the energy picks up once again, Becky G delivers back-to-back bangers with “AUTOMÁTICO,” an ode to not overthinking attraction, and the fierce “EPA,” a fiery cultural proclamation of the strength of community.

The final four tracks offer the widest variety on the album, beginning with the raw vulnerability of “2AM” that blossoms into the driving “MARATHON,” a track about staying focused and moving ever forward. “GLITCH” is a posturing scorcher that puts Becky G’s rap prowess on full display. To end the album, the artist steps fully into her Boss Lady power with the blistering “PATRONA.”

BARAJA BENDITA is what music used to be when albums reigned. It has an intriguing depth that reveals a multifaceted main character. BARAJA BENDITA is the kind of album where you put on your noise-canceling headphones, block out some alone time, and just sit and listen from beginning to end. It’s that good. Becky G’s music is there for you. It will get you through the rough patches and celebrate with you when you make it to the light. It is comforting, empowering, intimate, and marvelously boisterous!

Becky G ‘BARAJA BENDITA’ Release Event.

How to Listen & Stream Becky G’s ‘BARAJA BENDITA’

Becky G’s BARAJA BENDITA was released on Friday, August 14. You can now listen or stream on your favorite platform/app:

Additionally, you can follow Becky G on Instagram and TikTok.

Featured photo: Jeremy Soma.