Un Año – Sebastián Yatra & Reik

Released in early 2019, “Un Año” by Sebastián Yatra and Reik quickly captured the hearts of millions with its touching message of enduring love and longing. The song is a beautiful ballad that speaks to the emotional toll of separation, yet offers hope and faith in love’s ability to withstand the test of time. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Un Año” has become an anthem for couples who are separated by distance but remain connected by love.

The collaboration between Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra and the Mexican pop group Reik resulted in a powerful song that blends Latin pop with romantic balladry. Both Yatra and Reik are known for their emotional depth in music, and “Un Año” showcases their combined strengths. The song’s universal message of love’s endurance makes it relatable to listeners from all walks of life, resonating especially with those who have experienced long-distance relationships or periods of separation from their loved ones.

The Lyrics and Message
At its core, “Un Año” is a song about enduring love despite physical distance. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and longing, but they are also filled with hope and optimism. The chorus, “Yo te esperaré / Nos sentaremos juntos frente al mar / Y de tu mano podré caminar,” speaks to the certainty that the two lovers will be reunited one day. The imagery of sitting together by the sea and walking hand in hand is both romantic and poignant, evoking a sense of peace and fulfillment that can only come from being with a loved one.

The title of the song, “Un Año,” which translates to “One Year,” symbolizes the amount of time the lovers have been apart. The lyrics “Un año no es un siglo, yo te volveré a ver” (“A year is not a century, I will see you again”) emphasize the idea that, while the time apart may feel long, it is not insurmountable. This line encapsulates the essence of the song: the belief that love can survive any length of time or distance as long as there is commitment and faith in the relationship.

The song’s verses delve deeper into the emotions that come with separation. Lines like “Aunque estés lejos, no te olvidaré / Te juro que nuestra amor es más fuerte” (“Even though you’re far away, I won’t forget you / I swear our love is stronger”) highlight the strength of the bond between the two lovers. The use of the word “juro” (I swear) gives the promise of love a solemn, almost sacred tone, reinforcing the idea that this love is unwavering and eternal.

The Music and Vocal Performance
Musically, “Un Año” is a soft, melodic ballad with a subtle Latin pop influence. The song opens with gentle guitar strumming, setting a calm and reflective tone that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. The melody is simple yet effective, allowing the vocals and message of the song to take center stage.

Sebastián Yatra’s vocal performance is filled with emotion, conveying the longing and love that the lyrics express. His voice, known for its warmth and sincerity, adds an authentic and heartfelt quality to the song. Yatra has built a reputation for his ability to convey vulnerability through his music, and “Un Año” is no exception. His delivery is soft yet powerful, drawing listeners into the story of the song and making them feel the weight of the emotions being expressed.

Reik’s contribution to the song is equally impactful. As one of the most successful Latin pop bands, Reik’s vocal harmonies add depth and richness to the track. Their smooth vocals blend perfectly with Yatra’s, creating a seamless collaboration that enhances the overall emotional impact of the song. The combination of Yatra’s distinct voice and Reik’s harmonies results in a beautiful, layered sound that makes “Un Año” stand out as a powerful duet.

The Official Video
The official music video for “Un Año” further amplifies the emotional resonance of the song. Directed by Nuno Gomes, the video tells the story of various individuals who are separated from their loved ones, whether by distance, circumstance, or time. The video shows people writing letters, gazing at photographs, and reminiscing about moments spent with those they love. These scenes are interspersed with shots of Yatra and Reik performing the song in an open field, symbolizing the openness and vastness of time and space that the lovers must navigate.

One of the most touching aspects of the video is its depiction of real-life stories of separation, including a young couple, an older man reflecting on memories of his wife, and a soldier away from his family. These diverse stories highlight the universal nature of the song’s message—whether the separation is romantic, familial, or due to life’s unpredictable circumstances, the emotion of longing and love is something everyone can relate to.

The video concludes with a sense of hope, as some of the individuals are reunited with their loved ones. This mirrors the message of the song: despite the time apart, love will ultimately bring people back together. The visual storytelling in the video enhances the emotional impact of the song, turning it into more than just a love song—it becomes a celebration of the resilience of love.

Chart Performance and Cultural Impact
“Un Año” was a commercial success, charting in several countries and resonating particularly strongly in Latin America. The song received widespread radio play and garnered millions of views on YouTube. Its heartfelt lyrics and moving melody made it an instant favorite among fans of Latin pop and romantic ballads.

The song’s emotional depth and relatability have made it a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions. It has become an anthem for those who are in long-distance relationships or experiencing temporary separations from loved ones, offering comfort and hope that love can survive any challenge.

Conclusion
“Un Año” by Sebastián Yatra and Reik is a song that speaks to the power of love to endure despite time and distance. Through its touching lyrics, heartfelt melody, and emotional performances, the song captures the essence of longing and hope in relationships. Whether it’s a romantic separation or time apart from family, “Un Año” resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level, offering a message of faith and resilience in love. The song’s universal appeal and emotional impact ensure that it will remain a beloved ballad for years to come.

Lyrics:
Yo te conocí en primavera
Me miraste tú de primera
De un verano eterno me enamoré
Y esa despedida en septiembre
En octubre sí que se siente
Noviembre sin ti me dolió también
Llegará diciembre, sigues en mi mente
Fueron seis meses y por fin volveré a verte
Llegará febrero yo seré el primero
En darte flores y decirte que te quiero
Puede que pase un año más de una vez
Sin que te pueda ver
Pero el amor es más fuerte
Puede que el tiempo nos aleje otra vez
Sin saber dónde estés
Pero el amor es más fuerte
Ooooh oh oh oh oh
Te esperaré porque el amor es más fuerte
Ya le dije a mis amigos yo no necesito nada y solo tú estás en mi mente
Mil kilómetros se restan cuando dos almas se suman a lo lejos puedo ver
Solo pienso, solo pienso en ti
Solo pienso, solo pienso en ti
Ya mis primos saben tu apellido que por ti yo estoy perdido, espero que también te pase a ti
Llegará diciembre
Sigues en mi mente
Fueron seis meses y por fin volveré a verte
Llegará febrero yo seré el primero
En darte flores y decirte que te quiero
Puede que pase un año más de una vez
Sin que te pueda ver
Pero el amor es más fuerte
Puede que el tiempo nos aleje otra vez
Sin saber dónde estés
Pero el amor es más fuerte
Ooooh oh oh oh oh
Te esperaré porque el amor es más fuerte
Ooooh oh oh oh oh
Te esperaré porque el amor es más fuerte
Y yo te conocí en primavera
Me miraste tú de primera