La Vida es Así

Background

After the success of her 2007 effort Sentimiento, which would be certified Platinum by the United States Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a substantial live album was distributed by Machete in 2008. This would lead up to Queen signing with the label in April 2010 as the label celebrated its fifth anniversary. The signing, described as a 360 deal, includes profit sharing in tours, sponsorships and merchandising. Ivy Queen was previously signed to a distribution deal with Univision Records, which in turn was acquired by Machete's parent company Universal Music Latin Entertainment in 2008. President of Universal Music Latino and Machete, Walter Kolm, commented in a press release "It's a privilege to have Ivy Queen apart of over artistic roster. Ivy is an extraordinary woman with incomparable talent, and she's number one in her genre. We're happy to be able to work with her on her new album as well as future projects". "I'm very proud to be a part of Machete Music. They are a young, vibrant company that has created a name for itself in Latin music in the United States and the world. They are a strong and important company that has been recognized for nurturing their artists’ creative talents," said Ivy Queen, regarding the partnership. Ivy Queen told Efe that the composition process started while she was heartbroken at home. Her emotions then burst out in the recording studio. She added the song is one of 26 songs she wrote during this period.

Composition

"La Vida Es Así" was written by Queen, along with Francisco Saldaña and Marcos Masis. The song features vocal effects, minor key tonality and synthesizers. The urban version attacks with a modern and aggressive beat, while the bachata version slows with tropical rhythms by Luny Tunes. In the lyrics, Ivy Queen declares to a rival "The guy you're dating is mine, and you know it, but here's the detail: He's worthless in bed. That's why I'm here to congratulate you for setting me free, I have to confess." The reggaeton rhymes depict how life is while telling a story of revenge and love sickness. Angie Romero of Latina Magazine describes the song as being a "powerful and pulsating break-up anthem." Recording for "La Vida Es Así" and the rest of Drama Queen took place at Mas Flow Studios, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, owned by Luny Tunes. The reggaeton version was produced by Tainy, who also produced "Acércate" off of Drama Queen. The bachata version was produced by Tainy and Luny Tunes who also co-produced "Acércate". Queen has worked with Luny Tunes previously before, with Luny Tunes producing many of her biggest hits such as "Te He Querido, Te He Llorado".

Release and chart performance

"La Vida Es Así" was released in both urban and bachata versions on May 11, 2010 by Machete Music. The reggaeton version became a success on the Billboard Latin charts, while the bachata version failed to acquire any chart success. On the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, the song debuted at #49 on the week of June 6, 2010 and peaked at #11 on the week of August 21, 2010. On the Billboard Latin Pop Airplay chart, the song debuted at #33 on the week of July 3, 2010 and peaked at #10 on the week of August 28, 2010. On the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, the song debuted at #29 on the week of May 22, 2010. The previous week, the single catapulted 29-7, enjoying a 1.8 million audience impression, up 154%. It reached #1 for the week of July 10, 2010, becoming her second number-one single, replacing "Cuando Me Enamoro" by Enrique Iglesias featuring Juan Luis Guerra and was later succeeded by "Cuando Me Enamoro" a week later. It was the 16th most played song on Miami's La Kalle 106.7FM in 2010.