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Rock en Español or as also known, Spanish Rock, became a popular and well-known term and music genre that escalated around the 1980s and 1990s.
In the beginning of this era, their rock music served to let out social and political expressions, especially on the authority rules in many countries. For example, in Argentina, they used the rock genre as a symbol to resist against the military dictatorship around the 1980s.
When discussing rock music in Spanish, it’s impossible not to mention the Spanish bands that helped shape the genre.
Soda Stereo
Formed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1982, the band consisted of Gustavo Cerati (vocals, guitar), Zeta Bosio (bass), and Charly Alberti (drums).
Their formation came around the time when Argentina was in a political period following the country’s military dictatorship. To also mention, their early sound was influenced by new wave and British rock.
Their self-titled debut album, Soda Stereo, came out in 1984, they had a featuring hit: "Tratame Suavemente”. The second album, Nada Personal, came out in 1985 and closely with the third album, Signos, coming out in 1986. Because of these two albums, their success started to be seen and they even were touring across Latin America. In 1988, they released Doble Vida, which was recorded in the U.S. with producer Carlos Alomar, (David Bowie's guitarist).
via: @Spotify @rockNvivo.com @joelmorales
In the early 90s they came out with "Canción Animal”, their hardest rock album, featuring "De Música Ligera", which was their biggest hit.
In 1997, creative tensions led to Soda Stereo's breakup, which they ended with a massive farewell tour. The final concert, on September 20th of that year at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires. It became legendary because of Gustavo Cerati’s memorable words: "Gracias... Totales!" In 2007, the band reunited for the Me Verás Volver tour, a lot of fans came to this tour before they parted ways again.
In 2010, Gustavo Cerati (vocals, guitar) suffered a stroke that left him in a coma until his passing in 2014, leaving a mark in the Spanish rock industry.
Los Enanitos Verdes
The Argentine band formed in the city of Mendoza in 1979. The line up consists of Marciano Cantero (vocals and bass), Felipe Staiti (guitar), and Daniel Piccolo (drums).
The band had been playing locally across their towns and after more recognition, they moved to Buenos Aires to pursue their professional music careers. Because of a music contest, this pushed them to land a record deal and set their self-titled debut album, Los Enanitos Verdes, in 1984, with the featured song “Aun Sigo Cantando”.
Their breakthrough came with the second album, Contrarreloj, that was produced by Charly Garcia (Argentine singer-songwriter). This included the song, “La Muralla Verde”, which became a classic and one of my favorites to have on repeat. The band continued their rise with albums like "Habitaciones Extrañas" (1987) and "Carrousel" (1988), which included popular songs such as "Te Vi en un Tren" and "Por el Resto”. With success like this, they started to tour across Latin America and even reached audiences in the U.S during those years.
via: Pinterest @n/a @jonathancubero @eduardo
After a few years, in 1994, they signed with EMI and released "Big Bang," which included "Lamento Boliviano", their most famous song.
More albums started to drop from the years 1996-2000s. Another hit song, “Luz de Dia” kept them relevant during that time. The band was still playing and remained active and even kept touring, until the year of 2022 in September, Marciano Cantero (vocals and bass) passed away due to health complications. This led to the end of an era for the band.
Caifanes
The Mexican rock band formed in 1987 in Mexico City. The members of this band are Saúl Hernández (vocals, guitar), Sabo Romo (bass), Alfonso André (drums), and Diego Herrera (keyboards, saxophone). It was later on where Alejandro Marcovich joined as a guitarist. Their early sound was mostly inspired by English bands like The Cure and Bauhaus.
They released their first self-titled album, Caifanes, in 1988, with hits like “La Negra Tomasa”, which they made a rock version of the Cuban song. Their second album, called El Diablito, refined their sound into more Mexican folk influences.
I would say that Caifanes had more success in between the years of 1992-1994. This was the time where they came out with their third album, El Silencio, produced by Adrian Belew (from King Crimson). For the final album, El Nervio del Volcan, it included hits like “Afuera”, where I would say I like the most from and also have on repeat.
via: Pinterest @Vamp @joelmorales @besthistoricaloogoscollection
The band broke up in 1995 due to tensions between Saúl Hernández (vocals, guitar) and Alejandro Marcovich (guitarist). This is where things started to get confusing but in a good way? Saul actually formed the next band, Jaguares, to continue their legacy of rock. This was pretty much the same people except for Marcovich. In 2011, the band united again and even toured once more but as said, without Marcovich.
Jaguares
Leading up to the breakup of Caifanes, as mentioned, Saul formed Jaguares in 1996, keeping the same members.
It wasn’t a bit surprising that their first debut album, El Equilibrio de los Jaguares, was a big success due to their loyal fans. As for their sound, their newer albums showcased a dark and introspective sound.
They continued to have a lot of success through the years of 1999-2005, with a lot of hit songs. In 2008, Jaguares actually won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock Album, which was called 45.
via: Pinterest @JuanRamos and @GettyImages
As said previously, things started to also get confusing once again because in 2010, Saul went back to performing under the name Caifanes, that left up to questions on the future for the band named Jaguares. As one could have thought, this led to an indefinite hiatus to that band name. From that year leading up to now, they continue to play under their first band name and with the same original members without that one person... (Alejandro Marcovich).
Hombres G
This Spanish pop-rock band formed in 1983 in Madrid. They became very well-known and were one of the most successful Spanish-language bands of the 1980s.
The band was founded by David Summers (vocals, bass), with members like Daniel Mezquita (guitar), Rafael Gutiérrez (guitar), and Javi Molina (drums).
Most of their inspiration came from British and American rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
via: Pinterest @n/a @Spotify @esmeralda and @ElCorreo
Their self-titled debut album, Hombres G, came out in 1985. When they released their first single, “Devuelveme a Mi Chica”, in 1984, it became a massive hit.
Others know this song as “Sufre Mamon”, it basically became their signature anthem. This was featured on that same album as the hit, “Venezia”. Their second album, La Cagaste... Burt Lancaster, came out in 1986 and had the hit songs "El Ataque de las Chicas Cocodrilo" and "Te Quiero". After this, it was noticed that their popularity across Spain had continued onto the United States. The band even played at venues like Madison Square Garden.
To add on, Hombres G starred in two films: Sufre Mamon in 1987 and Sueltate el Pelo in 1988. However, in the year 1992, the band decided to take a break due to exhaustion and some members wanted to pursue solo projects. For example, David Summers was the first to launch his solo career. A decade has passed since their break, in 2002 Hombre G reunited and released more hits and albums. Leading up to today, they are still touring!
When one think of Spanish Rock, their minds immediately go to the famous one and only band, Maná.
Maná
This band is one of the most legendary, successful and influential Latin rock bands of all time. They formed in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1986. The band's lineup includes Fher Olvera (vocals, guitar), Alex González (drums, backing vocals), Juan Calleros (bass), and Sergio Vallín (lead guitar, and joined in 1994).
Before the famous name, Mana, they started out as Sombrero Verde in 1978. Just like Hombres G, they were inspired by The Beatles, but also from The Police and Led Zeppelin. In 1986, they rebranded as Mana, which means “positive energy” in Polynesian language.
via: Pinterest: @ebay @anamariacastillo and @billboard 3x
In 1987, Maná released their self-titled debut album, followed by Falta Amor (1990), which included their first major success, "Rayando el Sol”. However, what made them have their breakthrough was the album, ¿Dónde Jugarán los Niños?. This became the top-selling Spanish rock album of its era with over 10 million copies sold. Songs like "Oye Mi Amor," "Vivir Sin Aire," and "Cómo Te Deseo" helped them become known globally. In my opinion, I also think it was especially because of the song, “Me Vale”, where people started to recognize them even more. It’s one of the first songs that come to mind when thinking about Mana. It’s an all-time classic to have at parties and most importantly your quinceñera.
They had so much global success between the years of 1995-2006. They also started to incorporate Latin and Caribbean influences for their upcoming music. Hit songs like “Clavado en un Bar”, “Mariposa Traicionera” and “Labios Compartidos” came out during this time.
From 2011 leading up to the present, Mana continues to release successful songs and albums. They earned 4 Grammy Awards and many more Spanish Awards.
via: Pinterest @LosAngelesTimes and @RollingStone @Billboard 2x
Something they have been doing is to re-record their classic songs with younger artists so that it can keep their music relevant for newer generations. They also have collaborated with other artists such as Coldplay, Carlos Santana, Alejandro Fernandez, and many more...like even performed for Barack Obama's Inaugural Ball. To lastly note about Mana, they are the most commercially successful Latin rock band, with over 40 million records sold worldwide. They are Rock en Español.
Other bands that have changed and influenced Rock en Espanol are:
Zoe, La Union, Duncan Dhu, Los Prisioneros , La Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio, La Ley ...and many more!
I personally got into Spanish rock because of my dad. He showed me a bunch of these bands that I just talked about and their songs.
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