Mexican Pop and Rock

Following our previous look at Mexican traditional music we now focus our attention on the Latin Rock coming out of Mexico.

Mexico being the largest Spanish speaking country in the world is also one of the 2 big scenes of Spanish/Latin Rock. Many bands from other smaller countries like Puerto Rico, or maybe Guatemala come to Mexico City and Miami to make the break into the big time. Just like any other Spanish speaking country Mexico music can and usually do combine and fuse traditional and folk music (mariachi/ranchero/tejano/norteño, bolero, and cumbia) making distinct sounding Mexican pop song. It is not uncommon to see modern ranchero/norteño music competing with modern rock in the music charts. American style garage rock has also become popular in Mexico. Acts like Vicente Fernandez and Los Tigres del Norte are often found in international popular charts. Combine that with having the highest population of any Spanish speaking country andyou get the biggest concentration of pop acts in the Latin Pop and Rock scene.

One of the cool events that takes place in Mexico city is a flea market for music records, discs and memorabilia called the Tianguis del Chopo that takes place every Saturday. In 1980 the National University of Mexico invited people to come and swap vinyl records with other people. The idea became a hit and meeting place for music enthusiasts of all genres and up and coming musicians. The Tianguis is a music phenomena respected all over the world.

: Tianguis del Chopo, a music market in Mexico City Image via Wikipedia

Now let’s look at some of their popular acts

Luis Miguel known as the crooner of Mexican music, brought new life and knowledge of old Boleros and mariachi muisc, with a modern touch, and has the 2nd biggest sales of any Latin album

Manà– are probably the biggest act in Latin music. A classic guitar driven rock band they have some great songs and guitar riffs like that in Angel De Amor

Paulina Rubio– is another iconic Mexican singer that is called the Queen of Latin music. Paulina is also one of the biggest acts to crossover to the English music scene and have success with no less than 2 of her albums Border Girl and

Thalía is another iconic Mexican singer that has also had huge success in Latin music and crossover success in the English music scene

Mexican singers are Alejandro Fernández el potrillo, Julieta Venegas. Popular groups are Café Tacuba, Molotov and . Since the early years of 2000s (decade), Mexican rock

Marco Antonio Solis is a 5 time Grammy winner, who started his career at the age of 6 in the band Los Hermanitos Solis (the Solis Brothers). His music combines Latin pop, with Mexican Cumbia, rancgero and other styles.

Molotov is a Mexican alternative rock slash hip-hop band, are a popular fast paced band, who are bound to get you motivated with their fast pace music. They are 4 time Latin Grammy winners with lyrics based on political and social themes. Gimme Tha Power is a popular song , with a line that all Mexican’s know “Viva Mexico cabrones!” Molotov often sing in both English and Spanish in the same song

Caifanes- are a cruisy style of music rock band from Mexico City who are one of Latin Rock’s biggest names. 2 popular songs are “Afuera” and “No Dejes Que”

Jaguares- the 2nd incarnation of 2 band members from Caifanes they continued their success with songs like “Te Lo Pido Por Favor”

Alejandro Fernandez- a hugely popular Mexican singer, he started his career with mariachi and ranchera like his father and then branches out into pop music “Si Tu Supieras” is one of his most popular songs

Alejandra Guzman- is a popular Mexican rock singer. One of her most popular songs is “Hacer El Amor Con Otro”

Gloria Trevi- described as the Diva of Latin pop, Gloria is a singer-songwriter that is more than just looks with hit songs like “Todos Me Miran”

Cafe Tacuba are a hugely popular band that had success from the early nineties mixing ska, punk and electronic with traditional Mexican music “Eres” is one of their most popular songs (Esa Noche & Las Flores”)