The unifying power of rock music extends beyond language barriers, as proven by the tremendously popular 'rock en espanol' movement. Whether the bands are coming from the U.S., Mexico, or Central America, they share a similar love for western rock 'n' roll while retaining Latin rhythms and their native language. Pioneer Alex Lora bridged the gap between western rock and the Spanish language in mid-'60s Mexico, and an explosion of Mexican bands followed. During the 1980s, Caifanes was heavily indebted to England's the Cure before changing into the more rocking Jaguares. Mana, also from Mexico, has become globally popular with a sound that draws from both its Mexican roots and English bands like the Police. Meanwhile, the energy of the punk explosion was assimilated by bands like Venezuela's Desorden Publico.

Notable Artists: Cafe Tacuba, Molotov, Plastilina Mosh