Rock en español dominated the ‘80s and ‘90s in Ibero America. A glorious time for rockeros and rockeras everywhere, the Spanish-sung genre took cues from Anglo rock and drew from compelling Latin folklore. Though in previous decades musicians looked to inspiration from Western rock ‘n’ roll like that of The King—whose Latin imitators became known as “refried Elvises”—the big-haired era reinvented rock so completely that it took on wildly different shapes and forms. In Argentina, Soda Stereo inspired fervid devotion through their electro-rock eroticism and tales of cosmic lore; Caifanes plumbed the depths of Aztec legend, rewriting their own darkwave mythologies; and Chile’s Los Prisioneros employed candid observational storytelling, adding intrigue to their kitschy synth-pop. With her arty bolero brilliance and his irreverent punk approach, the duo of Aterciopelados took Colombian rock to global prominence; and Héroes del Silencio showcased their mystique through dark poetry and irresistible gothic-cowboy swagger.