Top 5 Rock Nacional Bands of Argentina

Beyond the more obvious muscial conributions to the world, such as tango greats like Carlos Gardel and the traditional folkloric music of Mercedes Sosa, Argentina has produced some of the most important artists in Latin America, especially in the genre called Rock Nacional. Throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s, rock from Argentina has been hugely popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world. And if you ever plan to be in Argentina, you can be sure to hear this music played at any (or every) party you attend.

Soda Stereo – De Música Ligera

Nothing says rock nacional like De Musica Ligera. And I challenge you to find any Argentine under the age of 50 who doesn’t know all the lyrics to this Soda Stereo classic. The lead singer, Gustavo Cerati has been one of the most influential musicians in Latin America and for decades has had fans throughout the world.

Fito Paez – El Amor despúes del Amor

While less popular internationally than Soda Stereo, Fito Paez is another rock nacional idol back home. He has countless hits himself, plus many famous duets. You can always tell it’s Fito by his nasally delivery of the lyrics. Fito is currently on tour, promoting the El Amor despues del Amor album, 20 years after it catapulted him into super stardom!

Charly Garcia – Nos Siguen Pegando Abajo

To any Argentine, Charly Garcia needs no introduction. Charly is a rock musician, composer and outspoken critic, especially of the oppressive government regimes of the 70s and 80s. When you hear either his solo music or the music of any of his bands, including Sui Generis and Seru Giran, it’s easy to see why some people would consider him to be the founder of rock nacional.

Los Abuelos de la Nada – Costumbres Argentinas

Any discussion of the main icons of the Argentine rock in the last two decades would be incomplete without mentioning Los Abuelos de la Nada, a band created by Miguel Abuelo. Fun fact, this is also where the famed Andres Calamaro entered the scene, and he went on to have a very sucessful solo career, and found the band Los Rodriguez.

Luis Alberto Spinetta – Muchacha Ojos de Papel

Spinetta is another founder of rock nacional and he is one of the muscians most admired by other musicians. With his band, Almendra or on his own, he played a major role in developing the sound of Argentine rock. In this video, you can hear people calling Spinetta by his nickname, Flaco or Skinny.

As we mentioned, Argentina has a strong musical heritage, and it would be virtually impossible for anyone to come up with a definitive ‘best of’ list that included just five artists…But feel free to try in the comments section below!