SHAZAM

Formed in 2001 in Madrid, Spain, La Quinta Estación first established themselves in Latin America -- particularly Mexico, where their second album, 2004's Flores de Alquiler, spun off numerous hits and set the rock en español outfit on a quick course to international stardom. Comprised of vocalist Natalia Jiménez, guitarist Ángel Reyero, and bassist Pablo Domínguez, La Quinta Estación (aka La 5ª Estación, which translates to "The 5th Season") moved from Madrid to Mexico after recording their debut album, Primera Toma (2002). They didn't enjoy much success with that record, and in the year to follow, they worked hard to find footing within the Latin pop field, contributing songs to soundtracks (namely Clase 406 and Dame Tu Cuerpo) as well as a tribute album (Tributo a los Hombres G). Their Clase 406 contribution, "Dónde Irán," previously released on Primera Toma, earned significant attention as one of the popular Mexican telenovela's theme songs.

This foot in the door set the stage for their second album, Flores de Alquiler, which was indeed a major breakthrough that spawned four popular hits: "El Sol No Regresa," "Daría," "Algo Más," and "Niña." The album's double-platinum success carried over into 2005 as well as 2006, as the group took the liberty of issuing an in-concert CD/DVD, Acustico, that essentially was an "unplugged" take on Flores de Alquiler. Acustico tided over the band's sizable fan base until the release of El Mundo Se Equivoca in 2006. Going gold in the U.S., platinum in Mexico, and double platinum in Spain, El Mundo Se Equivoca cemented La 5ª Estación's status as Latin pop superstars. It also won them critical respect, as La 5ª Estación earned a Latin Grammy Award for their efforts. The band then documented its strength as a live act with 2008's Directo Desde Madrid, a CD/DVD release featuring footage from the group's concerts. Sin Frenos followed in March 2009. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi