Madrid trio Mecano ruled the ‘80s in their native country, perfecting timely synth-pop and soft rock before establishing a gentler yet more diverse brand of balladry. Still Spain's best-selling pop act, the group split in 1998 to accommodate a solo career for Ana Torroja, whose sultry, heartfelt vocals are so central to their work. Her quivering sensitivity found an emotional equivalent in the songs' swooning embellishment, whether alongside strings and horns or castanets. Yet Mecano worked sophisticated touches into their hitmaking, brandishing odd twists and a theatrical flair worthy of Kate Bush.