Raoul and the Kings of Spain

Functioning essentially as a Roland Orzabal solo project following Curt Smith's departure, the record dives heavily into his Spanish heritage and deeply personal familial themes. The remarkably dense, alternative-rock-leaning production completely strips away their signature 1980s synth-pop aesthetic in favor of massive, Beatles-esque guitar orchestration and Latin influences. Despite failing to achieve massive commercial success, it remains a fiercely ambitious, critically respected late-career artistic statement.