About his new release "Supernatural", his explanation couldn't be more right. The result is an excellent collection of diverse songs performed by the spirit and musical passion of Carlos Santana.
Photo: Cover from Carlos Santana`s new release "Supernatural" (1999).
"Many of my favourite shamans are rock stars. They probably don't even know they're shamans, but they know how to get to ecstasy and back, and how to take others with them. They may not have a license, but they know how to drive." (from "Maps to ecstasy" by Gabrielle Roth).
As a musician Carlos Santana is probably most famous for the Welcome album (1973), which contains the songs "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye como va". His new masterpiece, Supernatural, is the 36th his career. Supernatural has sold over ten million copies, and has received several awards as "Dectillion Platinum", Diamond Status, by the R.I.A.A. Further more it won nine Grammy's at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in February 2000. In addition it includes the Album Of the Year, Best Rock Album, and Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for "Smooth".
More than three decades into his career Carlos Santana is more energetic than ever. The Mexican artist's first single Smooth' proved its popularity with a record staying 12 continuous weeks at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. It achieved the longest running #1 single of 1999.
Supernatural's second single, "Maria, Maria", co-written by Wyclef Jean (of The Fugees and solo fame) and featuring on vocals. The Product G & B is an infectious Spanish-textured stroll fusing Latin, African and pan-Caribbean sounds. Its multi-genre appeal won it ten weeks in the top on the Hot 100 as well as a Grammy for Best Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals.
Photo: Carlos Santana.
On Carlos Santana`s new album, he made his debut for Arista Records, Inc. In the studio big stars as Dave Matthews, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Everlast, Eagle Eye Cherry, and Eric Clapton have accompanied him.
Santana's music is a mix of Afro-Cuban, soul, pop and rock, and has a multicultural appeal.
On Carlos Santana`s new album, he made his debut for Arista Records, Inc. In the studio big stars as Dave Matthews, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Everlast, Eagle Eye Cherry, and Eric Clapton have accompanied him. Santana's music is a mix of Afro-Cuban, soul, pop and rock, and has a multicultural appeal.
Comments on some of the songs:
- The opening song "(Da Le) Yaleo", has strong, intensive and suggestive rhythms.
- Matthews joins Santana for vocals on the funky ballad "Love of My Life".
- Beautiful guitar play, drums and rhythms on "African Bamba" make you take some dancing steps in the living room.
- Everlast contribution sounds more like modern rock with the beautiful song "Put Your Lights On": "hey now, all your sinners
". The album's absolute highlight in my opinion!
- On "Smooth" you can hear Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 sing. As Santana says about Thomas: "Thank you for your bright spirit and vibrant energy. We treasure your words of romance and love.
- Hill contributes on the hip-hop song "Do You Like the Way", and with Cee-Lo taking the second half of the song to church, a la Al Green.
- On "Maria Maria" Wyclef Jean and co-producer Jerry "Wonder" Duplessis gives the sound a strong emotional touch. And with Santana`s guitars the hair raise on your head, and sends shivers down your spine. This song is really good. ·
The album ends with the two super guitarists Clapton and Santana playing guitars together through more than 12 minutes on the hypnotic song "The Calling".
Santana`s songs are textured both in English and Spanish. The percussionists and horn players in Santana`s group revitalise the Latino sound. Santana's guitar playing gives the songs a unique sound. He adds the songs an extra punch and seduces the listeners out on a spiritual musical journey.
This music does really appeal to the whole world. I will say the same as the title on a good old Santana song; Everybody's everything. This album is immortal, and will be played for a long, long time!
Stein Morten Lund, 20 July 2000
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