Supernatural - Santana (CD 1999)

Well I finally got around to writing this review; one I have been meaning to write for some time, but have not found the time to write. But I have found the time to listen to this CD over and over again. I have never been a Santana fan; that is to say, I have never felt the urge to own a Santana CD or album despite the fact I like some of his past musical achievements, and have listen to the Santana sound for years.

However, something about this CD compelled me to buy it; perhaps it was the first release Smooth featuring lyrics by Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20. The sheer fun and energy exhibited by all in the video hooked me! And if that was not enough, the second release and video Maria, Maria closed the deal!

There is a single word that sums up what Carlos Santana Supernatural is: energetic! From the opening track to the last, this CD moves, never slowing, never allowing the listener to take a breath. Plowing forward with a virtual kaleidoscope of instrumentation, this CD has something for everyone; Jazz, Fusion, Pop, Rock, Latin, R&B, and Hip-Hop are all treated to the Santana sound!

The CD is festooned with guest artist which complement Santana, never eclipsing his sound. In addition to Rob Thomas, the CD features the following artists:

Track 2 Love of my Life (Dave Matthews)
Track 3 Put Your Lights On (Everlast)
Track 6 Do You Like The Way (Lauren Hill & Cee-Lo)
Track 7 Maria Maria (Wyclef Jean & Jerry Duplessis)
Track 9 Corazon Espinado (Mana )
Track 10 Wishing It Was (Eagle Eye Cherry)
Track 13 The Calling (Eric Clapton)

Because of these collaborations, each track is unique and stands on it own, but is easily recognizable as Santana by the guitar licks that capture the ear and pull the listener in. As I mentioned earlier there are virtual kaleidoscopes of instruments on this CD and the interplay between Santana s guitar and the various instruments is fun and dare I say it again; energetic!

Half the fun of listening to the CD for me was picking out the various instruments as they provided perfect harmonic voice and tone to the music. Does this mean that all of the track s work? Afraid not, but most did. Track 3 Put Your Lights On did nothing for me mainly because lyrically the song was hard to understand.

Critics are haling Supernatural as the best work Santana was ever done. Without listening to his other albums in their entirety it is hard for me to make the same proclamation, however I will say that I love this CD, and have spend many and hour listening to it in my car on my way to this place or another. And because the CD is so musically complex and diverse each listen is like opening the CD for the first time! Four stars for this one!