Review 1 of 2

Karle writes:

4of 5 Stars

This concept of the supernatural reminded me of back on the block and i agree with the reviewer that it was a corporate move to establish the artist but you have to accept that alll corporations do that. If they did not try and bring in the money music woud still be in he days when they played harps. The music is good however despite what the reviewer says the strongestracks are those not saturated with the ego of the american stars. 'Africa Bamba' 'Migra' 'Corazon espinada' 'El farol' 'Primavera'. i think it was a wise decision to include thos stars for people would not buy true heart piercing music. 'el farol' might have been music you hear on the radio at night and say 'thats sound nice?' then go back to sleep. iit was a wise move but it affects the music as in tracks such as 'Do you like the Way' 'Smooth' 'Love of my life' where santana is given extended periods to strut his guitar leaving you wandering where was it before. before it was in the background as just another instrument and then you have to listen to some guitar playing for a minute and a half. on some of the best tracks 'Wishing it was' 'maria Maria' 'Put your light on' the guitar is obviously established as a centre piece and if any solos come it is understandable. Wyclef says in the closing moments of 'maria maria' "carlos you making that guitar cry". In smooth it is almost pseudo latin music especially as it is simply a rock guitar that he is playing. The lyrics on 'Smooth' and the rest are top notch detailing experiences in sa fine way. maybe the music of the tracks i mentioned dont appeal to me but they will appeal to someone who likes rock. However in these songs they are overshadowed by the abscence of a genuine latin groove which carlos balances out on his own tracks or with spanish vocals making the album more endearing and not just a album of hit records. i understand that he was trying to get people to see Latin Music as universal etc. However he should not have allowed himself to be overshadowed.

Apr 25, 2008 14:22:27

Review 2 of 2

BobbyJA writes:

1of 5 Stars

The singles were entirely overplayed on the radio after this album was released. It's bad enough that we have to listen to Rob Thomas and his pseudo, vomit-inducing Eddie Vedder rip off voice every 10 minutes on AOR stations. Even worse is this crapola. It only sold boatloads because it was a corporate maneuver that was spoon fed to the masses. Otherwise, Santana is irrelevant these days.

May 18, 2007 10:09:23