Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: Santana's Abraxas stands as the definitive Latin rock masterpiece, capturing the band's vibrant and groundbreaking sound at its creative zenith. Released in 1970, this album showcases Santana's blend of psychedelic rock and Afro-Latin rhythms, a combination that moved audiences and earned Abraxas a lasting place in music history. The album features nine tracks that brilliantly highlight the talents of the band, particularly the 'Holy Latin Rock Trinity': Carlos Santana's emotive guitar work, Gregg Rolie's powerful Hammond organ, and the dynamic percussion of Jose "Chepito" Areas and Michael Carabello. Standout tracks include the chart-topping 'Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,' the dance-inducing 'Oye Como Va,' and the soulful 'Samba Pa Ti,' each a testament to the band's skill in blending diverse musical elements. The Mobile Fidelity reissue, sourced from the original analogue master tapes, brings exceptional clarity and depth to this classic, making it an audiophiles and Santana fans ideal version to get.

Review: Santana's 1977 album Moonflower captures the band's unparalleled blend of Afro-Latin rhythms, jazz-rock fusion, and raw passion. The album showcases Santana's electrifying energy and musicianship, particularly evident in spirited live performances. Highlighting standout tracks such as the medley featuring 'Carnaval,' 'Let the Children Play,' and 'Jugando,' the review praises Santana's dynamic stage presence and soulful guitar work. Studio tracks like 'I'll Be Waiting' and 'Zulu' display the band's versatility and creativity, while live renditions of classics like 'Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen' demonstrate their enduring appeal. Moonflower encapsulates everything that makes Santana - and their inimitable frontman Carlos Santana in particular - one of the best in jazzdom, showcasing their dedication to making good music together over decades.

Review: Mobile Fidelity's 180g 33RPM LP reissue elevates the album's sonic experience by sourcing it from the original analogue master tapes. Pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, the reissue boasts pristine sound, revealing the intricate details of Santana's dynamic arrangements. Carlos Santana's guitar work, rich in clarity and precision, soars with newfound definition, making his signature solos and leads stand out even more vividly. Inner Secrets, Santana's 1978 album, marked a significant shift towards the rock mainstream, featuring three Top 100 singles and showcasing a more focused, streamlined sound. This period saw Santana transition from their earlier fusion-heavy style to more accessible, radio-friendly material, packing complex passages and passionate performances into tighter song structures, with no track exceeding six minutes.Notable contributions from new band members, including Pete Escovedo on percussion and Chris Solberg on multi-instrumental duties, further shape the album's sound, complementing Graham Lear's sharp drumming and David Margen's groovy bass lines. Highlights include covers like Buddy Holly's 'Well All Right' and the Four Tops' 'One Chain (Don't Make No Prison)'. Greg Walker's raw, soulful vocals bring an edge to the music, embodying the "street and church" quality Carlos Santana admired. Inner Secrets serves as a powerful milestone in Santana's evolution.

Review: Released in 1974, Santana's Lotus stands as a defining live album that brilliantly showcases the band's unique blend of rock, jazz and Latin influences. Recorded during their Japan tour, the album features standout performances recorded over two nights in Osaka, featuring Carlos Santana's exceptional guitar work and the band's vibrant improvisations. Highlights include iconic tracks like 'Black Magic Woman', 'Oye Como Va' and the extended jam 'Toussaint L'Overture', which illustrate the band's remarkable ability to create a cohesive and powerful sound. Originally intended as a Japan-only release, Lotus gained international acclaim as an import, displaying Santana at a pivotal moment in their evolution, with a mix of original and new members. The album's elaborate packaging enhances its appeal, rivaling the artwork of other notable triple live albums. Musically, Lotus focuses on instrumental jazz-rock, with minimal vocal tracks, yet it captures the sheer joy and energy of the band's live performances. While some may find the lengthy drum solo a weak point, the musicianship throughout the album is outstanding, making it an essential listen for fans of the genre. Overall, Lotus remains a testament to Santana's innovative spirit and live prowess, celebrated for its high sound quality and dynamic artistry.

Review: Santana's Supernatural, turning 25, remains a landmark album despite its time-stamped sound. Released on blue vinyl, this Grammy-winning 1999 record catapulted Santana back into mainstream fame. The album's success is anchored by the ubiquitous hit 'Smooth' featuring Rob Thomas, whose infectious Latin rock groove still resonates. Tracks like 'Corazon Espinado' with Mana, and 'Migra' retain the classic Santana flair, blending Latin rhythms with rock elements. However, many guest-heavy tracks, such as 'Maria Maria' produced by Wyclef, feel more like a pop compilation than a cohesive album. While Supernatural may not be a favorite for fans of Santana's experimental 70s work, its commercial triumph allowed Carlos Santana the freedom to explore new musical territories in subsequent projects. This duality of artistic compromise and subsequent liberation makes Supernatural a pivotal album in Santana's illustrious career. One of the most successful albums of the past 25 years, this album is enjoyable regardless of what genre or style of music you like.

Review: Standing as one of Santana's most remarkable live albums, capturing the band's extraordinary chemistry and virtuosic performances during their 1973 tour. Originally released in Japan and not available domestically until much later, this triple LP remains a definitive document of the band's fusion period, blending Latin, Afro-Cuban, jazz, rock and psychedelic elements. The album showcases the thrilling improvisations and spiritual depth of the eight-piece lineup, featuring legendary tracks like 'Every Step of the Way', 'Toussaint L'Overture' and an incendiary 'Incident at Neshabur'. The reissue, sourced from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl, offers audiophile-quality sound, enhancing the clarity and balance of the performance. The dynamic range, rich bass and vivid percussion are rendered with exceptional presence, offering an immersive listening experience. With the inclusion of seven previously unreleased tracks, Lotus captures the band at its peak, delivering both precision and passion. This reissue is a stunning tribute to Santana's pioneering fusion era and in its most complete and unique packaging yet.