To commemorate the release of Carlos Santana’s latest album “Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time” and for the upcoming holiday season or any time of the year, here is a list of the best albums by Santana. Most are from the band’s early years and one from the late ‘90s to the 21st century.
Carlos Santana is the only American rock artist to have an album reach the top 10 on the Billboard chart in every decade since the 1960s. That includes the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s. Now sit back and find out what number one or top 10 albums is considered the 5 best albums of all time by Santana.
5.) Santana III
Some consider this the last hurrah album of the Woodstock era band members. Released in September 1971 it was only two years earlier they set the music world on fire with their unforgettable performance at Woodstock. Even though the "Santana III" album did reach number one on the Billboard 200 top album chart they released two hit singles “Everybody’s Everything” and “No One to Depend On.” These were big hits of the day, but not something played frequently on classic rock stations currently. Neal Schon and Coke Escovedo joined the group. Bassist David Brown parted ways with Santana. He had performed at Woodstock.
4.) Santana
After their iconic performance at Woodstock they were signed to Columbia Records. In December 1969 they released their eponymous debut album, “Santana.” This featured the first minor single release “Jingo” followed by the huge hit “Evil Ways.” The album peaked at number four on the album chart while eventually going double platinum. Rolling Stone magazine listed their debut album as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
3.) Caravanserai
Even though it reached the top 10 on the chart at number eight in 1972 this was the most ambitious album Santana had recorded. Clive Davis, then head of Columbia Records, thought they were committing career suicide. With the earlier albums a lot of jazz fusion was evident in their sound.
“Caravanserai” features a dramatic departure from Santana’s pop-rock music to complex jazz/rock hybrid. At this point in time Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, one of the Woodstock performers, left the group to eventually form Journey. Michael Shrieve was the only one left from the original members. His jazz influence contributed greatly to what is now a deeply appreciated album from Santana.
2.) Abraxas
It stayed at the number one position on the chart for six weeks. This stellar album produced the greatest hits “Oye Como Va” and “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen.” The “Abraxas” album went platinum five times. Once again Rolling Stone magazine listed this as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
1.) Supernatural
In 1999 and 2000 this comeback album of sorts electrified Santana by giving him a new generation of fans to appreciate his new sounds, along with his decades of great music to listen to. It was released in June 1999 featuring a number of collaborations that included Dave Matthews, Everlast, Lauryn Hill, Eric Clapton, Wyclef Jean and of course, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty.
It was Santana’s soulful guitar and Rob Thomas’ passionate vocals that gave them their number one hit single “Smooth.” Another #1 single followed with “Maria, Maria.” The “Supernatural” album was number one for twelve weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and for one week on the Latin 50 Albums chart. Since then it has gone platinum 15 times. Naturally it was nominated for numerous Grammys by winning the major categories of Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
Most of the albums feature their top 10 hit singles, but all of Santana’s albums on the list were in the top 10 on the album chart. If you are becoming a fan of Santana’s or have been introduced to their music, then this list of their 5 best albums is the perfect start to building your album collection.
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