Supernatural Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, I've read something like 400 of these reviews so I thought I'd speak up. I've been a Santana fan since the early '70's. My personal preference is for Santana's old jazz/rock fusion albums, (e.g., "Illuminations"[1974], "Borboletta"[1974], "Lotus"[1974], and the impossible to categorize, "Oneness"[1979]). But "Supernatural"[1999] is definitely Santana's best pop/rock album in at least 12 years ("Freedom"[1987]) and maybe 28 years ("Santana III"[1971]). I felt the band's last studio album, "Milagro"[1992], was too diffuse and self-indulgent to achieve greatness (despite some fabulous individual tracks).
I like almost every track on "Supernatural." The Latin rock tracks include "(Da le)Yaleo," "African Bamba," "Migra," "Corazon Espinado"(featuring Mana), and "Primavera"; in my opinion, any one of the last 3 of these is worth the price of the CD. I'd never heard of Lauryn Hill before I bought this album, but I really love "Do You Like the Way"--I didn't much care for it at first listen, but it grew on me. "El Farol" is a sweet, passionate sort of light jazz guitar solo with typical blazing crescendo. "The Calling" w/Eric Clapton is decent, but not great--though both guitarists manage to put out (all-too-brief) moments of sheer wonder. I don't care much for either "Maria, Maria" w/Product G&B, or "Wishing It Was" w/Eagle-Eye Cherry. The pop tunes, "Love of My Life" (featuring Dave Matthews) and "Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas) are really great tracks. The dark and brooding alternative rock track, "Put Your Lights On" (featuring Everlast) simply takes my breath away. Be sure to wait for the unlisted track after "The Calling."
My chief complaint with the album is that Chester Thompson's keyboard talents are not showcased enough. The percussion section is given ample room to breathe, especially on "(Da Le) Yaleo" and "Migra."
Santana's unique style turns me into one big goose bump; if the music doesn't do that for you, it's not Santana's fault and it's not your fault, either. Despite several reviewers' criticisms about what they perceive as a commercial bent to this album, I find that commercial bent to be a very positive influence on the band's music; this is an extremely tight, well-produced CD--kind of a rarity for Santana. I don't personally see what is so objectionable about an artist reaching out to a wider audience. The first 3 albums by the original Santana band were smash hits and, frankly, I think it's great to hear the band on the radio again with some new music. Anyway, if you find something sinister or just plain unsatisfactory about a band consciously trying for commercial appeal, then be forewarned because that is exactly what Santana and Arista Records set out to do. I think they did a great job.
If you like this CD, you might want to check out "Moonflower"[1977], "Zebop!"[1981], "Spirits Dancing in the Flesh"[1990], or even "Freedom"[1987]; these are some of the better pop/rock Santana albums, in my opinion.

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Sacred Fire Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're new to Santana as a result of the phenomenal "Supernatural" try this CD. You won't find any other pop stars contributing on this CD, just classic Santana. Here you'll find many of his standard numbers including "Samba Pa Ti", "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen" and "Soul Sacrifice". The live performance is inspired and full of great improvisational work. Case in point is how he breaks into some Coltrane and Doors riffs during "Soul Sacrifice". He uses other familiar tunes on some other tracks including a borrowing of some riffs from an old Joe Cuba Septet number "El Pito"(I'll never go back to Georgia). The concert was from a tour in 1993 and many of the songs are 30 years old but they still rock. "Europa" is guaranteed to get your partner in the mood, a steamy romantic tune that is hot, hot, hot. You'll also hear Santana addressing the crowd in Mexico, his birthplace, with his message of love, peace and harmony. This is vintage Santana playing some of his best music for his Latino brothers and sisters live. This is the exception regarding live performances as the music is recorded excellently, just enough audience to capture the mood but stronger on the masters guitar work. One of his best of many fabulous albums. You won't be disappointed with the video either. Viva Santana!

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The CD Slide Pack is a New Form of No-frills CD Packaging featuring an Outer Slipcase with the Original Cover Artwork, and an Inner 'slider' Including a CD. Note: There is No CD Booklet in this Package.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Supernatural Live: Santana (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Supernatural Live" is one of the great recent concerts I've seen. And on DVD it looks fabulous. This is a great work of art that showcases what good music really is. Carlos Santana remains like Jimi Hendrix one of the enduring guitar gods of our time. Here he performs along with some great artists timeless music. And the concert technically is superb. The sets are beautiful (especially the illusion of stars in the background) and lighting absolutely stunning as well as the editing (I loved the wink to "Woodstock" with the three screen separation when the band performs "Gypsy Queen" and "Oye Como Va"). Santana has obviously come along way from his days in the late 60s and 70s as one of the revolutionary artists in rock. He shows here that age does not matter, it's the ART that counts. His guitar playing is in fact, superior to his previous work now more than ever. The songs here are wonderful too, especially "Love Of My Life" with Dave Matthews, which is a hypnotic love song that sets off atmosphere and mood into the listener. "Smooth" of course, remains the main attraction here and it remains a brilliant and exhilarating blend of rock, salsa and blues, the medley that goes with it, "Dame Tu Amor" is also fun. "Maria Maria" sounds like great street poetry and "Put Your Lights On" is a deep, dark meditation. I loved the duet with Sarah McLachlan of "Angel," which is a beautiful, absolutely moving song. Then there are the independent Santana band performances which are also excellent like "Africa Bamba," which is a great samba and "Migra" which is comic but also has something to say. All in all, "Supernatural Live" is a great experience. The best deal is with the DVD because these visuals look excellent on digital disc, not to mention you get the music videos for "Smooth," "Maria Maria," "Put Your Lights On" and "Corazon Espinado." A magnificent showcasing of musical talent.

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A stage performance by Santana and guests with behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, a mini documentary and more.No Track Information AvailableMedia Type: DVDArtist: SANTANATitle: SUPERNATURAL LIVEStreet Release Date: 09/12/2000

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