Search - Santana :: Shango

Most mainstream album by Santana before Supernatural

Raj | Mumbai, India | 10/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Santana as a band has consistantly been changing and evolving over the years picking up new influences as well as letting some go.



Infact the only common thread over albums by Santana are:



1. The melodious and sometime frantic highly identifyable guitar work by Carlos.



2. The distinctive latin flavor to the music of the band.



Apart from the above two points the band has been constantly evolving, mainly due to the influence of numerous band members and contributers over time.



'Shango' as an album is the most popish of them all, with very melodious sing along tunes and quality musicmanship. It also has an Afro touch to it, specially on the title track and 'Oxun'.



The album had two hit singles in 'hold on' and 'nowhere to run' both very good tune addressing both the rock and disco fans. Carrying on in this tradition is 'Let me inside' another simple pop track.



My favorite is 'Oxun' a lovely song in a language I don't understand (assume its Carribian). 'Body surfing' is another gem with a tune which may take time to catch on.



Like Supernatural this album is not a true indicator of what the band is like but I can say with honesty that it is the most danceable album, highly rhythemic and great fun provided one does not compare it with other outputs from the band.



Carlos as usual sizzles with his guitar on this one.



By the way there are'nt any bules or slow numbers here."