This is album number thirteen for Santana. It was released back in ’82 and that’s nearly an album a year since the release of their self-titled debut in ’69. By now they are a totally different beast to the one that played at Woodstock. A lot of the Latin influenced jams have now gone and what you get is a smooth rock/funk sound machine. Sure, the percussion is still there but it’s just an embellishment.
Ironically, the only Latin flavoured instrumental track, Nuevo York is my favourite. Hold On and Night Hunting Time are decent enough tracks, but it just feels like a treading water or contractual obligations album. The record lacks a real banger of a tune.
This album is a mile away from Inner Secrets, which is my favourite Santana record.
6.5/10 from The Grooveman.
