Controversial comment approaching! In my humble opinion, this is the best Santana album. This was the tenth album that the band released, but was the first to angle the sound in a more commercial direction. Sure, lots of Latino rhythms and grooves abound, but this time they are mixed with a more Top 40 approach. Greg Walkers voice and melodies really worked for me, and there is almost a funky/soulful groove that runs through the album.
Opener Dealer/Spanish Rose is a fantastic tune that should have been a single, but was declined by the record company – it has plenty of groove and lots of Carlos. Next track, Move On, is funk gold and this just makes you want to dance. One Chain, which follows, was a single and rightly so. A great groove, perfect vocal, and a wicked chorus and harmonies. A definite nod to Motown, and a perfect song! Stormy closes out Side 1 and is pure soul straight of Philly.
Over to Side 2 we go with Well Alright – a more traditional Santana type of groove but still mixed with the new commercial approach. The one thing you do notice is how many of the songs are written by outside writers – an obvious strategy to make the band more commercially acceptable to a wider audience. Open Invitation is about as un-Santana as is possible – until the rocking ending. A cool song with a great chorus, and vocally it reminds me of Living Colour. Life Is A Lady/Holiday is next – a double instrumental piece quite laid back but really chill. The Facts Of Love follows and is another latin/funk/soul tune with a typically catchy chorus. Wham closes out the album, and is the only track on the album that would make you say “this is Santana”. From the salsa percussion in the beginning, to the latin grooves and instrumentation – this is unmistakably Santana and a killer track to boot.
If you like groove in your soul then this one is for you.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
