Santana
"Supernatural"
(Arista)
After more than thirty years in show business, Carlos Santana has hit his commercial stride once again with undeniably entertaining results. Along with an all-star cast of guest artists, including Dave Matthews, Everlast, Lauren Hill and Eric Clapton, Santana has taken his inimitable guitar style and created another classic recording of radio-friendly Latin rock. Produced by Santana and Arista president Clive Davis, "Supernatural" is an compelling illustration of what rock royalty is really all about these days. While the argument that Santana's latest disc is just the same old sound dressed up in a modern context is a valid one; there's a vitality to Santana's sound that eludes the majority of our contemporary recording artists. Of course, connecting Santana's image with the likes of Everlast or Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 is an excellent marketing move, but the end results are also tuneful, emotive and engaging. Thomas' cameo on "Smooth" has all the elements of a classic Santana single, and already has people turning up their car radios. Still, whether it's Eagle-Eye Cherry singing with the band on "Wishing It Was," or Wyclef Jean behind the production board on "Maria Maria," this is Carlos Santana's show. Santana's explosive guitar duel with Eric Clapton on "The Calling" is a marriage made in arena-rock heaven, and will probably be reprised by the two men in concert before the year ends. If you've ever enjoyed the man's ringing, expressive guitar couched in Latin-rock rhythms, you'll feel 'Supernatural."
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.