FREEDOM

I'm afraid that I can use carbon paper to write my Santana reviews for this part of their catalogue. Since "Inner Secrets" in 1978, the work produced has been very, very weak. I only could find some good work with "Zebop" but the remaining part of their work of that era didn't really bring me to the heights of delectation.

It is such a pity to hear one of my beloved band producing so many poor albums that I can only have a sad feeling about them. But, at the end of the day, I just want to give my opinion (as objective as I can be).

There has been change of styles of course during such a long time : from the most frenetic latin-rock of the early days to a more latin-jazz-oriented music we have ended ... nowhere.

A part of the answer resides in the fact that some important members have left the band throughout the Santana life. I mentioned in my "Welcome" review that Rollie's departure would have a major impact on Santana's future. Not the near future since the band has released several good to very good albums (including "Welcome") but rather the long run.

On the first four albums, Carlos did co-sign eighteen numbers out of thirty-seven, while Gregg was good for sixteen collaborations, Mike for nine and "Chepito for eleven (most of the songs were co-written). So, even if Carlos was the mainstream, it was pretty much a combined band effort which leaded to those fantastic albums. Then little by little the inspiration will be weaker and will lead to another poor album.

The only good track (but do not expect a "chef- d'oeuvre") is "Love Is You" so my rating for this album is unfortunately one star, again (disculpa Carlos, sorry Carlos).