WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Santana - Supernatural: Legacy Edition

February 22^nd, 2010

Ten years?  Already?  Believe it or not, Santana's comeback album, Supernatural, is a decade old, with a new anniversary edition to celebrate its success.  The original tracks have been cleaned up and are fun to revisit.  But what really makes this new edition great is the bonus disc of outtakes and alternate cuts.  This material is, in many cases, just as good the original tracks.

The bonus disc kicks off with a few funky tunes.  The first is an energetic spin on the band's signature Latin sound, "Bacalao con Pan."  The next track, "Angel Love," goes even further down the soul road, in an arrangement reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower."  Carlos Santana even channels his fellow guitar god in his shredding, soaring solo.  Dave Matthews and his drummer Carter Beauford join the band for "Rain Down on Me," with a pounding sound that would fit in on a DMB album.

Then there are a few dance remixes.  "Corazon Espinado" still has plenty of Latin instrumentation, but the alternate version adds a thumping techno backbeat.  The bridge adds a rhythmic breakdown with orchestral hits.  The mix then isolates the song's catchy, soulful bass line.  "Maria Maria" is revamped with a whole new chord progression, along with synthesizer riffs and acoustic solos.

Then there's the instrumental track from "Smooth," which, along with being an excellent karaoke opportunity, shows just how superb this group is.  You really hear how much is going on in this track, from gospel organ to subtle synthesizer to funky bass to eclectic percussion.  Carlos Santana knows exactly when to cut out, adjust the volume, and let it rip.  And his band perfectly handles the song's surprising stops.

Just when you think there are no tricks left up its sleeve, the band covers a couple of Bob Marley's hits.  It's perfect casting for the anthem, "Exodus," mixing stinging horns with funky guitar and clavinet.  They segue effortlessly into, "Get Up Stand Up," adding a percussive breakdown and chants of "Whoa yo," and "Movement of Jah people." 

The final track, "Olympic Festival," has a dramatic sound, great for a sports highlight video.  It starts with a wild mix of instruments and Santana's trademark wailing guitar.  Then comes pounding percussion, blasting horns, and frantic acoustic strumming to compliment the chanting.  And out of nowhere Santana pulls a key change and  introduces a gospel choir for even more inspiration, going beyond games to celebrate freedom, unity, and renewal.  It's the perfect finale to an album that united just about every genre and truly renewed Santana's career.

-By Ben Tan