In 1970, the Latin rock band “Santana” released their second album, “Abraxas” an incredible album that blew fans away. The album shattered expectations set by their 1969 self-titled album, which set the bar high, displaying the immense musical prowess of the band, especially frontman Carlos Santana. Abraxas was an instant hit with “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” reaching 4 and 11 on ‘Billboard Hot 100’ respectively.
The album starts with an ethereal psychedelic Latin jazz instrumental “Singing Winds, Crying Beasts”, with an extremely unique feel that bleeds seamlessly into “Black Magic Woman”, an unnaturally groovy track with one-of-a-kind guitar and unique production. Originally by Peter Green, the song is about an untrustable woman, who manipulates the singer with her “magic”. The Afro-Latino influence added by Santana with the percussion mixes with the rock feel to create something that sounds completely new and otherworldly. Listening to the song for the first time is an almost spiritual experience and for me, the magic doesn’t fade. For years “Black Magic Woman” has been one of my favorite songs, and the album immediately follows with another five-star groove: “Oye Como Va”
Translating to “Hey how’s it going”, Santana’s cover of Tito Puentes’s original song “Oye Como Va” adds keyboard and electric guitar, while maintaining the album’s Latin groove. The percussion stays sharp, and the guitar wails through the track, supporting the ever-catchy lyrics.
The song that follows is “Incident At Neshabur”, based on an event that seemingly had happened, and couldn’t have happened at all. To quote Santana himself, “Neshabur is where the army of Toussaint Louverture – who was a black revolutionary – defeated Napoleon in Haiti.” Apparently, there is no place in Haiti with that name, nor did Napoleon ever clash with Toussaint Louverture. Despite the inaccuracy, the song is very fun, with a fast-paced jazzy start, followed by some classic rock with Santana’s unique twist.
Timbales and Congas kick off track five, “Se A Cabo” with a high-energy jam. Keyboard and electric guitar drive much of the song, before giving the spotlight back to percussion. The only lyrics in the song, are repetitions of the name itself, “Se A Cabo”, which translates to “It’s Over”. The song honestly just makes it nigh impossible to sit still.
The next song, “Mother’s Daughter”, reminds me of ‘The Guess Who’. The song is much more rock-forward and less Latin than the other songs but is still a very good listen with spectacular guitar.
“Samba Pa Ti”, the seventh track on the album, takes its time, with weeping guitar, and gentle percussion, creating an almost seductive atmosphere, with a piercing melody. The simplicity of the song really shines, getting slowly more complex, introducing a keyboard, faster tempo, and more percussion. In “Samba Pa Ti”, Santana and his band weave a multifaceted and emotional instrumental with subtle changes, using only the sounds deemed absolutely necessary, with nothing to clutter the soundwaves.
Song eight, “Hope You’re Feeling Better” is another rock-focused song, with overdriven guitar, and percussion that pushes the song forward, and keeps the energy up with crashing cymbals and thundering drums. The song is much bluesier by comparison and makes me think more of bands like “Cream” while retaining Santana’s unique influence and flare.
Wrapping up the album, is “El Nicoya”, the last song. The song consists of feisty timbales and congas, with complex rhythms and an afro-latino feel that feels perfect to close the album.
The entire album for me is undeniably legendary. With unforgettable hits, and deeper cuts that never fail to amaze, the album is an incredible listen. This album is for anyone who likes Latin music, African drumming, blues, or rock. For anyone just wanting to try something new, this album is a great introduction to multiple types of music, and will never disappoint. “Abraxas” is a masterpiece that almost anyone could listen to again and again, and anyone unfamiliar with Santana’s amazing work is missing out for sure.
If you like this album, I suggest you listen to his other albums, as well as artists such as Fela Cuti, Hugh Masekela, and Olodum. The world of Latin and African music, and fusions with rock and blues, is a wide and colorful treasure trove that is more than worth exploring, and Santana does a great job opening the door for new listeners. I suggest yourself a favor and listen to Abraxas.
