My decent sized computer speakers aren’t loud enough for Santana. Every time I turn up the new ‘Ultimate Santana’ album, one speaker falls off my desk and on to the floor. The thing about Santana is that the music stands the test of time and probably will forever and when those familiar guitar riffs come on, I can’t help but crank it up.
The new ‘Ultimate Santana’ UK release includes their classic version of Zombies hit “She’s Not There” originally released on the 1977 ‘Moonflower’ album and also features standards like “Black Magic Woman”, “Samba Pa Ti”, “Evil Ways”, “Europa”, “No One To Depend On” and “Oye Como Va”.
New and previously unreleased tracks with guest singers featured on ‘Ultimate Santana’ include: “Into The Night” (Chad Kroeger), “This Boy’s Fire” (Jennifer Lopez & Baby Bash) and “The Game Of Love” (Tina Turner). Also included is new single, “Interplanetary Party”.
Not so oldies but goodies with featured guests include: “Smooth” (Rob Thomas), “Maria Maria” (The Product G&B), “The Game Of Love” (Michelle Branch), “Put Your Lights On” (Everlast), “Corazon Espinado” (Mana), “Why Don’t You And I” (Alex Band of The Calling) and “Just Feel Better” (Steven Tyler).
The first time that I heard opening track “Into The Night” was on the radio and at first I was stumped as to who it was. Once Santana’s guitar solo came in, though, I knew right away. At first I wasn’t so sure about the song – the lyrics are almost bordering on a christian music feel with Chad Kroeger from Nickelback on vocals…but it’s a grower, and the more I listen to it, the more I like it.
Watch Santana featuring Chad Kroeger – “Into The Night” video:
One of my favorite tracks off of Santana’s 1999 ‘Supernatural’ release was “Put Your Lights On”. It’s great that this track was included along with the sexy voice of Everlast.
With the bonus track, “The Game Of Love”, it’s so cool to hear Tina Turner and Santana working together! It would have been even cooler if it was the only version of the song on the album – why have two? Maybe the Michelle Branch version could have been replaced with a Tinariwen and Santana track. Either way, Tina Turner’s “The Game Of Love” is definitely worth hearing if you haven’t yet.
‘Ultimate Santana’ is a great album to have stocked in the CD collection. Highly recommended.
“Into The Night” YouTube video link
By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs
