Abraxas

Wow! I came into this dreading an album full of 9 minute songs of musical masturbatory guitar solos, but that couldn't have been further from the case. The songs were short and rocking. Guitar work was tasteful and impressive and I was blown away by the percussion section. It felt like a jazz album of rock with a Latin feel.

Really good at recreational drugs, very good at guitar, pretty good at polyrhythmic rock, only okay at turning it into songs.

Wow… what an album! Of course I was super familiar with “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Cómo Va" and went in loving them. But hearing these in the context of the album was almost like hearing them for the first time with “Singing Winds, Crying Beasts” leading in and “Gypsy Queen” in between taking these songs to an entirely new level. I’ve really been missing out only hearing them as singles. Side A is rounded out by “Incident and Neshabur” - another fantastic song. It’s complex with time signature changes flowing along on a wave of incredible percussion - an utter joy to experience. I can only imagine how great this would be live. Side B doesn’t let up and I absolutely loved it at first listen. From the joyous instrumental “Se a Cabo” into the sultry opening of “Mother’s Daughter” there is a lot to love here. The vocal performance in the latter is fantastic. A great song that I’m surprised I haven’t heard before. “Samba Pa Ti” I have heard before somewhere, but not sure it was from Santana. Really beautiful song with some incredible guitar work. “Hope Your Feeling Better” leans more towards a funk/rock vibe supported by that incredible organ and guitar work that runs through the entire album. The album closes with and exciting finish on the percussive chant-heavy “El Nicoya.”

Making a mental note to listen to this the next time I'm on Schedule I drugs

So Mexico didn’t pay for the wall but I had tacos for dinner and Santana is awesome It’s hard for me to assign 5 stars to an album I’m mostly hearing for the first time (except a couple songs).. but I really got into this one. His guitar sound and riffs are so nice - and the other instruments esp percussion really create a certain feeling. I’m sure I’ll listen again

Santana has been a major figure in psychedelic and Latin Rock since their self-titled debut album in 1969. And after having big success because of the Woodstock appearance, the follow up album was only more spectacular and even better. 'Abraxas' shines with the sprawling guitar work by Carlos Santana as well as the overall warmth the album gives out. I think it's a bit sad that this is the only Santana inclusion in the 1001 albums list, as at least one or two more would be more deserving for such a guitar legend. But at least they chose the right one to include here. 'Singing Winds, Crying Beasts' opens the album with ominous and nocturnal sounds made by piano and some sort of wind chimes. The guitar enters like a beast and from then on the song blends Latin Rock with Jazz Fusion elements and keeps the ominous and spiritual vibe from the beginning. A great instrumental intro track that really stands apart from most other songs on here. The following 'Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen' is the first song to really show the incredible guitar ability that Santana can offer. The song goes a much blues-ier way and the vocals just emphasize that, mainly because they feel like something you'd hear on a Cream record if they were doing Latin Rock. The fast outro just ends the song perfectly. An incredible song and easily one of the best ones in the entire Santana catalogue. In my opinion even better is 'Oye como va', just because the chorus is what comes to my ears every time I think about Santana. It is burned into my brain like only a few other things. The drive of the song, the bridge, the guitar, the extra tropical feeling because of the Spanish vocals and slight Salsa influence... It just flows like honey except the honey as a little bit of LSD added. The first half ends with 'Incident at Neshabur' that goes into more Jazz influence again and it works perfectly. While the song might not be as great as the song before, it is without a doubt one of the best ones on this album. Especially with that piano/guitar duo near the end. 'Se a cabo' opens the second side with a loud and rambling sound that climaxes into a stunning amalgamation of all instruments before turning quieter for a moment just to comes back as loud as before to throw you from your socks once again. More lyrics and vocals return with 'Mother's Daughter' and like before this feels very much like Cream only better and more diverse. The guitar really works as the chorus-like peak everytime it appears. Another highlight is the Samba inspired 'Samba pa ti' that features a very emotional and deeply connecting guitar solo that hooks you the moment it first comes to ear. It is my favourite song on the album, simply because I rarely hear a guitar solo that makes me as emotional as this. To compensate the very sentimental track from before 'Hope You're Feeling Better' is much more up-lifting and hard hitting including characteristics from Acid Rock and Heavy Psych as well as some Funk. It is incredibely groovy and full of delicous highlights. The album closes with Conga music which means it's the only song that isn't rock music at all and while it does close the album pretty nicely, I think the song just isn't as interesting compared to the incredible rest. favourites: Samba pa ti, Oye como va, Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen, Hope You're Feeling Better, Se a cabo least favourites: El nicoya Rating: decent to strong 9 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

whoa - this album is incredible. I went through Santana's wikipedia and they legitimately have 60 former members

You know I love Santana. This one feels a lot more jammier than their debut. We do get some ventures into Jazz Rock on Incident at Neshabur. I don’t think anything is like mindblowingly incredible, but Carlos is ON POINT and the songs kick ass. They fuck. Not in love with the intro, but all the other songs absolutely go hard.

I really loved this album. Santana is such an incredible guitarist, and the arrangements on this album are so complex and interesting. An all timer.

Always hated having to play black magic woman on guitar hero, what a bloated hunk of fudge that song is. In adulthood, it’s not bad, but not impressive. If you came up to me and said “my uncle just recorded an album, check it out!” And then started spinning this, I’d simply say “oh that’s cool” and then go on my phone

Argued with myself on this one, undeniably a great album but you have to be in the right mood/frame of mind to listen to it.

In this 1001 albums project, I feel like I have sat through a zillion late 60s white-boy psychedelic rock records, and they bore me to death. Really, when I think about it, they don't have a lot of life in them, and they meander around without much drive and they just shit me. In that context, I can see why Santana were such a dramatic success when they suddenly emerged in 1969. Their career-making appearance at Woodstock was the highlight of the festival (as far as I can tell from the film). Because they knew how to groove. The energetic rhythm drives everything, which is what all those other bands could never really get right. The Santana band can noodle as much as much as they like (and they sure do like to noodle, especially live) because you can dance to it. Despite Carlos Santana's name on the marquee, I'd like to call out Greg Rolie as the most valuable player here. His organ playing and singing really lift this record, and "Hope You're Feeling Better" is the standout original track on the record for me. That said, five (that's more than half) tracks from this album turn up on the 1974 Greatest Hits album, and deservedly so. As time went by, it became clear that Carlos Santana is a bit of a one trick pony, but it a pretty bloody great trick, and never displayed better than on this record. Personally, I prefer the self-titled album, but it's a near thing really. Between the self-titled album and Abraxas, you have all the Santana you'll ever need, but you really do need it.

Every time I am about to listen to some Santana, I expect to like it, but end up disappointed. I do like this kind of jazz-rock with strong latin influence, but I keep feeling that something is missing.

Can't believe I've never heard more than 2 songs from this album before.

Santana is undoubtedly a great guitar player. This album has black magic woman and oye como va. Overall the album isn't that great but santana needs a mention on this list

Cool cafe sort of music but doesn’t grab me. Don’t get the hype on Carlos’ playing.

There were a couple of ageing guitar enthusiasts on my uni course who used to rave about Santana. I was 17 and into Techno, so always associated this music with the double denim crew. Listening now I wish I had given Santana more of a chance as this album is incredible.

Santana. That name says it all in regards to guitar, and music in general. this was the first album, I had heard of Santana growing up, and it is still an amazing listen to this day

I didn't go into this with an open mind - I'm not a jam band listener, and that's what I was expecting this to be. It's not that! It's tight, it's rhythmic, it's coherent as a full album but also as independent songs and feels like a true piece of art. I listened through once and realized that I want to hear it again to see what I wasn't paying attention to. It's really great all the way through. Only track that I'd probably be tempted to skip is 2nd to last.

Abraxas is one of those albums where I can appreciate the musicianship without ever really feeling all that moved by it. Santana’s guitar tone is iconic, and the blend of Latin rhythms with rock is undeniably unique, but for me, it all starts to blur together after a while. The percussion work is tight, and there's a real sense of groove across the whole album, but the emotional pull just isn’t there for me. I do enjoy "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen" and "Oye Como Va" — they’re great showcases of what Santana does best, with a strong sense of rhythm and a guitar voice that’s instantly recognisable. But once you get past those tracks, it feels like the album slips into a kind of background vibe that doesn’t demand much attention. It’s pleasant enough, technically impressive in parts, but I can’t say it’s something I’m eager to revisit often. Just a solid, but not particularly essential, listen.

Very smooth but I did wish I was listening to Smooth feat. Rob Thomas (1999) because Smooth feat. Rob Thomas (1999) is one of the smoothest songs of all time and when I hear Smooth feat. Rob Thomas (1999) life just feels so smooth.

Santana's "Abraxas" is a classic album that I regrettably overlooked for years, my loss entirely! This album is superbly written, arranged, and performed, featuring an excellent mix that marries Latin rhythms with Rock and Jazz. The guitar work and overall instrumentation are wonderful, showcasing a superb use of dynamics throughout. This dynamic range is crucial, especially given that five of the nine tracks are instrumentals, yet the album maintains excellent melodies and a cohesive flow. A near-perfect blend of rock, blues, and Latin jazz. A wonderful listen (5/5). Side one 1 "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts" (Instrumental) (4/5) 2 "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen" (5/5) 3 "Oye Cómo Va" (5/5) 4 "Incident at Neshabur" (Instrumental) (5/5) Side two 1 "Se a Cabó" (Instrumental) (4/5) 2 "Mother's Daughter" (5/5) 3 "Samba Pa Ti" (Instrumental) (5/5) 4 "Hope You're Feeling Better" (5/5) 5 "El Nicoya" (Instrumental) (5/5) Total - 42 Average - 4.67 154/1001 84/154 albums reviewed were new to me.

*Great mix of jazz, rock, and other influences *The guitar work is top notch

Samba pa ti really buttered my biscuits

this is a hellovah album. never heard befroe, but bet everyone who hears it remembers where they were when they first heard it. its very scenic atmospheric dramatic witchy swirling mesmerizing. i watched pigeons flying in the distance swooping and turning in the sky with a mountain and a far off highway behind them as listened to this, and that felt just right for the opening songs. does santana sing? does he play piano? i have lots of uestions wiki would like to answer. really cool album.

This is a flawless album. Everything about it from drums, vocals, rhythm, lead guitar and more are executed perfectly and beautifully. Perfect

fantastic, tasteful culmination of Latin, jazz, and rock

While I've always considered myself a Santana fan, I've mostly been a greatest hits guy. I can't remember listening to an entire Santana album except for Supernatural until this past year. I did see Santana live on the Supernatural tour in 2002-2003 timeframe and even got to meet him after the show through a radio meet-and-greet. Anyway, Abraxas is basically a Santana greatest hits! Great album by a transcendent guitarist. I listened to this one three times over the last 24 hours. My favorite tracks are "Oye Como Va", "Se a Cabo", "Samba Pa Ti", and "I Hope You're Feeling Better".

Excellent. Very cool beats.

This fucking hit different. The guitar was everywhere all at once and just kept hitting. One of my favourite albums I have never heard of.

Listened to it twice.

Now we're talking! A couple of favorites here!

My uncle gave me and my brother this album. I've owned this my entire adult life. An all time classic. The most 5 star album I've come across on 1001 albums so far

Awesome album from beginning to end. Santana is a rock god.

Discazo

Latin rock / psych rock / jazz fusion Heavily latin-influenced album that constantly transitions to new musical ideas, similar to prog rock. 9/10

Este disco me gustó mucho, y como comenté en MDH, creo que una razón por la que me gusta es porque no es "tan Santana", en el sentido de que por lo general se asocia a Santana con requintos atascadísimos y eternos de guitarra (no que sea algo malo, por cierto). Este disco no es "sólo" de requintos de Santana. Es una mezcla exquisita de rock ácido con influencias latinas y africanas. Just sit, listen, and relax.

Spy Kids

First listen to Santana, I really expected something else. There were some enjoyable moments especially with the guitar, also the jazz parts, I don’t know exactly how to describe them. It was interesting and new I’ll probably warm up to it eventually. 7.5/10, the expectations I had ruined the initial experience, thankfully I listened to it more, admittedly it’s quite good.

Wham bam Santana man

This definitely seems like the quintessential Santana album to include in this collection, and impressive that three of the tracks have survived so long on the airwaves. It's equally impressive that two of the three tracks are covers ("Black magic woman" and "Oye como va"), but with a definite Santana spin to them; ironically, the other hit from this album (which I'll admit I'm far less familiar with), "Samba pa ti", sounds more like an Eric Clapton or Jeff Beck instrumental than Santana's. (I actually thought "Hope you're feeling better" was a better track.) I also had no idea that the lead vocals (and some impressive organ pieces) are performed by none other than Gregg Rolie of (future) Journey fame. It's kind of tough to rate this album, as the main hits feel like it's a solid four stars, but then the rest of the album feels a bit nondescript with largely instrumental pieces (or as Robert Christgau uncharitably put it, "a not disreputable performance, most likely a failed experiment or a pleasant piece of hackwork"). This would have been an easy four (or five) stars if it included "No one to depend on" and "Evil ways", but I feel like Santana himself deserves four stars for hanging in there and exploring all sorts of music.

Cool grooves from time to time, but it’s a little one note for my taste. I did enjoy it, but I doubt I’ll really remember it.

I really dug me some Santana during the late-90's "Latin takeover" of popular music (Smooth featuring Rob Thomas? ¡Muy buena!). I always felt like a poser though, because classic Santana didn't do much for me - although there are some awesome remixes of Oye como va out there. And turns out it still doesn't - it's not bad, and you do have to respect a Latino artist bringing Spanish-language tracks and the Cali experience to the mainstream for the first time since Richie Valens (is this true? Don't know, but sounds good). But most of it sounds like the jam part of a Grateful Dead album, if Jerry Garcia were really good on guitar. So #Respect Carlos, but you're still getting a big tres from me.

Droning guitar elevator music…. Not my favorite.

Je sais plus ce que c'était

Honestly didn't really enjoy this. It hasn't aged well and it is certainly note memorable or remarkable. In fact, as I am writing this my memories of having heard this album are fading....

Percussion panning - left/right Pretty good

Wow! This is music! I think I’m a Santana fan now.

This album was fucking yummy. I love Santa and I think he's got such a great feel

What a treat after yesterdays album (69 love songs, really did not like it). Not sure if im giving a 5 for the juxtaposition, or if it really is just that good. Pretty sure Abraxas was just that good. Latin music mixed with psychedelic rock? Hell yeah brother. Album art might be one of my new favorites. Trippy af! 9/10

The vibes on this album are world class. I am a huge fan of Santana's ability to blend together Latin influences, rock and blues. The playing on this is super well done and the album as a whole comes together perfectly. The only criticism I can come out with is that I wish it was longer.

Easy to listen to late 60s rock with that infectious guitar of Santana mixed with Latin influence.

Part rock, part jazz, part salsa. Groovy, smooth, funky, rocking. Is there anything this album doesn't do? I guess the vocals are nothing to write home about? But don't mind that, let Santana sing to you with his guitar. It's a pity Santana's most popular tracks are from when he did the pop crossover album in the 90s. I mean good for him to keep himself relevant and to create something a little more geared toward the masses, but that stuff is nothing compared to this.

I’m not sure that this is my favorite of the classic Santana records but it’s probably objectively the best. They really nail the Latin jazz pop rock mix, to perfection. Santana would go hard in all of those directions later, but never struck the balance so sweetly before or after. There isn’t an ounce of flab here among the lengthy jams and instrumentals. Black Magic Woman>Gypsy Queen>Oye Como Va>Incident at Neshabur is an album run of greatness I’d put up against anything from the era

The beginning of this record has an amazing rainy day vibe. It's moody. I like it. I really enjoy Santana’s playing. He has his own signature style but it isn’t flashy, it’s musical and melodic. This band is tight. REALLY tight. Good lord. “Se a Cabo” is excellent. "Mother's Daughter" is incredible! Especially that transition between them. Those first few tracks I was thinking this was a three to a four, then "Se a Cabo" pushed it to a four, then that transition - 5. "Hope You're Feeling Better" just puts it over the top. What a build up this record has! Whatever Carlos was paying his percussionists it wasn't enough. These guys are killing it. This was a big surprise to me. FIVE STARS

Beautiful. Blows my mind this came out in 1970 lol and he’s still performing.

I can't believe this album was rom 1970. It sounds as applicable today as ever. True art is timeless, and this falls into that category.

It simply doesn’t get much better than a mixture of jazz and rock. Every song made it to my liked playlist (besides the last one which was aight).

Just great. Such a cool album. Really caught my Latin mood today. Haven’t heard it for years but gets a big yes from me.

Outstanding

Enjoyable soulfoul music. Focused on guitar, but there is more to it than that.

So cool, so chill, so hypnotic. These guys are so great.

Classic

Well-deserved addition to this list!

Generally I'm highly suspect of bands named after the guitar player (or anyone besides the singer) unless you're Van Halen which gets a pass because: 1) Eddie Van Halen is basically the greatest guitar player ever; 2) 1/2 of the band had the last name Van Halen; and 3) it's just a sick name for a band. So I've never been really been sure what to do with the Santanas of the world and I of course lived through the Supernatural era and indeed worked in a record store in 1999-2000 where that was the only consistent seller that year besides Enimem's second album, and it was weird how much Rob Thomas was involved with that. Anyway, this was absolutely great and I need to relax and go with the Santana flow.

A landmark for a near perfect fusion blending Latin jazz, psychedelic, blues, and polyrhythmic rock seamlessly. I love how some songs slow down the energy bringing a smoother, ballad like atmospheric feel that contrasts beautifully with the energetic fiery instrumental sections. The polyrhythms give it a slight progressive feel, which I really love. The guitar work and overall instrumentation are wonderful, they showcase great use of dynamic range and precision throughout the album. I love how the Latin percussion like the congas, timbales, bongos add depth and culture to the sound, while Santana’s guitar flows freely through it all. The addition of the organ and piano tie everything together. As a whole creating a sound that feels spiritual and bursting with energy. Overall, the fact that I enjoyed a 40 minute of an almost fully instrumental album speaks for itself! This album has the perfect balance between groove and melody. The artwork fits the music perfectly too, abstract, vibrant, full of motion, pieces all over the place just like the songs themselves. I already knew Black Magic Women/Gypsy Queen, however I really enjoyed Singing Winds, Crying Beasts, Oye Como Va, Incident at Neshabur, Se a Cabo, Mother's Daughter and Hope you're Feeling Better.

groove. guitar. cool.

Amazing album, I was grooving the whole way through. I seriously need to listen to more Santana

Black Magic Woman is a song that is so seared into my brain from childhood that I couldn't NOT enjoy this album. Obsessed with how all the songs lead into one another. Obsessed with the horns and the piano and everything. Sexy, smooth, just extremely wonderful overall!

Loved it.

So good

Solid album that I could listen fully any day. Didn’t know that some songs were that old.

Das ist ein Meisterwerk. Punkt.

A fantastic display of Latin music and atmospheric rock

I really like this album. Bluesy proggy rock but with a Latin twist. Great cover of Black Magic Woman and I really like Oye Como Va and Samba Pa Ti.

Gostei

Carlos! c

No one sounds like Santana. I always think of his story at Woodstock, where he hallucinated the headstock of his guitar as a snake which he had to fight off. This actually reflects his playing style pretty well-- it's like a wild animal he is constantly trying to tame and control, and sometimes the guitar bites and screams before he can bring it back. This album is perhaps their best as a full band concept too, a sweeping epic of Latin soundscapes, from the gentle opening of "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts", to the bluesy twists of "Black Magic Woman", to the danceable grooves of "Oye Como Va", to the anger and grit of "Se a Cabo", to the melodic masterpiece "Samba Pa Ti". I don't think any track is skippable here. It's one of my favorite albums alongside their debut, which is arguably even better.

Bravo Carlos

5 stars, just because there aren't 6.

Guitar pr0n

Great listen.

Before: I've heard the name Carlos Santana a ton, but I think the only song I'm really familiar with is black magic woman. After: Wow! Two amazing days in a row. This album is so incredibly smooth. This is the perfect mix of rock, jazz, and Latin music to me.

I love the variety in sounds in this record. The psych rock, the latin sound, and jazz. They're all kind of fused together in a really amazing way which is something I appreciate so much in music. I thoroughly enjoyed this record. Every musician killed it. The organ playing, the guitar playing, the piano playing, all interweaved. I loved the bongos throughout it all. I loved the polyrhythms as well which gave it a prog feel too. This record essentially had bits of a lot of my favorite parts of music.

Incident at Neshabur

Honestly this album was fantastic. There wasn't many vocals in this album at all and it made the album blend all the tracks together because of that. I'll definitely listen to this album again and I finally understand why Santana is considered to be the best guitarist of all time.

#138/1001. All the Santana hits in one album? I didn't realize this was the case. I think I am only familiar eith couple other albums from some reason. But this rocks, the original superstar who brought Latin grooves to hippie consciousness and beyond. I'm also glad how the guitar master sometimes steps aside and let's the band shine.

Great album.

Альбом хорош и обложка хороша.

Alltime Classic

It’s way too easy to forget how greats Santana is. What’s wrong with me?

This album is amazing! Just great from start to finish. No filler, all great.

Awesome debut album

oye como va cured my ear infection

this guy does drugs

The percussion was on fire. It’s like a cousin to Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew in a way more than just same album cover artist.

Got nice vibes to get work done

Classic.

A very enjoyable album, good to hear everything other than the obvious Samba Pa Ti and Black Magic Woman. Something I would listen to again.

Samba Pa Ti is very close to my heart in that it is the only song that is guaranteed to get me off my butt to dance with my wife. The rest of the album is just spectacular.