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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Excellent. Very cool beats.

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

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

Spy Kids

Discazo

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.

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

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.

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....

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

Classic stuff. So well written. So many layers. Great shit.

Old funky guitar rifts.

Dope album

All-time classic. So good, from beginning to end. So many iconic tracks, too.

Very lovely. Samba Pa Ti is beautiful.

Instant classic album

overall thoughts: honestly? a near-perfect if not perfect album. i could play this from beginning to end and not run into a song that don't hit. i mean, what's not to like?? sick guitar playing, percussion, keyboard, everythiiing. had a wicked headache before putting this record on, and guess what, I'm chill af now. gotta love psychedelic latin rock. a classic, 5/5. fave tracks: black magic woman, samba pa ti, mother's daughter, oye como va, hope you're feeling better (they're all great tho)

Love it!

Beautiful

Outstanding, classic guitar hero!

One of the greats. Best track: Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen

Trop bon, tellememt de classique. J'ai toujours ete fan de santana 1 et celui ci edt la suite logique. Mervi a peter green pour blacl magic woman !

great!

Love me some Santana! Amazing guitar and great mix of rock, Latin flair and jazziness...just so entertaining and fun musically! Listened to this during my childhood and it more than holds up!!

Quite a treat! 9/10

21/03/2022

Psychedelia at its finest.

vibe

One of the best albums of my life!

First intentional brush with the legend, and I think it was an incredible first brush.

Il s'agit de ma confiture.

einfach gut.

CLASSIC FOR A REASON! Love this album.

Brilliant fusion of jazz rock funk soul latin music. 1970 as well, i didn’t know how early this was. I could listen to this all day and not get bored or annoyed.

An incredible album even by today's standards. This is easily one of Santana's finest works that continues to offer me joy with each listen. Favorites: "Black Magic Woman", Oye Como Va", "Hope You're Feeling Better"

awesome

Loved it

I got a black magic woman Got me so blind I can't see That she's a black magic woman She's tryin' to make a devil out of me

the album with Oye como Va. This album was really fucking solid. Also, the album artwork absolutely fucks.

Always been my fave

Another amazing one! Loved Santana as a kid but don’t think I realized he was making this stuff back in 1970. Killer

it's fucking santana, ofc i'm going to like it

Phenomenal album, creative covers. Impressive guitaring.

The best rhythm n' trip!

Free-form-Latin-stoner music. Good stuff even if you're stone cold sober.

Got lost in some amazing guitar work

IMPECÁVEL

All around great album: this song has great Latin stuff in Oye Como Va as well as bluesier stuff like Hope You’re Feeling Better.

4.5/5 Quite a bit of variety, consistently exciting. Still coming around to Oye Como Va.

graande santanaa

Nace una estrella

Very solid concept album! Oye como va Mi ritmo

cool

I am certainly familiar with Santana, but I have never listened to this (nor any Santana) album before. I was quite pleased with it all. Honestly, previous to listening to this album, I thought that I didn't like Santana in that way. The occasional song here and there was all I thought that I was interested in. I have changed my mind on that for sure...at least for this album. I will check some other Santana albums out now too.

funky and classic

Fucking kickass album. Favorite tracks are Black Magic Woman, Mother's Daughter, and Oye Como Va.

Excellent fusion of genres. You have latin, jazz, blues-rock, and jam all under the hood on Abraxas. This album captures a lot of different ideas that were happening at the time in music and presents it masterfully to the world.

Mex I can

strange but great to wake up from

perfeito, santana é foda

stupendous!

Sublime guitar work. Really can hear how he shape it for the next gen and the next gen

Very good, I love Santana. Black Magic Woman and Oyler Como Va were obviously the best, but all the songs were amazing

*dances*

Thia album is beautiful, so much going on- so much rythemic and melodic texture, some of the songs even move like mini classical pieces with the way they proceed and resolve. The standout for me is Incident at Neshabur. Of course, Oye Como Va is a standout as well-along with the other hit Black Magic Women. All in all, amazing!

Solid smooth vibes

Not a single weak song on this whole album. I only knew the singles but I thought every track held up. Hard to believe this gem is over 50 years old, it feels just as fresh today. 5/5 stars

wtf

Excellent album, the first one better tho

Love this album - sometimes you need music like this to wash over you.

Pretty good

This is a staple album, definitely belongs on this list. Santana is an incredible guitarist and musicion, blending his culture with some amazing classic rock styles. Must listen.

Great playing by Santana, wonderful songs

Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen is a great track. Oye Como Va is also pretty sick. Incident at Neshabur is also also pretty sick. Really enjoy Mother's Daughter and Samba Pa Ti is also great - loving this album so far! Hope You're Feeling Better is sick. Honestly, what a great album! Every song is at least good and nearly all are great. First time listening through a full Santana album and I don't regret it.

10/10

Classic songs on a classic Santana album.

Santana could probably record his fart sounds played over guitar and drums and I would love it

Whoa! I never knew that Black Magic Woman was written about a car that Carlos fell in love with. Talking about how he's going to leave his family because his black magic woman (BMW) put a curse on him and now all he wants to do is drive this black German car. Absolutelly WILD! The balance of this album is equally as surprising in that it is impeccable. Good work, team!

Surprisingly loved, great guitar, not cheesy, good background listening

Love this album. Found it 30 years ago in high school.

It’s quite good, mixing their Latin music with the musical stylings of free form jazz to create an exiting listen

Now this is the stuff I'm talking about. Smooth, sexy, and confident, but with an underlying rhythmic thrust that keeps driving forward. You have classics like Black Magic Woman and Oye Come Va on this and one of the most visually striking covers ever so...come on.