Abraxas

Despite his resurgence in popularity when I was going into my teens (“Smooth” is forever a bop), I think people forget just how unique a guitarist Carlos Santana is. On Abraxas, he and his band fuse jazz, rock, blues and Spanish rhythms into something beautiful.

Classic Santana

Finally, a rock record that differentiates itself from others. I liked it a lot!! Also, Carlos Santana sings with his guitar. He has a soul like no other.

Great guitar/organ/percussion sound and I was into the vibe. This would have been awesome to see/hear performed live.

Great album. I think I heard this one somewhere else but I can’t remember where or when. Highly recommend to listen completely :)

I'm not sure whether I ever had listenend to Abraxas in full, but certainly not in ages aaand... this is for sure something one should have heard, but it didn't quite hold up to my initial exclamation of "Yes!". Couple of things: I had this on during a walk and after the Deep Purple soundalike and the latin drum filler - which typically would be an interlude, no? - I was two or three songs deep into the algorithm serving me other tracks before I realised the album had ended. And before I realised why my interest had picked up again: 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 music's focus was up, noodling had gone. Also I couldn't help but think that, for being one of THE famous guitarists, this Santana dude isn't exactly a David Gilmour, is he? Or a Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi. But then, of course, \"Rolie\" as band name wouldn't quite have the same ring to it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. A righteous classic, nonetheless. The hits are undeniable hits, the vibes are proper vibes, but all in all, not without a good load of 𝘮𝘦𝘩. Time for decimals: 3.9.

Solid great album

Buenazo. Black magic woman, insuperable.

Classic tracks Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va... Good guitar album with a 60s 'jam' style

A bit out there but nice to listen to in the background

their debut album is a contender for my user album, but we have this in the meantime I have strong memories of playing Donkey Konga to Oye Como Va

That was pretty sick. Lots of great guitar, cool Latin rhythms, highly smooth vibes. I liked it. Best song: Black Magic Woman

Some absolute classics in the first half. Wow. 2nd half is okay, but still 4 stars for that great 1st half. Santana found his niche here and stuck to it

I liked it more when I was younger. But this is still a classic for every rock music fan.

Great music, proggy, great all round

Fantastic upbeat instrumental music. Great for working

Great sound, talented musicians. I was shocked this album is from 1970 because Santana has had such lasting power in our culture that I thought he was most popular in the 90s. Great work/driving album to put on.

Amazingly cool album cover from an album everyone who knows classic rock is aware of. Instant classics and rock radio staples "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" along with the beautiful guitar god shredder "Samba Pa Ti", make this a Top 1000 album.

I've always known Carlos Santana was a good guitarist but it's good to be reminded that he (and his band) was making stuff this creative and genre-crossing as early as 1970. The Latin vibes combined with classic rock sensibilities and spotless execution made this a really enjoyable listen for multiple days.

Very good album with some outstanding guitar. A cultural blend that works well.

This album successfully blends latin music with American rock and roll (and jazz!?) such that its hard to hear where one ends and the other begins. Nothing on here was bad, but the hits soar far above the other tracks for me. "Mother's Daughter" and "Hope You're Feeling Better" sound like Cream knock offs, but "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" do not sound like they could have been played by anyone other than Carlos Santana and his band. The guitar parts are unsurprisingly great, played with feeling and emotion still accessible to me today. Random fact: The singer/keyboardist here was one of the co-founders of Journey. Tragic!

Good album. The rest of the album doesn’t quite hit the awesomeness of the beginning, although “Mother’s Daughter” does get to that level.

Cuando el grupo Santana apareció sobre el escenario de Woodstock en 1969 impactaron la escena musical con su mezcla de rock psicodélicos y sonidos latinos con elementos de blues y rock. Con sus tres primeros discos, Santana, Abraxas y Santana III, fueron auténticos pioneros del rock latino. Su segundo álbum fue un éxito mayúsculo, permaneciendo año y medio en las listas y colocando dos sencillos entre los mejores de la época: "Black Magic Woman" (adaptación del tema de Fleetwood Mac, fue número uno aún con la controversia sobre su temática; para unos describe una misteriosa mujer ideal y para otros habla de drogas) y "Oye como va" (mezcla explosiva de la salsa de Tito Puente con elementos de rock). Pero Abraxas es un álbum muy ecléctico donde también cabe el jazz rock instrumental de "Incident at Neshabur" y "Samba Pa Ti" (gran tema que hoy sigue provocando grandes emociones y recuerdos en mi).

Musical historians can pinpoint the boom of Latin jazz fusion better than I, but at some point Santana, Chic Corea, Cal Tjader, WAR, and countless others helped to collectively define this genre. The opening track is an invocation, preparing your mind for something special, and sure enough we go to "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen." I've heard it before, but today I hear it with new ears. Carlos' playing is amazingly smooth and lyrical. There's that cosmic taking-peyote-in-the-desert sound before erupting into a full on rock n' roll jam at the end. By the time "Oye Como Va" ends, you are lost in the music, and you maintain a pulse and direction despite the clever and natural musical left turns in "Incident at Neshabur." "Samba Pa Ti" is the surprise gem on the album, slow, soulful, and melodic, and proving no real need for a singer. Though this band is named after guitarist Carlos Santana, the entire band is exceptional, especially the percussion section. Great jams, and great vibes.

I was pretty excited to listen to this. Everything I've heard from Santana until this point has been cool, so I was eager to hear more from them. I really liked it! I could hear a lot of different ingredients in this musical mélange; I was surprised to hear so much jazz. Maybe unsurprising if you know much about Santana (I don't). I always thought it was kind of unusual for a rock band to be named after someone other than the singer. Indeed, a lot of these songs don't have any singing at all, but listening, I realized that Carlos's guitar does the singing, rising above those undeniably compelling Latin rhythms and drifting and curling like incense, all working together to send you into a trance. I can fit this music into my life, and yet it doesn't just fade into the background. It's interesting and engaging. I definitely want to hear more! 4.5

Somehow I managed to own this album on vinyl when I was about 15 years old. I have no idea where I got it from. It didn't belong to my parents. Maybe a friend had given it to me for some reason .I would listen to it on my parents record player. Santana can jam. I used to listen to this one and the Santana album Caravanserai quite a bit. The rhythm section on this album is absolutely killer. A lot of the album sounds tribal. My standouts are Se A Cabo, El Nicoya, Samba Pa Ti, of course the classics Oye Como Va and Black Magic Woman. They really put on a percussion clinic on Incident at Nashabur. If I could I would do 4.5 stars.

Couple of classics. But a bunch of 70s trash mixed in. Good listen!

A really cool album. No favourite songs in particular, but I’d definitely listen again!

Esóterico. O albúm te traz o desejo de não pensar, apenas sentir. Sentir cada batuque, cada nota e cada tom que você conseguir captar. É um albúm para se ouvir mais de uma vez, de preferência de formas e condições diferentes. Sozinho ou acompanhado. Sóbrio ou chapado. Em uma segunda ou em um sábado. De preferência, as últimas opções.

I should listen to more Santana

Carlos Santana is so widely regarded as a guitar god, but then so it Clapton and he sucks, so I've always thought of Santana as overhyped. You see him in music documentaries and he's always, and I mean ALWAYS dropping names, jazz names like John Coltrane, and I think, man, you never played with him, stop that. Then you run across something he did with Alice Coltrane, but then he shows up at those big wanky all-star shows a little too much and I think he's really trading hard on his rep. But you know what? That cat can PLAY.

It’s just nice to have an album that’s most well known for its guitar that doesn’t suck (the album, not the guitar). Seriously, how hard is it to have an album mostly based around good guitar that’s not self-indulgent crap?

Great album

Really enjoyed this. Short but punchy. Will likely revisit.

Samba Pa Ti is on eof the greatest tunes on earth....

good Latin rock

Of course I knew the hits Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va before listening to the rest of this, but there were some other good songs on here I've been missing out on, like Mothers Daughter and Hope You're Feeling Better. This had less guitar solos than I was expecting, but the percussion section was on point for the whole album.

Santana!! I've always loved that name for how close it resembles Satan, or Satanas. Ave Satanas!!! lol but dude, this album is going to be fire! Dude is that pigeon eating that lady out? lmao. OMG I love the intro to Black Magic Woman. I'll give it 4 stars

A very pleasant version of 60's rock, with some added latin influences.

The music just feels big and polished. Couple of all time tunes. Good album indeed.

Fantastic psychedelic rock album! Classic tracks on here.

Een gitaargod, gaaf dus, maar wel één die op North Sea Jazz staat. Dan is het even spannend hoe het gaat vallen. Oye Como Va is wel een dikke guilty pleasure van me. Af en toe zet ik die aan, met Chan Chan van Buena Vista Social Club er achteraan en dan kan ik er weer een maand of twee, drie tegen zonder dat ik naar Cuba of een ander Floortje Dessing eiland hoef te reizen. IK vind dit wel een lekker album. Het is best aanstekelijk allemaal. Ik heb blijkbaar een dag waarbij deze muziek werkt, wat niet elke dag het geval is. Daarnaast vind ik de lengte van 37 minuten voor zo'n soort improvisatie-muziek-album keurig. Vaak willen dit soort types albums van minimaal anderhalf uur maken ook al staan er maar 6 liedjes op. Ik ben positief genoeg voor 4 sterren. Geen idee wat er mis is met me vandaag.

My god, I loved this and it was such a surprise. I thought it was going to be another dull dad rock offering but no! This is what I love about the generator

Abraxas Never listened to a Santana album, my main knowledge of him is Black Magic Woman, his hair, old men in indoor markets in Santana T-Shirts and Smooth ft Rob Thomas. Singing Winds, Crying Beasts, is very of its time in terms of title and psychedelic bongo atmosphere. I like it. Black Magic Woman is good. I know this is very famous and well loved but I do prefer the Fleetwood Mac original, although the mysterious bongos do add a nice texture. Oye Como Va, the main motif is so so familiar, I don’t know if I know the Tito Puente original, or some other cover, or whether it’s just a very relied upon Latin musical phrase that appears in lots of places. It feels like it was on Buena Vista Social Club but there’s no track with that name and I can’t be bothered to try and find it. For a jazz latin blues rock song Incident at Neshabur is actually very good, a real grower, becoming more expressive and more interesting with each listen. Probably my stand out. Se a Cabo could also be a terrible latin jazz rock shitshow, but there is a winning joyousness to it that keeps it fun and at least diverting, even if it’s not the strongest track. Of the two more straight ahead blues rock songs, Mother’s Daughter and Hope You’re Feeling Better, Mother’s Daughter works best, quite fleet of foot and dynamic, the insistent bass, both in the intro and the main song giving it a great sense of movement, while Hope You’re Feeling Better feels a bit leaden in comparison. Samba Pa Ti is another grower, although there is a fair amount of noodling, it actually feels very expressive and interesting, rather than self indulgent. El Nicoya, the only bongo jam, is fine, not least as it’s only a minute and a half. He does have a lovely fluidity to his playing, and he is also good at the more heavy rock moments, although more so on Mother’s Daughter than on Hope You’re Feeling Better. I know it’s not directly analogous but it's interesting comparing this to Cheap Thrills and the other Psychedelic Blues Rock from 67/68. It’s only 2 years later but technological advances in the studio and recording makes this sound a million times better than those albums, it’s got that depth and warmth. The skill and musical dexterity of the musicians, as well as there being more elements than simple blues rock, helps too of course, but as recorded sound, Abraxas is very good. Overall I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Latin Jazz Blues Rock is really not a genre I would actively seek out, and I was expecting interminable jamming and soloing with some jazzy latin steel drums, horns and bongo jams. And while those things do colour the album it is much better than those elements would indicate, and I enjoyed it more and more with each listen. I can now see why it has endured, why it’s so influential and why Carlos Santana is so well regarded as a guitarist. I’m not sure if I want to listen to any other Santana albums, my presumption is that they become a cheesy guitar wank fest, but of course I might be wrong. Anyway, the first listen was just about in the 3s, but with more listens I’ve actually surprised myself into a 4. 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 Playlist submission: Incident at Neshabur

Great guitar and jams by the band quite a few radio classics on this album

I like bongos. That’s a start. So, it’s apparent that if you have heard anything by Santana then you know what you are getting into with every album. Well, this album at least. It’s not an album you can hate, that’s for sure. I can only imagine what these guys were like to see at Woodstock, high as fuck. You, not them. You can easily be taken away by the jams that they break out in every song. Choice cut: Oye Como va

I've admittedly completely ignored Santana. I remember when 'Supernatural' came out in 1999 and vaguely understanding that it was a comeback from a rock legend filled with contemporary pop artists. I was always tempted to dismiss it as a shallow marketing gimmick but truthfully, I never disliked what I heard. Still, I was too anti-mainstream in my misguided youth to ever let myself grow to be a fan. Deep down though, I was curious. 25 years later, I finally see what I'd be missing of Santana's history. This album is fantastic, filled with great guitar performances and a heavy influence from Carlos Santana's native Mexico. It's expertly crafted and doesn't overstay its welcome. Really nice discovery.

Really enjoyed this. Having only heard Black Magic Woman before I was expecting it to be a full album of blues rock (which usually bores me). However it's much more varied than I expected, very eclectic mix of genres and styles. Also, it almost goes without saying, incredible guitar playing by the man himself!

Nice pairing for the Hendrix yesterday.

Man early Santana was pretty cool.

This album kicks ass on paper, but it just didn't click for me this time. Carlos shreds, the latin grooves are tight, but I wasn't feeling it. Maybe I needed a few drinks beforehand? It's a classic for a reason, I guess. I'll give it another shot when I'm in the right headspace.

Love samba

Classic 70’s guitar rock

this album uses a lot of very interesting instruments, it’s mostly an instrumental album with the occasional lyric which i really enjoy, gives a jazzy feel without the classic drive on the drum and traditional instruments that would be in a jazz song, some of the instruments get to do a solo

did not want to stop listening - was disappointed when the album finished it was just a great vibe and excellent music

Fun listen, needed more acid in my system tho

Beautiful Percussion and Guitar playing. Fun listen.

Who knew that latin and psychedelic would work so well together?!

Some great covers here that became classics for him, other parts of the album feel a bit generic and not as riveting.

Santana is undisputed as a Guitar God, and this album, along with 1999’s Supernature prove that, though I have to give a shout out to his instrumental Santana Bros. This earlier work show cases some of his best work, pulling from his childhood playing on the streets of Tijuana. Black Magic Woman is an example an artist taking someone else’s song, on this case Fleetwood Mac, and owning it. Oye Como Va is Mexican folk rock at its best. The irony is this guitar hero would be extradited back to Mexico today. Kinda’ gets you thinking 🤔

Really enjoyed this - great sound. Have always heard of Santana but never listened to him.

Very cool happy tunes, cool guitar, great for playing while walking in the mountains or in a car (enjoyed the album in both settings)

Singing winds, crying beasts

I was too young to appreciate this. Then I got older and understood

Haven't really listened to Santana since probably the early 80s. Gonna have to add a few of these to my rotation. Still holds up very well.

Another 4/5 that could honestly be a 5, but I just... Idk. The 5 is so sacred. The 1 and the 5 barely exist on this chart to me, but the 2-4 leaves so little room. It's a toughie for sure. Amazing guitar, upbeat, smooth. Love the cover art, as well.

So smooth (but thankfully not Rob Thomas smooth). My nine month old was dancing her butt off from the moment Carlos came in. I love how well these tracks flow together. Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va are obvious highlights but there wasn't a track that didn't work.

Tolles Album mit abwechslungsreicher Musik.

4"

A lot of amazing free flow sounds. Jazz/rock/spanish/blues all wrapped together.

Good album! I love how this doesn't seem to be confined by genre. It's just high energy instruments and vibes. What more could you want. Best Track: Incident at Neshabur Worst Track: Hope You're Feeling Better

This was a very good album!

Great use of Spatial Audio. Vocals are sparsely deployed, but effective. Tracks like Samba Pa Ti are a showcase of just how much can be said through aural tone without words. Guitar work is obviously prime but the complexity of the percussion on most tracks was also impressive. Listened to: walking through Golden Gate Park. Favorite tracks: Black Magic Woman, Incident at Neshabur, Mother’s Daughter, Hope You’re Feeling Better

It was vibey

Nice grooves and jams. Better without vocals.

Typical santana

Chill

Lots of air guitar not a lot of singing. 8/10

Not sure what else to say but this was a pretty cool album with some tasty guitar licks

rock classico de qualidade, com uma pegada latina que dá um tempero especial pra esse gênero já tão desgastado (aos meus ouvidos, pelo menos)

Incident at Nashabur. Never heard. New-found favorite. So many different moods in one song. So happy to have found it. Santana is a genius. Someone I don’t turn to often, but really enjoy, so should learn to. Smooth rocked my young mother early 2000s world in the Jerz.

Wonder if Willie Bobo is on the list.

Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen Oye Como Va Se A Cabo Samba Pa Ti Hope You're Feeling Better

Classic dad rock

I did not expect to like this album as much as I did. I only really gave it a casual listen instead of active listening but I will definitely not hesitate to listen to it in full again. The style of the album is very notable and the instrumental work is insanely good.

Great latin rock album. Class guitarist and song writer.

Jazzy, funky, excellent bright, crisp guitar work. What is not to like??

Not bad

Strong mostly instrumental Latin Jazz. Standouts include Black Magic Woman, and Oye Como Va.

First ever full listen and I dig it.

Very groovy and catchy, kind of has a jam session quality to it and doesn't overstay its welcome. Enjoyed this a lot.

che vibes potentissime

Molto molto figo

I still can’t believe Santana has been cooking for this long. Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va are classics and I found a few others too. This was a fantastic album and I love that cover, reminds me of bitches brew or something.

Oh hell yeah, wasn't exactly expecting Santana on here. I forget sometimes that he was this virtuosic guitarist who performed at Woodstock, because my introduction to him was the poppy stuff he did in the 2000s. But the man can shred! I knew "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va," which I thought came out a lot later - maybe he rerecorded at some point. Hell of an album though, so many tracks I'm saving. This is hard as hell and I'm really glad we got it. Favorite tracks: Singing Winds, Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Se a Cabo, Samba Pa Ti, Hope You're Feeling Better. Album art: Love, love, love this one. Insane artistic piece, a nude woman in the center of….no idea what, it's like a "name one thing in this pic" challenge. Brilliant colors, awesome font, just pure art. Fun fact: looking at the vinyl, there's some images on the back of women that were also featured on the back cover of Miles Davis' Btiches Brew. 4.5/5

Pleasant overall but not quite memorable enough

This record deserves its status as a reputation-maker.

4 stars. Great album. Too short for 5 stars.

This is a good album and well deserving of it's place on the list.

Great balance of showcasing the guitar without making it all about the guitar. Super easy listen that I will definitely revisit all summer.

Biased opinion since two of these songs are all time stop what you're doing & turn to 11 for me. Santana transports you to another mode of consciousness without taking the little piece of paper on your tongue.

really beautiful album with some wonderful guitar melodies and rock elements throughout - really like it.

Legendary album.

so in etwa wie ich Santana kennengelernt habe in meiner Jugend - entspannter Sound zum chillen.

Was sitting in the sun while listening to this, which is definitely the right atmosphere

Probably one of the most blatantly unpredictable albums I've encountered yet. I had no idea what to expect from track to track which kept it interesting. You'll get these blaring guitars pummeling you on 'Mother's Daughter' and then this gorgeous slow song with bouts of organ and psychedelic licks with 'Samba Pa Ti'. Some of these grooves are impossibly tranquil and hypnotic - like on the song 'Incident at Neshabur' which coasts off into this glistening piano-led piece in its latter half. In general, this album successfully fuses traditional jazz elements with (primarily) Latin-based percussion and rhythms - maintaining this undoubtedly "cool" aura all throughout its modest runtime. Above all else, it all sounds incredible. This album cover captures what this album is for me; it's an album that's not afraid of sacrificing consistency for the sake of exploration and eclectism and I find that remarkably charming.

Gotta love some Santana guitar work. Personal highlight is Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen

It seems his guitar has a life of its own. And with it he creates a fantastic mystical world in 37 minutes.

I enjoyed the whole vibe of this album. It's easy to listen to, great background music. I enjoyed all the instrumentals and how lyrics were used sparsely throughout.

Day129 - i kinda was ready not to like this one but it’s pretty freakin good

Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: nicht nur ein Hall of Fame-Rockcover - sondern auch ein absolut einrahmenswertes Gemälde Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: das Album tickt bei mir einfach alle Boxen ☑️ aber der letzte Funke will nicht überspringen... Wertung: 👼👼👼👼(👼)/5

Very pleasant music to chill to. I'll give it a go for my next BBQ.

A really good album, but maybe not the best by Santana 4 stars for me

My favorite thing about this album was the runtime being under an hour, unlike the last 8 albums this list gave me. The guitar is also awesome.

Super fun, guitar virtuoso stuff, v groovy

There’s a boob on the album cover

The jams are fantastic, great vibe through the whole album - but it's definitely a few steps from polished. It's like this album is kind of a contunuation of their prior album. Along with Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen and Oye Como Va, my favorites are Se a Cabo and Samba Pa Ti

Aside from hearing some radio cuts of a couple of the hits, and the Rob Thomas - Smooth song, I wasn't really knowledgeable about Santana going into this. This album feels more like a jam session, but it's a really good jam session. I really liked most of the songs, but a few were a bit meh. Aside from the obvious Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va, I think Hope You're Feeling Better is a standout.

4.25 stars. An excellent Latin(?) funk(?) rock album. I don't really know where Santana falls in the genres spectrum. He's an excellent guitarist. The composition and the mixing of his backing band creates a full, engaging sound that is great for sitting in a car or dancing around. There's not a lot of singing, but the songs that do have singing are all the more special. I can see why "Oye Como Va" is one of my mom's favorite songs.

Great Latin groves. Perfect for passive listening. Can't go wrong with "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va".

Black magic woman, oye como va, samba Pa ti. Need I say more…

Man some goodies here Oye como Va Black magic woman Honestly an album I doubt you could give the name of the song or who sang them, but very recognizable. Good instrumental album

pleasant musik

Not many lyrics but the superb playing speaks for itself and blends into the background nicely.

One moment you sitting in a jazz club and one moment you are enjoying even the smallest rhytmic from every arsenal of instruments while enjoying the rustic vocals. Great album and great experience .

Santana is fantastic. What a collection of classics… Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Samba Pa Ti. A joyous guitarist with an equally as uplifting band.

This album kills from top to bottom. Second and third times through I skipped BMW & Oye Como Va because I’ve heard them 1000 times in my life and wanted to really focus on the rest of the album. I now think they may be my least favorite two songs on the whole album. 4.50

It's Santana, so it's brilliant, of course. It's surprising that several of these songs were popular many years after their original release. I am not much for guitar riffs, but I really enjoyed listening to this album.

76/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

Really enjoyable. Sits at a nice junction between all sorts of genres. Latin, rock, jazz, psych. A lot less unnecessary guitar wanking than I thought there would be.

very fun!

The B3 ties it all together. Solid bueno.

Been a fan Santana's work for the longest time. Always admired his work. He always blows me away with his guitar work. It was awesome to sit down and listen to some of his early work.

Generally biased against a lot of (mostly) instrumental stuff, but the musicianship here is too good.

The percussion in this album stands out to me, it's fast paced and complements at times, taking the lead elsewhere, El Nicoya is where they really get to shine on their own and I'm glad, I wish they were prominent through other songs as well. Overall it's a great album, if a little self similar at times, you can definitely find yourself listening to 3 songs without realizing you'd crossed over from one to another at first if you're not paying close attention.

Some serious nostalgia for me having listened to these tracks for years growing up.

Sensationelles Album, wenn die Stimmung dafür ist: Da bekommt die Legalisierung eine ganz neue Dimension...

Groovy and noodley (but not too much - no track longer than 5 minutes), and a nice blend of fast & slow tracks. Must have been great to see this line-up of Santana live. Doesn't reach the heights of 5⭐ for me, but a very good 4.

Really fun listen. "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" are classics but I also really liked "Samba Pa Ti".

just awesome

I always kind of forget how brilliant Abraxas is, and although it's easy to space out in the second half, it's consistently a enjoyable record to re-visit. Carlos Santana plays 2+ hour live shows with nothing but indulgent guitar solos, and it's magnificent.

Whenever the rhythms and Santana’s electrifying guitar hits you, it all seems rather swell.

Not a big Santana fan, but a lot to appreciate here.

Great Album!! Another album from my childhood. Black Magic Woman was a favorite of my father's. I love the cover art so colorful, sultry and my first introduction into collage. Favorite tracks: Samba Pa Ti, Oye Como Va

A powerful piece of music history, “Abraxas” by Santana is recognized for having cultural, historical or artistic significance. With smooth guitar solos and a Latin rock vibe, this album is simply great.

That was pure rock and roll filth! Such a dirty album. Totally loved it. And only thirty seven minutes too.

Gorgeous

Love this album

Santana is pretty groovy. Great background music. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen Rating: 4

I'm not the biggest fan of straight guitar play. But I am a fan of instrumental music which presence is lacking on this list. Other than that... Santana has a talent for easy going, merging-genre melodies.

Classic Santana! Such a unique sound and vibe that makes you feel the music as one of kind.

I have always liked Santana and Carlos is a fantastic guitar player. They were the opening band at my first concert in 1981 with The Rolling Stones. I am of course familiar with the radio hits of this album. This is the first time I have listened to this record from start to finish and I enjoyed it very much. Classic rock with Latin influences and I like the deep track' "Hope You're Feeling Better". It had a very Deep Purple vibe. Great listen.

Delightful, delightful album. Really a perfect example of psychedelic, Jimmy Hendrix, meets jammed-out, blues guitar, great musicianship. Just feel GREAT throughout. Never too showy, but just enough on those fantastic solos to make you do a double-take. I really like how this album feels pretty sly in its brilliance. Just enough to keep you from tuning out, though a really great album to tune out to. Love it. 4/5.

That album was solid! Good funky grooves, great drums, the songs in Spanish were great, the ones in English were ok. All in all, a very impressive album by Santana!

Great album. Stellar guitar work. A perfect introduction to Santana and his version of Spanish electric guitar work.

A bit too much cowbell for one’s tastes and the vocals could not be more mediocre. But several strong moments, the best of which is the excellent “Incident at Meshabar” with its Tyneresque piano vamping and the contemplative (if slightly mawkish) “Samba pa Ti.” Decent and worth knowing though decidedly non-life altering.

When you’ve heard the hits a thousand times it is hard to put yourself back in the mind frame to appreciate just how good the music is. Great album. Samba Pa Ti pushes it from a 3.5 to a 4.

May be one of the earliest albums I listened to. Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va for the bass lines! Sorry Steve, Carlos Santana's playing style is nice to listen to, even if it's a one-trick pony.

Classic rock is classic but I’ll boogie down to Oye Como Va all damned day. Believe that.

Good album and I've heard some of the songs before. The A-side is better than the B-side and luckily the album length is good for the amount of instrumental focus. Any longer and it would've been tiresome.

# Playlist track - Samba Pa Ti # Notes - I really wish I had met this album back when I was listening to [[G3, Live in Concert]] all day. - Amazing album, some real bangers in there, and the guitar solos never get too long and tiring. - Latin beats really tie it all up together.

I was about to write this off as a very average classic rock album. While everyone knows Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va at this point, those are not the reasons to come back to this album. The beauty of this album is in its fantastic instrumental tracks. The mysterious jam of the opening track, the jazzy groove of Incident at Neshabur, and the tragic romanticism of Samba Pa Ti are what really make this album interesting. The other tracks are solid Beatles/Stones/Small Faces copies, but not nearly as notable. I’m drinking to Samba Pa Ti tonight.

3.7 - I've never been gripped by Santana but I liked this album. I think he deserves a 5 but for me personally, I just don't connect with it

Definitely sits in the upper echelon of classic rock. It doesn't try to do anything more than what it is and benefits for it. Straightforward while still having its own flavor.

Kinda psychedelic rock then you get songs like incident at neyshabur and it’s like woah what the fuck that’s pretty good I wasn’t expecting that. Lovely album Favorite song: Oye Como va Worst: none 4.1/5

Solid 8/10

Always enjoy a good latin fusion

Elevator music; very calming instrumental rock. Great for working to.

The album art spooked me and then the guitar melted me

The perfect album for dropping acid with your older brother

Rocking songs, complex rhythms and melodies and sublime musicianship combine to make this a classic. You feel the Woodstock vibes as soon as it starts. Roll up a fatty and enjoy one of psych rock's classic albums.

Cool cool

Santana! I love them! Not my very favorite album of theirs which is why I’m only giving them four stars but they are amazing.

This album is really good. Solid rhythms throughout and I really love the guitar tone. Favorite songs are Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and Samba Pa Ti.

Classic- incredible musicianship

Beyond the classics it’s pretty good. Can’t believe I never listened to it before.

Some great tracks on here. Love the chilled out vibe and it didn't overstay its welcome.

Absolutely revolutionary album for its time, featuring a Latin jazz rock fusion that blends so well it would become a hit in America and lead the way for psychedelic music for years to come. With clean expansive percussion, jammy but not overpowering guitar, wonderfully vintage organ chords, and forward strong bass. Truly one of the earliest jammy pieces I can truly get lost in.

So Santana was a solid first album for this to throw my way. Carlos is a classic with one of the most distinct and recognizable guitar sounds in music. A pretty great overall album if a little short, and full of energy after a bit of a sluggish start. The Latin percussion is a lot of fun. I listened to this while i was cooking dinner and it was the perfect soundtrack for that.

Classic

Groovy and Funky all at the same time. A wonderful concoction of passionate singing and a band that understands rhythm.

Pretty good stuff!! Definitely peaks near the beginning and has some forgettable tracks though

Nice

Pretty iconic album. Short and sweet, unlike a lot of the rest of the late 60s/early 70s jam nonsense this list shoves down my gullet.

Great album by Santana! Some well-known cover hits and the album cover itself is just pure art

I was all ready to complain after the first track about how this just sounds like the inside of a Brazilian steak house, but I’ll be damned if I wasn’t having fun the rest of the time.

I never think about Santana, and then Abraxas plays and I remember that there's really no better jammy guitar album.

Way better than I was expecting

Truly a guitar great!

carlossssss, ugh. so good. wished the album was longer, felt like it flew by so quickly.

wowie, also a crazy cool cover but unfortunately a bit short

Would def listen to this again and again, what a jam

As much as I was dreading this after hearing a lot of this record on dive bar juke box on heavy rotation - it’s still a good and strong record - with instrumental that transcend their format and overall a pumping and fun record. Enjoyed it.

classic

OYE COMO VA

Santana is a bop. I got some good work done while listening to this album.

Solid and fun, enjoyed the whole album. Nothing stood out, but nothing was bad

Black Magic Woman :)

Excellent!

It was a fun time! Great mostly instrumental classic rock with grooves, latin grooves. Classic Santana. Good stuff. but not mindblowing. But really really good.

Great background listen

I don’t know why I dreaded this so much. Maybe Rob Thomas has something to do with it. Way more enjoyable than expected! And short and snappy enough to not get old.

Great interplay between the band members...did not know that 'Black Magic Woman' was a cover!

7.5/10

That famous Santana guitar tone just works so well with Latin music. They found a great sounding formula and just rolled with it.

This one was just fun. Good vibes, indeed.

Good memories are evoked

Easy listen. Songs not nearly as long as I expected based on genre and release year. Couple of really solid songs but the rest passed by without leaving much of a mark.

Enjoyable. All the songs are about twice as long as they need to be, but that's normal for the time.

So good. We all know Santana is an all time great guitar player, but I think he's a great band leader and collaborator as well. The band sounds so tight and together that this album sounds like an amazing jam session without ever coming off the rails.

Another classic- "Black Magic Woman" & "Oye Como Va" are staples (which is funny as they're both covers), the former being far more associated w/ Santana than the original Fleetwood Mac version (which I don't think I'd ever even heard until looking it up to check). If your boomer parents (or grandparents) leaned even slightly hippy (or if you have any Latin heritage), you've heard these songs, if not the whole album.

Schon gut

Probably the most cohesive awesome album by Santana. Always worth a listen.

I liked the music from Santana very much, but I think, it is to much synthetic

Hoping for more lyrics, but guitar was great and the inclusion of Spanish instruments.

Nice, but I like the first Santana Album more

Honestly really good one. A bit typical but such fun music

Santana's "Abraxas" is a foundational rock classic that seamlessly blends Latin rhythms with electrifying guitar solos. Each track is a vibrant fusion of styles, creating an album that's timeless and utterly captivating.

I enjoyed the latino rythms in most of these songs. The songs that got a little too "rock n roll" weren't as good. Of course the hits off this album are special songs!

I've never really listened to Santana before and this is much more like Jazz than I anticipated. Weird, jazzy, psychy, rock and roll.

There’s no mistaking Santana!

Surprising amounts of genre influences

Enjoyed this sound, Gypsy Queen is great.

Really good. Santana always has great vibes. "Black Magic Woman" has always been a fun listen. Really smooth sound.

What a guitarist! “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” are huge hits - that I’ve heard before - but this album is more than those two songs. Great blend of Santana’s solos with the rest of the band proving their abilities as well. Cool Latin vibe underlying with classic 70s rock sounds overtop. Liked how the songs wove together to provide a tide of music, slowing and quieting just to swell again; made for a pleasant album-long listening session.

I haven't listened to a full Santana album since he released Supernatural in 1999. That album is quite different than this album and I am happy to say it. Abraxas is great. It has my favourite song Black Magic Woman in it. But after listening to this album, the song 'Hope You're Feeling Better' might dethrone BMW. Honestly, people talk about how Jim Hendrix is the king of guitar, but I think I like Carlos Santana over Hendrix. That's definitely a hot take for sure. But I love Santana's guitar tone. And his solos aren't wankery. His VOCs aren't necessarily better but I am on the fence to which I prefer. Anyways, enough comparisons. This album has songs that sound like the Black Keys... But better. I wonder if the Black Keys took some inspiration from Santana. I mean, how could you not? Even the Spanish songs were enjoyable, despite me not knowing what was being said. Thoroughly enjoyed this record.

Jazzy fun energetic record. Great playing from everyone. Solid recommendation. Repeats: black magic woman, mother's daughter

Legend on the guitar

Once this album got stuck on my record player and I was high and it took me an embarrassing amount of time to notice

I feel like this is peak Latin Rock.

Quite enjoyable! Felt like I should be beachside with a cocktail somewhere hot.

This album is definitely good. Santana's guitar level is on nearly god level (especially for 1969). Favorite song(s): "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen", "Oye Cómo Va". Solid 4/5

Good but you have to be in the mood

I'm shocked to learn that neither Black Magic Woman nor Oye Como Va are Santana originals, instead coming from Fleetwood Mac and Tito Puente respectively. Santana's first #1 US record release, and on a larger scale, one of the earliest modern musicians to bring Latin music into a popular space. Even if the songs are not all originals, this album drips with charisma and is presented excellently

Classic dad rock

i’ve known about Santana for a while, being on the outskirts of the jam band scene, but this is the first time i’ve sat down and actually listened to them. very cool

bien la verda disfrute, santana no es mi persona favorita pero no puedo negar que su musica esta completísima.

Like a hairy chested man giving you a loving embrace.

Like swimming with Manatees

Great, but I can imagine there's not enough singing for a lot of people. I don't mind. Favorite song: Oye Como Va.

I was surprised I knew a few of the songs. This album was really focused on the guitar and lots of improvisation from all of the instruments. I also really enjoyed the Latin themes

BL: I know of Santana for the much later works ala supernatural. Never listened to his stuff from before, so I’ll see how it turns out AL: very fun album. While it wasn’t necessarily 100% of my thing, I really enjoyed listening to it. The fusion of Latin beats with psychedelic organ is a raw juxtaposition which while doesn’t always blend, usually helps it stick out and makes it a rewarding listen anyways. Some of these tracks will sneak their way into my playlist. FT: “Black Magic Woman”, “Mother’s Daughter”, “Hope You’re Feeling Better”, “El Nicoya” 4/5

A couple of stand outs here. A wizard with the guitar.

latin influenced psychedelic blues rock. infectious rhythms. carlos santana was one of the noteworthy figures of the era. easy to see why this one is on the list. highlights: “black magic woman”, “oye cómo va”, “samba pa ti”.

One extra star for that album art

Santana shreds on this, loved it

good psychedelic, latin rock stuff, groovy and jazzy, I love all the percussion stuff as usual in latin music, I like the spanish tracks more than the english ones

Some nice funky guitars. I got some The Doors vibes on a few of the songs. Overall pretty enjoyable.

Oye Como Va gives it an extra star

Man I loved this album in my younger days. It’s still enjoyable. A shame that Carlos just kinda cocked it later on in his career. His guitar tone and style, especially after 2006, just sounds… cheesy? But I don’t actually think my enjoyment of this album is hindered by that. I’ll probably come back to this every few years. It’s a classic

Listened Before? Yes I haven't listened to many Santana albums, but this is one that I spent a good bit of time with during late high school. This is a classic with two of his biggest singles -- Oye Como Va and Black Magic Woman -- along with a number of other jams. This album is pretty great straight through. Not perfect by any means, but there is a lot of soul here, and plenty of that unmistakable Santana guitar. Standouts for me are Oye Como Va, Mother's Daughter, Samba Pa Ti, and (personal favorite) Hope You're Feeling Better. Great production, with some sequencing hiccups (particularly between BMW/GQ and Oye Como Va). Just a good clean latin-infused classic rock album. 4 / 5. Added to Library? Yes Songs Added to Playlists: - Mother's Daughter (Sunny-vibes) - Hope You're Feeling Better (Des Approved)

Santana is great, don't think I have ever listened to this album front to back but know a bunch of the songs. Great listen overall

Santana just melting my face with his guitar while I am trying to do some data entry. I like how some of the songs were English and some were Spanish.

Great album instrumentation yet again. These songs fuckin rocked. I especially loved Incident at Neshabur. So many changes in that song and at one point thought it was the Grateful Dead. Never have taken a deep dive into Santana but it might be time. Hoping they have Soul Sacrifice coming up love that song

This one surprised me. I really liked this, definitely would enjoy listening to it again.

My first introduction to Carlos Santana was a collaborative album her did with Alice Coltrane called Illuminations. His guitar fit perfectly with the rest of the instrumentation. His playing is gorgeous and filled with jazzy grooves. While Abraxas isn't necessarily a jazz album, it caries these same qualities in spades.

This was a vibe,not amazing but oye como va and black magic woman are absolute bangers.Santana creates a Latin,groovy atmosphere that I quite enjoyed

I dig.

Sanatana so good! Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va and Samba Pa Ti are the songs I'm most familiar with from this album, but the whole thing is a great experience. Great vibes throughout, I remember my dad playing this record excessively loud in the basement and me being bored to tears. not anymore!

1 Santana Album You Need to Hear Before You Die

It felt like I walked into the wrong party. It was a great party. But I don't know if I would have been invited or if I was stoned enough to stay.

In a nutshell: a sweet Latin rock, Chicano rock and blues concoction Went in only knowing Oye Como Va and Black Magic Woman, left appreciating Carlos and his band. WOW! There's a noticeable flow to it. Each band member's skills are on show. Carlos seems to work WITH the band rather than above the band. Truth be told, I'd listen to 70's Santana over Eric Crapton anyday. Overall: 7/10

Great album. Love everything about it. What an incredible sound.

This was great. The music is so good. I'm not the most into jam type of stuff, and despite that I still had a great time. I look forward to a conversation with some sort of grey-haired man about how Abraxas is good. I'm not sure when it'll happen, but I know it will, and I am now prepared.

Sat on a cold grey day in the UK, this washes over me like taking a bath in molasses with a rum cocktail in hand.

This will never be my favourite Santana album - that's been Caravanserai for over 40 years - but it is very good. It's more poppy than Santana 3 or Caravanserai, I don't mind pop but I don't think it really suits Santana.

I actually liked this, it even put me to sleep!!! 7/10

Would I listen to this album again? Yes. First time hearing the full album? Yes. Were there any songs I skipped? No. Comments? A very fun album that makes you feel like moving. Favourite Songs? Oye Como Va

Oye como va is a banger for sure. I liked these songs a lot actually, they have a good vibe that is pretty jazzy. I appreciate all the instrumentals. This is a great background album, but if you really want to pay attention to the songs they don't disappoint. I also really liked the song "mother's daughter". Solid rock song.

If there's one thing that continues to get reinforced by this list, it's that I have a soft spot for any Latin music. Didn't really know what to expect coming into this album and seeing Black Magic Woman, but the rest of the album was a pretty big departure from it, at least relatively. There's some stuff here I was a really big fan of, though I did kind of lose attention in it about halfway through. It's great, lyrical guitar playing with a few supporting facets, if you're into that then you should be into this. Highlight: Oye Como Va Lowlight: Mother's Daughter Surprise Hit: Se a Cabo

Santana is a magician with the guitar. He can make full instrumental songs feel like they have lyrics and quite frankly that’s good enough. He does his best when he gets someone else to do the singing. All in all this is just a guitar driven album that is fun and groovy. 7.7/10

Classic lyric rock. Good drive.

Timeless piece of music, great guitar and percussion work

Saw Santana in 02. Best concert I've ever been to.

Really cool album. Heard before, but now I'll remember that Oye Como Va was on here. Had that one playing in my head a few times. I really like the laidbackness here. + Singing Winds, Crying Beasts + Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen + Oye Como Va + Incident at Neshabur

Very fun to listen to

A pretty nice album. Latin instruments, latin rock, long guitar solos - easy 4 stars.

Listened to the two big songs on the album quite a bit but I have never heard the album in its entirety till now. Pretty decent.

Everybody knows Santa's biggest hits, but I never listened to this full album. It's absolutely amazing. One must wonder why I haven't before!

A fantastic album in the realm of musicality. The bongos, synth and electric guitar make this not only something you could relax on a beach to but something to cure workday blues. This music can transport you to a peaceful realm, get you groovin as well as just motivate you through a day.

Lots of classic songs

Saving this for my next psychedelic adventure. Rich full sounds. Pleasant.

My first introsuction to Latin Rock. Should listen to more, this was dope.

Fun, easy listening, pretty in some parts energetic in others. Awesome album and it made me go listen to Soul Sacrifice live at woodstock again, so bonus points for that.

Smooth. Just extremly good vibes would listen to again!

Hahaha, just listened to this the other day. Some of Santana's best tracks. Classic 60's psychedelic jams. Great guitar work.

Was never a fan of Santana growing up but listening to this now was very enjoyable, funny how our taste changes over the years. Really enjoyed the rhythm/percussion parts

Great album, the first few tracks just melt into each other, samba pa ti was a nice highlight, loved the jazz influences on this album too.

I really liked this record. It's got a really interesting mix of styles but it's all tied together. I've always had a fondness for Santana but never really sat down to listen to an album until today. If this was a ten point scale I'd probably give it a nine but I'm saving my fives for stuff that really really deserves it.

Holy Moly.

Classic stuff.

Can't go wrong with Santana.

exceptional plucking

This shit kinda slaps Geweldige opbouw naar "black magic woman" Interessante Latin beats in verwerkt? Ja het is helemaal Latin Yes please, oye come va is funky 4 sterren!

Master class

This is good noodlin'! And better than 90% of the 60s SF noodle bands (which is a pretty low bar, but still).

Grew up on this album. Amazing guitar work

This is my first full length Santana album (not counting Supernatural that was playing on repeat in the background when I was a kid) and it already has 3 of the biggest hits that I knew beforehand. A lot has been said about these three so I’m just gonna state the obvious that Black Magic Woman is probably among the top songs ever. I just love how the guitar sound grows in the beginning among the synths and the rhythm section and then just completely breaks free. The rest of the album compliments the top 3, especially the jazzy parts. They are well within the balance of jazzy/interesting and easy listening. Also, as a drummer, I’m a sucker for all these Latino jazzy rhythms which can be hear throughout the entire thing. A perfect soundtrack to a sunny lazy Sunday evening.

Gitaarmuziek zoals ik het fijn vind, muzikaal. Eerste en laatste nummer overslaan. Mother’s Daughter +++

70s sounds