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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Recommendation for optimal listening: Edibles (hour prior of course). Bong hits work as well, but edibles are preferable for this application. You're looking for a nice body high. This is an evening listen, dimly lit room (vintage lava lamp if you're a super nerd). You want the vinyl, yes it makes a difference. Bonus if your copy has a little crackle at the very beginning when the needles hits. The crackle fades away as the music fades in. The volume needs to be up, fill the room but don't blast yourself out of the room. Settle and enjoy side one. You will melt into the couch and Santana's guitar will set your mind afloat. You won't remember there is a thing in the world called stress, hell if you did it right you won't even remember there is a world past the seat cushion to your left Now you will need to get up and flip the record. This is important if you want to listen to both sides, but don't rush, take a moment to digest the mood in the silence. When ready ease up off the couch (be careful, at our age injuries happen). Flip record, sip of water, return to couch. ya....that's it and you're welcome. Santana's sound is unique and his passion unmatched. I absolutely love this record, everything about it is beautiful.

*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!

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

OMG the GUITAR, THE Melancholic VIBE, THe smooth tones, THE GUITAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR

This is why I love this list.. I’ve never liked Santana’s music but after hearing Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va in the context of the album, this slaps

Loved the jazzy psychodelic feel from the start of the album, the accent on the atmosphere, the careful detaled sound mastering. And the beats! The winds were singing, the beasts were crying. Not to mention mad guitar solos (but that's the only thing I already knew about Santana before listening to the album). Great music for a fight with a nemesis in a very confusing sci-fi setting in the jungle which will somehow lead to dancing.

It goes without saying that this is top-notch guitar playing, but Santana's backing band is really good in their own right. At times it almost felt like I was listening to a Latin jazz band. Really fun music on this one, and not a huge commitment at 38 minutes. Need to grab this one on vinyl. 4/5

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.

Went into it expecting dad rock, could not have been more wrong.

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....

Smooth

Meesterwerk, 1 van mijn lievelingsplaten :)

Great album. The energy and sound switches up enough that it stays interesting, but also not too much. It sounds like an album, not a collection of songs. The production is excellent. Definitely a listen again.

Fucking flawless. Immaculate vibes, perfect playing and it's exactly my kind of music

I honestly couldn’t tell when or why I imprinted and Carlos and his music, but when I did, it was significant. All of my musical life, with the exception of my childhood, I have been a fan. I’ve had the privilege of a couple of live shows as well. Right out of the gate, his music was powerfully different and this album is a great example of his early work. More of this, please!

This rocks. Perfect album. Blues/psych guitar with bongos is always going to be a win for me. Only complaint is at 37 minutes this is criminally too short.

Santana knows how to play. But I never really listened to his band. This is a tight line up. Truly an iconic sound. Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen Oye Como Va

Still sizzling guitar work that has rarely been matched.

One of his most influential and well regarded albums, there are so many of his classics here, in one package. I think at least 3 songs here have permeated latin american culture and folklore, people might not know Santana the artist, but they know these songs almost like they come preprogrammed at birth. In the ranking of electric guitar (mostly) instrumental music, this album earns its place among the top tier. No one else was doing what Santana was doing back then and no one has dared to try and copy him since.

i like this bc i felt like dancing the whole time

OYE COMO VA!!!

When I say I want to listen to rock, this is what I want to hear.

Fucking Solid

This album comes in so strong and grabs your attention. What a great example of Latin Rock. Easy 5 Favorite Songs: Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen, Singing Winds, Crying Beasts, Oye Como Va, El Nlcoya

Supernatural

My favorite Santana album is Caravanserai, but any album around that era is top notch!

I already know I love that album!

el swag

Flows very well. Lots of highlights. 4.5

Immaculate.

Really solid and varied album. I think it's a very good sequel to the already good debut album. This album goes everywhere, from great jams to hits to slow and soulful songs. It doesn't bore you and there's a ton of great guitar playing throughout, as you'd expect from Santana. Rock, Funk, Latin, all here pretty much.

Muss zugeben, war das erste Mal, dass ich ein Santana Album gehört habe. Und es war viel besser als erwartet. Drei Tophits inklusive.

i really love this one it's such a vibe. i'm also like 99% sure I had Santana's greatest hits downloaded on my MP3 player back in the day because I burned my dad's CD

tuff

Thought I was gonna hate this, but the opening track is a lot more jazzy than I expected! Hey wait this is beautiful wtf This is so my style, I can’t believe I wanted to skip this one

I've liked what I've heard from Santana, but never listened to an album or anything more serious than just hearing songs on the radio. This was a really fun album. Yes, there were hits, but throughout it was varied, interesting, fun and engrossing. I will need to start exploring his catalogue more deeply.

One of the greatest guitarists of all time. The Black Magic Woman cover is a favorite of mine. And I had forgotten about Oye Como Va, another awesome song. The whole album is great..

Solid album. I did not know Black Magic Women was a cover, or a mashup. What they did with those songs is excellent A master class in doing a cover. When your cover becomes the definitive version of a song, you did something right. The rest of the album is great as well.

Love it

Carlos Santana is the king of doing that thing where you hit two guitar strings at once and then bend them, but you bend one of them slightly more, so that the two notes rub against each other. BTW, imagine playing Woodstock before your first album comes out. And absolutely crushing it so hard.

So so so so so good

Even though two of their most famous songs are cover songs, they have the natural ability to always sound like themselves.

Crazy shit!

A true classic. Searing guitar solos, latin-flavored percussion and melodies with hard-edged rock. Every song on this is inspirational. Opens with Singing Winds/Crying Beasts, an atmospheric song featuring electric piano and guitar solos. Segues into a cover of Peter Green's Black Magic Woman, a blues number that serves as a vehicle for iconic keyboard and guitar solos and then transitions into a short blistering jam cover of Gábor Szabó's instrumental Gypsy Queen. Followed by a funky cover of Tito Puente's Oye Como Va - slinky, funky, groovy, and irresistible with another set of legendary guitar and organ solos. Original instrumental "Incident at Neshabur" finishes side one with an eclectic suite of jazzy/latin motifs. Side two begins with Se a Cabo, a frantic jam. Followed by Mother's Daughter, a blues jam with a great vocal and fun coda. Samba Pa Ti is a wistful electric guitar blues ballad instrumental. Hope You're Feeling Better busts out the hard rock with distorted Hammond organ for a memorable finish. I never get tired of listening to this one. It's got something for everyone - jazz, blues, latin, rock, a little prog. The guitar, percussion, and keyboard work is just amazing - it features Gregg Rolie (a later founder of Journey) as singer and keys player.

5/5 a favorite album by one of my favorite guitarists

On the one hand, I feel like I've arrived too late to the Santana party, on the other, it seems like the party never ends and everyone is invited.

Incredible album

An absolute 5/5 masterpiece. I used to think Santana was just one guy, but this album proves what an incredibly tight band they are. The guitar work is legendary, but the piano and organ sections really blew me away and carry the whole groove. A perfect record

Amazing. Always loved Santana, but this challenge has really confirmed my love of the sounds of latin & Caribbean rhythms, blues-rock, and jazz. He's so good.

Got me dancing in the driver's seat and people looking at me funny. Guitar and percussion and horns. Rhythms and jazz. Listened twice. Saved the entire album as a fave. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fuck, yeah! This is #298 and might be my favorite so far. Listened twice. Will listen again. 🎸🪘💃🤘

Shining hypnotic brilliance. And if further evidence were needed of their collective brilliance - Live at Tanglewood 1970.

I don’t give out 5 stars easily, especially on a first listen so I gave it a second listen - it’s top drawer stuff; really enjoyed the Latin jazz rock vibe. Santana’s guitar playing is a treat and at times, it really lifted some tracks just when they needed it, particularly in the latter half of the album. The album might be slightly front loaded on first listens.

1970. The name of the album is inspired by a book "Demian". Abraxas means "the power above all" and was carved on amulets and gemstones for protection from the evil in certains cultures.

My roommate showed me this in college because he really loves the album art. tbf i do too, it's great. Man such a nice easy listen. Ofc Oye Como Va is just a relaxed banger. I'm straight edge these days but it makes me want to sit by a pool with some mezcal.

I KNEW THIS WOULD BE A HIT ALBUM STARTING FROM THE COVER.

Peak

Extremely solid and enjoyable album