Santana Self Titled Album Songs Ranked
Santana is the debut studio album by American Latin rock band Santana. It was released on August 30, 1969. Over half of the album’s length is composed of instrumental music, recorded by what was originally a purely free-form jam band. At the suggestion of manager Bill Graham, the band took to writing more conventional songs for more impact, but managed to retain the essence of improvisation in the music. The album was destined to be a major release, given a boost by the band’s performance at the Woodstock Festival earlier that August. The album’s first single, “Jingo”, was only a modest performer, spending eight weeks on the chart and reaching #56; however, “Evil Ways”, the second single taken from the album, was a U.S. Top 10 hit, reaching #9 and spending thirteen weeks on the chart. The album spent more than two years (108 weeks) on the Billboard 200 pop album chart and peaked at #4 in November 1969. It also reached #26 on the UK Albums Chart. It has been mixed and released in both stereo and quadraphonic. The album cover features artwork by Lee Conklin. Here are all of Santana Self Titled Album songs ranked.
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9. Waiting
“Lead-off track is the instrumental “Waiting”, a free-form jam that may be a little rough around the edges, but so what. The first song Waiting, a foot stomping extravaganza, sets the tone for what will follow.”
8. Shades of Time
“‘Shades Of Time’ can be pretentious at times, especially the title, but overall it is a good instrumental track with some good vocals.”
7. Jingo
” Jingo’ reminds me why I play the guitar every time I hear it, and ‘Soul Sacrifice’ could speak for itself but I must say that it is with out competition the very best thing the group ever recorded. It is a testament to what made early Santana records so great, the fact that they could cram an amazing jam into a short few minutes.”
See more: Santana Albums Ranked
6. Treat
“The catchy “Treat”, which is an easygoing instrumental that according to Rolie was influenced by sax man Eddie Harris’ music. At times, such as on the track “Treat”, you can imagine yourself in a small club with the band.”
5. Soul Sacrifice
“The second side closes with the studio capture of “Soul Sacrifice” which was the centerpiece of their Woodstock show. Though it sounds polite and abridged in comparison, this is a band who knows they are just getting started. More to come doesn’t begin to capture the career of Carlos Santana!”
See more: Santana Songs Ranked
4. Evil Ways
“‘Evil Ways’ while it was the big hit on the album, really has never been heard until you’ve heard it in album form. And while it is a cover, the group makes it their own.”
3. Savor
“‘Savor’ is a straight into Savor, the Latin Lysergics are really going for it now, the percussion of Areas and Carabello is beginning to fire up. ‘Savor’ is almost haunting the way Carlos’ guitar and Rolies organ intertwined.”
2. Persuasion
“‘Persuasion’ – they’re in there! And they’re leading. Everything’s brutal. The Grateful Dead Devils weren’t expecting that. Everyone knows this is a five star Santana masterpiece.”
1. You Just Don’t Care
“‘You Just Don’t Care’ – they’re back and they’re heavy with intimidation and the All-American-Part-Nicaraguan-Part-Mexican spirit of competition and decimation. Dynamic and brutal.”