=    Subtle Intoxication

Reviewer: The Rebecca Review.com

“I want only five things out of life and music: beauty, elegance, excellence, grace and dignity." - Santana

Perhaps “Shaman” on this album implies that Carlos is acting as an intermediary between the natural and supernatural world of “music.” Just listening to him play the guitar could be considered almost a spiritual experience. There is nothing witchy about this album except that it will cast a spell on the listener and make them seek out more Santana Albums.

The more I listen to this CD, the more I like it. Frankly, it takes me a while to really hear all an album has to offer. This is of course the follow-up album to “Supernatural.”

As is expected, Carlos Santana makes the guitar melt willingly into his hands. I’ve never heard anyone create such a subtle intoxication with a guitar. His music is uplifting and he believes music can either bring beauty or evil out of people. But then again, he has over 30 years of experience making people smile with his music.

This album offers a blend of blues, rock, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. A variety of tunes all infused with the flavor of his Mexican roots. He keeps the theme alive throughout the entire album. Santana teams up with an eclectic list of artists including Seal, Chad Kroeger, Dido, Alejandro Lerner, Ozomatli, Placido Domingo, Macy Gray and Michelle Branch. Ok, so I haven’t heard of most of the artists.

The Game of Love featuring Michelle Branch is my favorite song.

This is all about having fun. You will even get a good laugh in “Foo Foo.”

Macy Gray really shines in Amore.

"It’s like the ocean at sea
My love is never ending
You and me
It’s like a dream my baby"

~Amore

“Victory is Won” is completely instrumental and surrounds you with a rich atmosphere of sound and then dips down into a mellow groove. Nice relaxing piece of music with a focus on Carols and the guitar. Seems to have a sense of nostalgia woven through the music. The ending kinda takes your breath away! Talk about a guitar taking off into space.

“Since Supernatural” featuring Melkie Jean and Governor Washington seems be a celebration of Carlos himself.

“America” written by the four members of P.O.D. is perhaps the most intense song and the guitar gets pretty wild.

“Sideways” finds its way back to the blues.

“Why Don’t You and I “ breaks the relaxing mood. Then, back to “Feels Like Fire” to calm you and “Aye Aye Aye” wakes you up again pretty fast.

“Hoy Es Adios” featuring Alejandro Lerner was rather interesting. Although there is no translation to read. That was a real disappointment…the fact that there are no lyrics included for reading pleasure. Sure, we can look them up online but still no translation even at his site.

"One of These Days” featuring Ozomatli is difficult to figure out. For one, I can’t hear the words at the start, but they do get clearer. Ha, Carols takes center stage!

“Novus” is Opera featuring Placido Domingo! Powerful and all consuming. The guitar cries, it weeps and then it just melts. Intense!

Perhaps Santana is giving the gift of his talents to many of the artists on this album to help them get exposure. While their talents pale in comparison it seems to work.

This album does seem to bring you into a peaceful repose and thoughtful harmony with the world. Maybe he is just trying to bring out the best in all the artists. Who would not sound good singing along with Santana? Hello! ;>

Perhaps Carlos could be described this way on this album:

“I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool.” ~Smooth

Although this is titled “Shaman” he doesn’t walk alone. As he says: "a beautiful example of synchronicity." You will await each note he plays like a lover awaits the touch of the one she longs for.

Yes, Carlos Santana is still that good!