Back at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969, a Latin-American jazz-rock band called Santana made a huge name for themselves thanks to their legendary performance of "Soul Sacrifice". The same year, the band released a self-titled debut album", containing the hit single "Evil Ways". The album sold nearly 2 million copies. The band, led by keyboardist/vocalist Greg Rolie and now legendary guitarist Carlos Santana. Carlos is easily a top 10 guitarist, and you'll see why on this album. Both of these men really shine on this sophomore album from the group, released in 1970.

SINGING WINDS, CRYING BEASTS: The album kicks off with Rolie's mysterious keyboard notes and some sounds of wind blowing. Then, at the 42 second mark, Carlos starts to deliver some ear-cutting shrieks from his guitar. The pace picks up, and the rest of the song is a dreamy keyboard solo from Rolie. It flows straight into...

BLACK MAGIC WOMAN/GYPSY QUEEN: Any fan of classic rock knows this song. Santana's greatest hit, peaking at #4. A haunting remake of Fleetwood Mac's classic. Rolie sings in a way that will send shivers down your spine. Carlos delivers a stinging solo that is pure heaven. It's extremely fluid, and that burning tone of his guitar is icing on the cake. The second part (GYPSY QUEEN) is a harder-rocking instrumental part with some more devastating licks from Carlos.

OYE COMO VA: The album's other hit, which was orginally a Tito Puente compostion. A jazzy tune with a sneaky guitar riff and some killer Spanish chants. Rolie's jazzy organ solo is the song's highlight. Carlos' solo ain't bad either.

INCIDENT AT NESHBAUR: An amazing instrumental, this album's version of "Soul Sacrifice." A real showcase for percussionists Mike Shrieve, Jose Areas, and Mike Carabello. It starts out all jazzy with Rolie's piano and organ, until Carlos' guitar smashes into the song with a powerful riff. Rolie steps out for an organ solo, followed by some brief licks from Carlos. The song slows down in tempo, and Rolie and Carlos trade off piano and guitar licks in a beautiful way.

SE A CABO: Some punding percussion and a funky bassline start this one off, and Carlos starts laying down some shattering chords and following that with a blistering solo. The band starts to chane "Se A Cabo!" and the song ends.

MOTHER'S DAUGHTER: One of the album's only straight-foward rockers, it's also one of my favorites on the album. Rolie gives a gut-wrenching vocal performance, and Carlos answers with some amazing guitar licks. The song ends with Carlos delivering a ball-busting, extremely fast solo. And listen to that mean use of fuzztone!

SIMBA PA TI: One of the greatest guitar solo in history. It starts out very slow and sad, with Carlos weeping through his guitar. Apart from Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana might be the most emotional guitarist ever. The song gathers momentum at the 2:20 mark, and Carlos lets loose some speedy soloing. Listen to those shrieks at the 3:39 mark!

HOPE YOU'RE FEELING BETTER: The loudest, hardest song. It might be the most intense song that Santana ever did. The power of that organ/wah-wah guitar riff will knock you off your feet right at the beginning. Carlos delivers a blistering wah-wah solo halfway through the song, but you'll forget about that when he crafts one the most destructive solos in rock at the very end of the song. Also, Rolie roars the lyrics like a madman.

EL NICOYA: Easily the worst song on here. Just some chanting in Spanish, drums, and an acoustic guitar strumming. The only bummer on the album.

If you're a fan of Santana, you might already have it, but if you don't, BUY IT! It absolutely shatters SUPERNATURAL or SHAMAN.