After countless times listening to Supernatural, I remembered one song from Santana released in the early 1980's. Hold On. It was played heavily on MTV, and I can still remember seeing the setting of the video, at a carnival, the spinning of the wheel of fortune, a series of white masquerade masks, setting the tone for the video, and of the impassioned vocals, seasoned by the hauntingly beautiful guitar work.

I also remember, being in high school at that time, just really discovering music, and being totally knocked out by Santana at that time.

True, this album has a "pop" feel to it, but to listen once again to Hold On and be transported back to younger days. Days that were filled with the sounds of post disco, does anyone ever really admit to having owned a Knack album?

Shango, captures an era perfectly. To listen to this album now is like literally stepping back in time. I can still see that video on MTV, and I instantly remember what the world was like at that time.

I highly recomend Shango, If you are of the 80's generation and you can remember the shot of the rocket on MTV, and you are a little nostalgic for your glory days, then by all means indulge.

For the newer fan, this isn't Carlos Santana's greatest album by any means, but for a trip back through time to hear the sounds and get a feel for another generation's gift from Santana, then yes by all means explore this album.

To conclude, It's interesting to compare Hold On with Smooth, how the times and music stylings have changed, but the soul of Carlos Santana, the driving force behind both songs remains legendary.

This one came along during a period when Santana was overshadowed by the pop biz. Zebop'esque... good stuff, killer rythmn section, vocals are there if not a little strained at times but this band melded very well and were/are appreciated by many. Has this release been re-mastered? Good question this and Zebop both need some cleaning up for the digital age... then you would really have something!

Santana as a band has consistantly been changing and evolving over the years picking up new influences as well as letting some go.

Infact the only common thread over albums by Santana are:

1. The melodious and sometime frantic highly identifyable guitar work by Carlos.

2. The distinctive latin flavor to the music of the band.

Apart from the above two points the band has been constantly evolving, mainly due to the influence of numerous band members and contributers over time.

'Shango' as an album is the most popish of them all, with very melodious sing along tunes and quality musicmanship. It also has an Afro touch to it, specially on the title track and 'Oxun'.

The album had two hit singles in 'hold on' and 'nowhere to run' both very good tune addressing both the rock and disco fans. Carrying on in this tradition is 'Let me inside' another simple pop track.

My favorite is 'Oxun' a lovely song in a language I don't understand (assume its Carribian). 'Body surfing' is another gem with a tune which may take time to catch on.

Like Supernatural this album is not a true indicator of what the band is like but I can say with honesty that it is the most danceable album, highly rhythemic and great fun provided one does not compare it with other outputs from the band.

Carlos as usual sizzles with his guitar on this one.

By the way there are'nt any bules or slow numbers here.

This is argueably the best Santana album from his poppy 80's stage. The pop songs are of unusually high caliber, and the instrumentals are great. Also this album marks the return of Gregg Rolie for one song.

Carlos plays with unabashed fire...along with Alex Ligertwood's soulful heartfelt vocals, this release albeit a bit on the commercial side for Santana is a must own, awesome, catch album wih great melodies and style.