Much of this album is attached to memories I have of freshman year, 1985. Maybe it was the cool cover art, the association with the Raiders... who knows. Nevertheless, it made up part of the soundtrack to that part of my life and I love it.

While this is a departure from Carlos' more traditional sound, I feel he did a great job updating his music to the mid-80's. Songs like "Breaking Out," "Brotherhood," and "Spirit" sound as good today as they did when the album was first released. My favorite tracks would have to be "Touchdown Raiders," and "Written in Sand". "Touchdown" is a great driving instrumental powered by Carlos' guitar; while "Written in Sand" is just a fantasic song.

I understand the negative comments - like I said, it is a bit of a departure, but standing on it's own merits, for the time and for the artist - I think it's a great piece of work!

This is a great album if you ask me. Carlos modernized his sound to fit perfectly with 1985 and still retained his trademark sound to mix with it. Breakin' Out, Say It Again, and Written In Sand are excllent songs. There isn't a bad song on this CD. Greg Walker and Alex Litgerwood together are awesome.

Sanatana finally manages to blend the latin percussion sound
he was known for AND acknowledge the 1980's well on great tunes
such as "Breaking Out" and "Say it Again" while "Right Now"
boils a great groove as well."Spirit" and "Brotherhood" both shine with a slight Pater Gabrial/Sting "world-beat" feel and
overall the mix of synthesizers,percussion and vocal hooks and
melodies are the most appropriate used on a Santana album.Despite
it's critics "Beyond Appearances" draws you right in and is totally worth checking out.

What's up world??????!!!!!!! Where are all the Santana Fans???!!!!!! Could it be that we are mostly not computer savvy????!!! Well, this CD has my 2 favorite vocalists from the many that Santana has had throughout his career!! Alex Ligertwood and Gregg Walker. Check out the song titled "Right Now" they sing a duo, WOW, they are SOOOOO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beyond Appearances is not a good Santana album. It is dominated by synthesizers and drum machines. "Brotherhood" and the instrumental "Touchdown Raiders" are the only good songs on the album. The rest of the album plays like a soundtrack to a bad `80s movie. Two stars for the two good tracks and Carlos' superb guitar playing. Buy it only to complete your Santana collection.