Carlos and the Santana band made their name on the strength of their first three albums. Such was the power and quality of the music, but Caravanserai surmounted that and is arguably the best Santana has ever produced, representing also Santana's first deviation into the dreamy, mystical, jazzy sounds.

The "spirit of creativity" must have descended on Earth to infuse the Santana band with supernatural musicianship when this album was made...then departed back to heaven, for such work is rarely seen, rarely repeated. To this day the music remains fresh, original, spiritual.

Such is the quality of this album, that it was once described as music for musicians. Every single track a masterpiece, even the cover art is mystical. The album retains a linear and uniform feel throughout as the tracks merge smoothly into each other.

Intensity gradually builds up, then letting go in cycles of sheer musical ecstasy. "Stone flower" (track 8), is authored by none other than Antonio Carlos Jobim, need we say more?

An absolute must to anyone's collection; this album is an all-time classic of epic proportions. Dare say Carlos will never again achieve this level transcendental spirituality in his music, judging by what followed and his latter works.

Caravanserai was released in 1972 and consists of ten tracks. Some people are of the opinion that this album has major personnel changes, hence the new musical direction into the jazzy sounds. Not so! The original cast is still there, Chepito, Rolie, Shrieve, etc. There are however some personnel changes from track to track, and surprisingly the feel of the music is pleasantly well balanced. Each song complements the other.

Follow these instructions: Place CD in player, unplug the telephone, lights down low, incense sticks smoking, sit back in armchair with favorite beverage, volume up high.....and hit the play button for a soul-lifting ride into heaven. Then do it again!

There are few musicians who elevate the art form to the levels achieved by Carlos Santana, Mike Shrieve, Gregg Rolie, and Neal Schon on this album. CARAVANSERAI was created at a transitional phase in the band's evolution which was marked by Carlos' spiritual inner journey and a high degree of openness and experimentation in the band's approach to the music. Added to these factors are the sheer virtuosity and musicianship of the band members, who were now at the peak of their craft. There have been only a few albums that achieve the level of beauty and mastery that this album does. Do I dare name them? The Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour, Jefferson Airplane's - Volunteers, Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland.

CARAVANSERAI is one of life's mysteries that I don't want to figure out. I don't know why it moves my heart and soul, but it does, from beginning to end. It is easily Santana's best work.

I bought this album when it came out in 1972 at the ripe age of 15. I was a big fan of the first 3 albums and bought it without hearing a note. Imagine my adolescent surprise when this album required much more effort to adore. I've since learned that music I like immediately loses it's flavor on the bedpost overnight. The toe tapping fades with the umpteenth playback...

This work represents a unique moment in time and a significant artistic accomplishment. You don't have to love every track to appreciate the expression and departure from easy commercial returns. It stands alone as a bold canvas created to satisfy Santana's inner exploration instead of a records company's profit motives. Like a lot of great music, this one captured a lot more ears because the artist had a name, and I for one, am richer for the effort. This stands as my favorite Santana album.

Push yourself to learn every cut and you'll find it takes you someplace you've never been. The greatest musical gift of all.

When Santana burst upon the scene, he startled and delighted us with his unique blend of Rock and Latin music forms. With this album, he delights, surprises and leaves us breathless with an album of such beauty and depth. This recording is one you listen to from beginning to end. No track skipping her. A wonderous sonic journey. I found new admiration for an artist brave enough to attempt a new direction having enjoyed tremendous success to that point. True highpoints are "Song of the Wind" with it's samba tempo as Carlos solos beautifully and ardently, "All the Love in the Universe" with it's Spanish feel and two part harmonies. It glides in on castanets, vocals and guitars and builds to a burning climax and melliflously floats away. "La Fuente Del Ritmo" is a latin-jazz burner. "Every Step of the way" takes out at a dead run with the band backed by a symphony orchestra. Inventive, original, melodic. A recording of striking beauty. Possibly the best Santana recording ever.

The guitar solo on Song for the Wind by itself is probably one of the greatest solos of rock/fusion/jazz guitar. His phrasing is along the lines of the great jazz pianist Bill Evans. Just listen to the demo on this site and you'll see what I mean -- the actual solo is considerably longer but this gives a good taste of the album. I owned it in 1973 and just re-purchased and it has held up greatly with time.