The addition of Greg walker to the band was a welcome addition.

Alex Ligertwood was okay but I don't want Santana to sound like Journey. Greg Walker, in my opinion, is second only to Greg Rollie as a good fit to Santana. This CD doesn't set the world on fire but it wasn't meant to. It is very listenable and the remakes of the older songs are well done. They are songs I never thought I would see on a Santana album but when you can actually improve on Buddy Holly, Classics Four, and the Zombies then you've earned four stars in my book.

I longly hesitated before buying this cd because of three reasons :

1. It is an oldie 2. I have lots of Santana records, and several tracks from Inner Secrets are on those other cds 3. The reviews here seem to say it is a so/so album

In fact, I should have bought it a long time ago ! This album is smashing. Among other things you have THE voice of Greg Walker (I never really liked Alex Lighertwood), Graham Lear on drums (he has played with lots of super artists, for instance Gino Vanelli), or Pete Escovedo (to me, Sheila E's daddy is one of the big ones now that Tito Puente has abandoned us). They all are there to put a unique value added to Santana's characteristic touch.

"Move on" is marvelous (just listen to the last two minutes), "One chain" has an incredible beat, "Open invitation" really rocks, and the cover version is not cheesy at all. You also have the penetrating "Life is a Lady", with Santana superstar from the beginning to the end, just like in the famous "Europa" or "Moonflower". "Dealer" reminds me of my dear Spain. Latin touches are everywhere, but the two closing tracks are jewels... And THE PLAYERS ARE PLAYING (you have very little programmed music here)

This album doesn't sound outdated, and I understand it disappoints people who like the Caravan-Borboletto-Abraxas period, but to me it is one of the super Santana records (not the case for Havana Moon or Blues for Salvador for instance). My recommendation is that you get it. I'll be ready to bet with you that you will still enjoy it in, say, 20 years from now.

Inner Secrets has always been my favorite Santana CD. There is not clunker in the bunch. It may sound a little too polished in places but how can you refuse the power of "Open Invitation", "Well Alright", "One Chain" or "Dealer" - great tunes. The band definitely do not sound bored - well worth the small investment.

I'm surprised at all the one and two-star reviews of Inner Secrets. This was in the middle of a good period for Carlos & Company (76 Moonflower - 82 Shango) and produced some intelligently crafted works with pop overtones. The opening "Dealer/Spanish Rose" alternating medley is an interesting progression of the band. "Move On" is so-so, but this leads to the album's best work - a seven-minute funkified take on the Motown classic "One Chain (Don't Make No Prison)," featuring a sweet groove from bassist Dave Margen and always-underrated drummer Graham Lear, stellar playing from Carlos and atmospheric keyboard work. Yes, it has some dance/disco influences, but remember that the album came out in 1978 and that was style de rigeur in those days. The band then produces two more solid covers, the moody "Stormy" and the dual guitar assault on "Well All Right." I read some strong criticism about "Open Invitation" and I disagree - I think it is a solid straight rocker with a powerful conclusion. The remaining three tracks are so-so as well, listenable but not phenomenal.

What this album needs is a better CD mix. I had the LP and the sound quality was superior. Sony has issued domestic remastered versions of Santana - Welcome and Moonflower, it's time to give Festival and Amigos - Beyond Apperances the same treatment.

do not listen to the nay sayers. this is a fine cd. my only problem is that you get the 12" disco version of 'one chain'and not the original LP version. there is an import version of this cd but dont know if 'one chain'is restored.