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!

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.

I guess I'd have to give this one 5 stars because the track "say it again", which another reviewer said was "fairly bad", is probably the one track I have played more than any other in my entire Santana collection.

When I stumbled upon Beyond Appearances on a lazy afternoon on the discount rack at Circuit City, I had no idea the power that was about to grace my ears. With the first listen I was transformed into a world of absolute awe. Carlos takes the listener on a trip straight through the 80's and really captures all the great musical influences of that wonderful generation of music. The vocals are fantastic with hints of Sting, Michael Mcdonald, and even Steve Winwood. I recommend this disc to anyone trying to enjoy an afternoon entertaining friends with great music. The best way to sum this album up is to thank the musical brilliance of Carlos Santana!

I have to disagree with the previous comment. This is a fine, fine album, an overlooked gem. If you enjoy the Santana band sound of the late 70s and early 80s, this 1985 release is to my mind among the very best of the bunch.

Both Alex Ligertwood and Greg Walker are onhand for vocals, which I find to be a very appealing mixture. Musically, this album is very solid, with some songs in a more mainstream vein while several others are hot, rhythmic, and very exciting; in short, what Santana does best!

Highlights of this album are three songs which at the time all got substantial radio play in the San Francisco area: the rockin' "Say It Again," the bluesy "Who Loves You," and the sensuous "Written In Sand". The latter title is an overlooked masterpiece of the Santana catalogue, a romantic, sensual feast for the ears.

The rest of the album is also very good, particularly the closing instrumental "Touchdown Raiders". This album is well worth checking out if you enjoy this period of Santana music.