Santana - Shaman (2LP) - Numbered Translucent Purple Vinyl

"Shaman," released in 2002, is the nineteenth studio album by the legendary Latin rock band Santana. Following the massive success of their 1999 album "Supernatural," which won nine Grammy Awards and revitalized the band's career, "Shaman" was highly anticipated. The album continues the formula that brought "Supernatural" such acclaim, featuring a wide array of guest artists and a blend of rock, Latin, and pop influences.

The album opens with "Adouma," a vibrant track that sets the tone with its energetic percussion and Carlos Santana's signature guitar work. This is followed by "Nothing at All," featuring Musiq Soulchild, which showcases a smooth blend of R&B and Santana's Latin rock style. One of the standout tracks is "The Game of Love," featuring Michelle Branch. This song became a commercial hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

"Shaman" is notable for its diverse range of collaborations. In addition to Michelle Branch, the album features artists such as Seal, Macy Gray, and Dido. "You Are My Kind," featuring Seal, is a soulful ballad that highlights the synergy between Seal's distinctive voice and Santana's emotive guitar playing. "Amoré (Sexo)," featuring Macy Gray, brings a playful and funky vibe to the album, while "Feels Like Fire," with Dido, offers a more introspective and mellow sound.

Critically, "Shaman" received mixed reviews. While some praised the album for its eclectic mix of styles and successful collaborations, others felt it did not quite capture the magic of "Supernatural." Critics noted that while the album had several strong tracks, it sometimes felt uneven and over-reliant on guest artists. Despite this, "Shaman" was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over two million copies in the United States.

The album's production is polished, with a clear emphasis on creating radio-friendly hits. This approach is evident in tracks like "Why Don't You & I," featuring Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, which became another hit single. The song's catchy melody and rock influences made it a favorite among fans and helped maintain Santana's presence on mainstream radio.

"Shaman" also explores themes of love, spirituality, and unity, which are recurring motifs in Santana's music. The track "Victory Is Won" is an instrumental piece that showcases Carlos Santana's virtuosic guitar skills and serves as a reminder of the band's roots in instrumental rock. "One of These Days," featuring Ozomatli, infuses Latin rhythms with a message of hope and resilience.

In terms of cultural significance, "Shaman" continued Santana's legacy of bridging musical genres and bringing Latin rock to a global audience. The album's success demonstrated the enduring appeal of Santana's music and the band's ability to adapt to contemporary trends while staying true to their distinctive sound.

Overall, "Shaman" is a testament to Santana's ability to collaborate with a diverse range of artists and create music that resonates with a wide audience. While it may not have reached the iconic status of "Supernatural," it remains an important part of Santana's discography and a reflection of the band's ongoing evolution. The album's blend of rock, pop, and Latin influences, combined with Carlos Santana's unmistakable guitar work, ensures that "Shaman" continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.