Santana Supernatural Album Extra Quality
The story of Santana’s Supernatural (1999) is one of the most dramatic comebacks in music history, fueled by a spiritual vision and a strategic partnership between two industry titans. 1. The Spiritual Spark and the "Metatron" Vision
By the mid-90s, Carlos Santana was without a record label and seen by many as a "relic" of the 1960s. According to Santana, the inspiration for the album came during a meditation session where he was contacted by the Archangel Metatron. The vision told him he would reconnect the "molecules with the light" and reach a new generation of listeners through a series of collaborations. 2. The Architect: Clive Davis
Santana reunited with Clive Davis, the Arista Records president who had first signed him to Columbia in 1969. Davis translated Santana's "cosmic" language into a concrete business plan: a radio-friendly pop album that featured Santana's signature guitar alongside contemporary stars. The deal was simple: Davis would bring seven songs, and Santana would bring seven songs. 3. Iconic Collaborations
The album became a bridge between classic rock and 90s pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Key highlights included:
"Smooth": Featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, the song was a global juggernaut, spending 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Maria Maria": A Latin-infused R&B track with The Product G&B that topped the charts for 10 weeks.
Star-Studded Lineup: Other contributors included Lauryn Hill, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, Everlast, and Maná. 4. Record-Breaking Success
Grammy Domination: At the 2000 Grammy Awards, Supernatural won nine Grammys in a single night, breaking Michael Jackson’s record for the most honored album.
Sales: It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and remains the best-selling album by a Hispanic artist in history.
The Gap: It marked a 28-year gap between #1 albums for the band, the longest such gap at that time.
The album's success didn't just sell records; it sparked a massive Latin music explosion in the mainstream and proved that a veteran artist could reinvent themselves for a new era without losing their soul.
A defining feature of ’s Supernatural (1999) was its record-breaking comeback status, which culminated in a historic sweep of the 2000 Grammy Awards. The album won nine Grammys in a single night, breaking the long-standing record previously held by Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the most honored album. This achievement was particularly notable because Santana had not had a Top 10 album or a major label contract for nearly two decades prior to its release. A Record-Setting Cultural Phenomenon
Supernatural was designed as a "star-studded" collaboration to bridge the gap between Santana’s classic Latin-rock roots and contemporary pop and R&B.
Historic Chart Gap: According to Guinness World Records, the album's peak at #1 on the Billboard 200 marked the longest gap between #1 albums for a single artist—28 years since Santana III in 1971.
Best-Selling Milestone: With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, it remains the best-selling album by a Hispanic artist in history.
Genre Fusions: The album featured a diverse range of collaborators, including Rob Thomas (on the 12-week #1 hit "Smooth"), Lauryn Hill, CeeLo Green, Everlast, and fellow guitar legend Eric Clapton.
Legacy and Hall of Fame: In 2025, the album was officially inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Key Tracks and Awards
The success was largely driven by its chart-topping singles and unique instrumental tracks that appealed to multiple generations. Featured Artist(s) Notable Achievement "Smooth" Rob Thomas 12 weeks at #1; Record of the Year "Maria Maria" The Product G&B 10 weeks at #1; Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group "Put Your Lights On" Best Rock Performance by a Duo/Group "The Calling" Eric Clapton Best Rock Instrumental Performance "El Farol" Best Pop Instrumental Performance
Watch Carlos Santana discuss the inspiration and creative process behind the album's historic success:
The story of Santana’s Supernatural is one of the most successful "second acts" in music history, marking a massive career comeback for guitarist Carlos Santana after he spent the mid-1990s without a record label. The "Supernatural" Comeback Story The Reunion: In the late 90s, Carlos Santana reunited with Clive Davis
, the Arista Records president who had originally signed him to Columbia Records in 1969. The Vision:
Davis wanted to pair Santana’s classic Latin rock guitar with modern pop artists to reach a younger audience. While Carlos initially titled the album Mumbo Jumbo , he eventually settled on Supernatural Star-Studded Collaborations:
The album is famous for its "extravaganza" of guest stars, including: Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) on the global hit " The Product G&B on the summer anthem " Maria Maria Lauryn Hill CeeLo Green on "Do You Like the Way." Eric Clapton on "The Calling." Dave Matthews on "Love of My Life." Legacy and Records Released on June 15, 1999 , the album became a cultural phenomenon. Record-Breaking Success: It sold over 30 million copies
worldwide and is the best-selling album by a Hispanic artist in history. Grammy Sweep: Supernatural nine Grammy Awards , including Album of the Year
. This broke the record previously held by Michael Jackson’s for the most awards won by a single album in one night. Hall of Fame: In 2025, the album was officially inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame Shopping Options santana supernatural album
If you're looking to own a piece of this history, it is widely available: Supernatural (LP) - Santana
Santana's 1999 album Supernatural is often cited as the greatest comeback in music history. After years without a record label, Carlos Santana reunited with the man who first signed him in 1969, Clive Davis, to create a "masterpiece" that would bridge the gap between his 1960s Latin rock roots and contemporary pop. Fascinating Facts Behind the Album
Released on June 15, 1999, Supernatural is the landmark 18th studio album by the Latin rock band
, led by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana. Orchestrated by Santana and Arista Records mogul Clive Davis, the album was a massive "comeback" designed to introduce Santana's signature guitar work to a younger generation through collaborations with contemporary artists. Record-Breaking Success Grammy Domination : The album won 9 Grammy Awards , including Album of the Year
, setting a record at the time for the most wins by a single album in one night (tying Michael Jackson’s for total wins). Chart Performance
: It debuted at #19 on the Billboard 200 but eventually climbed to , staying there for 12 non-consecutive weeks. : Certified 15x Platinum
in the US, it has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and remains the best-selling album by a Hispanic artist. Key Tracks & Featured Artists
The album's success was driven by its diverse roster of guest collaborators across rock, pop, and R&B: Featured Artist(s) Peak Achievement Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) #1 on Hot 100 for 12 weeks "Maria Maria" The Product G&B #1 on Hot 100 for 10 weeks "Put Your Lights On" Top 10 Rock Hit "The Calling" Eric Clapton Won Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental "Do You Like the Way" Lauryn Hill & CeeLo Green Notable R&B crossover "Love of My Life" Dave Matthews Highlighted for strong vocal chemistry Cultural Impact Carlos Santana - Facebook
Carlos Santana’s Supernatural (1999) is more than just a comeback; it is a historic cultural phenomenon that redefined the career of one of rock’s greatest guitarists. After nearly two decades of declining commercial success, the Tijuana-born legend partnered with Arista Records founder Clive Davis to create an album that would bridge generations and genres. A Record-Breaking Masterpiece
Released on June 15, 1999, Supernatural became a juggernaut in the music industry. It is the best-selling album by a Hispanic artist in history and has sold an estimated 30 million copies worldwide.
The album's dominance was solidified at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2000, where it won nine trophies, breaking the record previously held by Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the most wins by a single album in one night. Among its accolades were Album of the Year and Best Rock Album, making Carlos Santana the first Hispanic artist to win the top prize. The Power of Collaboration
The secret to the album's success was its star-studded list of collaborators, which blended "vintage Santana" guitar work with contemporary R&B, rock, and hip-hop influences. Key tracks and partners include:
Here are a few options for a post about Santana's legendary Supernatural album, tailored for different vibes: Option 1: The "Throwback & Legend" Post
26 years ago, Carlos Santana didn't just release an album; he redefined a generation. 🎸✨ Supernatural
was more than a comeback—it was a phenomenon. Released on June 15, 1999, it soared to No. 1 and stayed there for 12 weeks, giving Santana his first chart-topper in 28 years. With 30 million copies sold worldwide, it remains the best-selling album by a Hispanic artist
in history. Whether it’s the smooth groove of "Smooth" or the soulful "Maria Maria," this record is pure magic. What’s your favorite track? 👇
#Santana #Supernatural #CarlosSantana #LatinRock #ClassicHits Option 2: The "Grammy Record-Breaker" Post Did you know Supernatural holds a place in history? 🏆🔥
At the 2000 Grammy Awards, Santana tied Michael Jackson’s record for the most awards won in a single night
, taking home eight trophies (and nine for the album total!).
From Album of the Year to Best Rock Performance, it was a clean sweep that proved Santana's bluesy Latin rock sound was truly timeless.
#GrammyHistory #Santana #MusicLegends #RecordBreaker #90sMusic Option 3: The "Collaborations" Focus
Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, and Dave Matthews—all on one album? 🤯 Supernatural
was the ultimate masterclass in collaboration. Carlos wanted to bring his iconic sound to a new audience, and he did it with style.
Fun Fact: Carlos didn’t even know who Rob Thomas was when he first heard the demo for "Smooth"—he just knew he loved the voice! Which guest feature was the best? 🎤 "Smooth" ft. Rob Thomas 💃 "Maria Maria" ft. The Product G&B 🎸 "The Calling" ft. Eric Clapton 🕯️ "Put Your Lights On" ft. Everlast The story of Santana’s Supernatural (1999) is one
#Santana #MusicCollabs #RobThomas #LegendaryGuitar #Supernatural Local Tribute Events
If you want to catch this music live, there are several upcoming tribute performances: Other posts - Facebook
Final Verdict
Supernatural is a triumph of A&R execution and artistic resilience. While it may lack the raw, psychedelic edge of Santana’s late-60s masterpieces, it is arguably a more impressive feat: it made Latin-rock blues accessible to the MTV generation without dumbing it down.
Carlos Santana plays with a joy and vitality here that is infectious. He isn't competing with the younger artists; he is lifting them up, wrapping his golden guitar tones around their voices. It is a celebratory, star-studded, and undeniably catchy record that rightfully earned its place in history.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) Essential Tracks: "Smooth," "Maria Maria," "Put Your Lights On," "Love of My Life," "Africa Bamba."
6. "Primavera"
An instrumental interlude that reminds you of the Caravanserai era—pure, unadulterated Santana jazz-fusion.
1. The Context: A Career at a Crossroads
By the mid-1990s, Carlos Santana was a legacy act—respected, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but commercially adrift. His 1970s fusion of Afro-Latin rhythms with fierce rock-blues guitar had been diluted by jazzy experimentation and, later, inconsistent production. Clive Davis, the legendary producer, gave him a simple brief: forget trying to sound young; make your guitar the star, and bring in young hitmakers to build songs around you. The result was a brilliant, calculated risk.
4. Legacy: The Guitar’s Last Pop Coronation
Supernatural sold over 30 million copies worldwide. It won nine Grammy Awards in one night (including Album of the Year). But more importantly, it did something no album since has done: it made the electric guitar lead a pop-chart juggernaut again.
In an era of boy bands (NSYNC, Backstreet Boys) and rap-rock (Limp Bizkit), a 52-year-old Mexican-American guitarist silenced the room. He didn't sing. He didn't dance. He simply bent a note, held it, and made it cry.
The album’s true lesson is one of trust. Supernatural works because Carlos Santana trusted the songs, and the songwriters trusted that a single, perfectly-phrased guitar solo could still stop time. Twenty-five years later, when you hear that opening riff of "Smooth" in a grocery store, you still stop. You still listen. That’s not nostalgia. That’s magic.
Final verdict: Not Santana’s most adventurous album, but easily his most essential for casual listeners. A flawless gateway drug and a testament to the power of a unique voice finding its perfect audience. 4.5/5 stars.
Background In the late 1990s, Carlos Santana was looking to revive his career, which had slowed down in the 1980s and 1990s. He teamed up with producer Larry Coriel and began working on a new album that would blend his signature Latin rock sound with modern styles and guest appearances by popular artists.
The Album "Supernatural" was released on June 15, 1999, by Arista Records. The album features 11 tracks, including collaborations with Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, and Everlast, among others.
Tracklist
- "Supernatural" (feat. Rob Thomas) - 4:37
- The album's lead single and a Grammy-winning track
- "Smooth" (feat. Rob Thomas) - 4:00
- Another hit single featuring Rob Thomas on vocals
- "Put Your Lights On" (feat. Everlast) - 4:47
- A fusion of rock, reggae, and hip-hop
- "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" (feat. Shakira) - 3:54
- A lively, Afro-pop influenced track with Shakira on vocals
- "For the Love of Money" (feat. Patti LaBelle and Mya) - 4:48
- A soulful, R&B-infused take on The O'Jays' classic hit
- "The Calling" (feat. Dave Matthews) - 7:48
- A melodic, guitar-driven track with Dave Matthews on vocals
- "El Farol" - 4:58
- An instrumental piece showcasing Santana's Latin roots
- "Everybody's Everything" (feat. Gloria Estefan and Everlast) - 4:04
- A feel-good, upbeat track with a catchy chorus
- "I Don't Wanna Lose" (feat. Wyclef Jean) - 4:34
- A modern, hip-hop influenced track with Wyclef Jean on vocals
- "Migra" - 5:17
- An instrumental piece highlighting Santana's guitar work
- "Corazón Espinado" (feat. Maná) - 4:34
- A Latin-rock influenced track with Maná on vocals
Awards and Accolades "Supernatural" was a massive commercial success and earned numerous awards, including:
- 8 Grammy Awards (2000), including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Smooth"
- 2 American Music Awards (2000), including Favorite Rock Album and Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist
- 4 Billboard Music Awards (2000), including Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Hot 100 Song for "Smooth"
Legacy "Supernatural" marked a significant comeback for Santana, introducing his music to a new generation of fans and revitalizing his career. The album's success can be attributed to its blend of traditional Latin rock with modern styles and guest appearances by popular artists. It remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
Tour and Live Performances The "Supernatural" tour, which took place from 1999 to 2000, featured Santana and various guest artists performing live. The tour was a huge success, with many shows selling out worldwide.
Impact on Popular Culture "Supernatural" had a significant impact on popular culture, with its blend of Latin rock and modern styles influencing many artists. The album's success also helped pave the way for future collaborations between Santana and other artists.
Overall, "Supernatural" is an iconic album that showcases Santana's enduring talent and versatility as a musician. Its impact on popular culture and music industry continues to be felt to this day.
Santana's album Supernatural , released in June 1999, is a massive 15x platinum Latin rock project known for its numerous high-profile collaborations and 9 Grammy Awards. Core Tracklist & Collaborators
The standard album consists of 13 main tracks, often including a hidden 14th track called " Day of Celebration Song Title Featured Artist(s) (Da Le) Yaleo Love of My Life Dave Matthews & Carter Beauford Put Your Lights On Africa Bamba Rob Thomas Do You Like the Way Lauryn Hill & CeeLo Green Maria Maria The Product G&B Corazón Espinado Wishing It Was Eagle-Eye Cherry — (Instrumental) The Calling Eric Clapton Key Album Content Highlights Genre Fusion
: Blends Santana's signature Latin rock with contemporary pop, R&B, hip-hop, and blues. Hit Singles : Features two #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits: " " (12 weeks at #1) and " Maria Maria " (10 weeks at #1). Production : Conceived by Arista president Clive Davis
and Santana to revitalize the artist's career with radio-friendly material. Legacy Edition : A 10th-anniversary Legacy Edition
includes a second disc with rare material, outtakes, and remixes like the "Spanish Dance Remix" of " Corazón Espinado Википедия Further Exploration Read a deep dive into the album's impact on Classic Rock Review Explore the full technical credits and musician lineup on Review the complete lyrics and track history on for specific songs on this album? Supernatural (альбом Santana) - Википедия Final Verdict Supernatural is a triumph of A&R
Released on June 15, 1999, Supernatural stands as one of the most remarkable commercial comebacks in music history. After nearly two decades without a Top 10 album, Carlos Santana collaborated with Arista Records chief Clive Davis to create a project that blended his signature Latin rock with contemporary pop, resulting in a global phenomenon that sold over 30 million copies. A Record-Breaking Award Sweep
The album's dominance was solidified at the 2000 Grammy Awards, where it earned nine Grammys
in total. Carlos Santana personally won eight awards in a single night, tying the long-standing record set by Michael Jackson’s . Key wins included: Album of the Year Record of the Year (for "Smooth") Best Rock Album Song of the Year (for "Smooth"). Chart-Topping Hits and Collaborations The success of Supernatural
was driven by a series of radio-friendly singles featuring a diverse lineup of guest artists:
The fusion of Carlos Santana’s Latin-infused blues-rock and the world of the paranormal isn’t just a coincidence of naming; it represents one of the most significant commercial "comebacks" in music history. When discussing the Santana Supernatural album, we are looking at a 1999 masterpiece that bridged generational gaps, redefined the "features" format, and swept the Grammy Awards in a way rarely seen before or since. The Context: A Legend Reborn
By the late 1990s, Carlos Santana was revered as a guitar deity but lacked a contemporary radio presence. Under the guidance of Arista Records’ Clive Davis, the vision for Supernatural was born. The goal was to pair Santana’s signature guitar wail—fluid, soulful, and instantly recognizable—with the voices of modern pop, rock, and R&B icons.
The result was an album that didn't just sell; it dominated. Released on June 15, 1999, Supernatural went on to be certified 15x Platinum in the US and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time globally. The Hits: "Smooth" and Beyond
You cannot mention the Santana Supernatural album without the juggernaut that is "Smooth." Featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, the track spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its blend of Latin percussion, Thomas’s gritty vocals, and Carlos's soaring solos created a "summer anthem" that lasted for years. However, the album's strength lay in its diversity:
"Maria Maria" (feat. The Product G&B): A fusion of hip-hop rhythms and Spanish guitar that became a global #1 hit.
"Put Your Lights On" (feat. Everlast): A moody, bluesy track that showcased Santana’s ability to adapt to a darker, acoustic-driven sound.
"The Calling" (feat. Eric Clapton): A legendary "guitar duel" that satisfied purists and classic rock fans.
"Corazón Espinado" (feat. Maná): A rock en español staple that solidified the album’s roots in Latin culture. Critical Acclaim and the 2000 Grammys
The 42nd Annual Grammy Awards became a "Santana Sweep." The Supernatural album won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year (for "Smooth"). At the time, this tied Michael Jackson’s record for the most wins in a single night.
The industry wasn't just rewarding sales; they were rewarding the technical brilliance of a 52-year-old virtuoso who had managed to make the guitar relevant again in an era dominated by boy bands and teen pop. Why It Still Matters
The Supernatural album set the blueprint for the "collaborative album" format. It proved that a veteran artist could remain authentic while embracing modern production and younger talent. More importantly, it introduced Carlos Santana’s spiritual philosophy—the "supernatural" connection between the musician, the instrument, and the divine—to a brand new audience.
Decades later, the riffs from Supernatural are still staples on FM radio and streaming playlists. It remains a masterclass in tone, timing, and the universal language of the guitar.
The 1999 release of Supernatural by Carlos Santana represents one of the most significant commercial comebacks in music history, revitalizing the career of the guitar virtuoso after nearly two decades without a major hit. Produced under the guidance of Clive Davis, the album successfully fused Santana's signature Latin rock with contemporary pop and R&B, introducing his sound to a whole new generation. The Strategy of Collaboration
The album's massive success was driven by its collaborative nature. By pairing Santana with a diverse roster of popular contemporary artists, Arista Records ensured the album had broad radio appeal across multiple genres.
"Smooth" (feat. Rob Thomas): Spent 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Maria Maria" (feat. The Product G&B): A global hit that topped the charts for 10 weeks.
Diverse Guest List: Included Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, CeeLo Green, Everlast, and the Dave Matthews Band. Commercial and Critical Impact
Supernatural was not just a commercial juggernaut but also a critical darling, dominating the award season.
Chart Performance: Reached #1 in 11 countries and spent 12 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200.
Sales: Certified 15x platinum in the US, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
Grammy Sweep: At the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, the album won 9 awards (including Album of the Year), setting a record for the most wins in a single night by a solo artist. Artistic Resonance
The album's title and artwork reflected Santana's long-standing spiritual philosophy. The cover features vibrant, hand-drawn illustrations and spiritual symbols, mirroring the "mystical" and festive atmosphere of the music. Despite the radio-friendly production, Santana's "virtuoso guitar skills" and unique melodic sense remained the central force, proving that his 1960s-era "Latin groove" could still command the modern zeitgeist.