Santana-3 (1971)

Santana's third album remains as dazzling as its predecessors, and in some aspects surpasses them. However, they move away from jazz-rock to pursue an energetic, accessible rock sound, fused with Latin influences, all underpinned by a clear common denominator: Carlos Santana's brilliant guitar work. This release features a new member, guitarist Neal Schon, completing a lineup that also includes Gregg Rolie (keyboards), Jose "Chepito" Areas (drums, vocals, and percussion), Michael Shrieve (drums), David Brown (bass), Michael Carabello (percussion and vocals), and Carlos Santana (guitar and vocals). Starting with the energetic "Batuka", a kick-off that shows the direction the album will take, passing through explosive pieces like "Jungle Strut", to relaxed passages like "Taboo" and "Everything's Coming Our Way", pure rhythm fantasies like "No One To Depend", attractive instrumentals like "Toussaint L'Overture", radiant songs like "Everybody's Everything" or the irresistible Latin-rock tracks "Guajira" and "Para Los Rumberos".