My Amazon Reviews: Santana "Ultimate"

So So Santana
4 out of 5 Stars

This would be a three star compilation if not for the Tina Turner version of "Play The Game," which blows the Michelle Branch version out of the water. It also shows up why this "Ultimate Santana" is overall a weak collection. Santana has made some of the most incredible fusion of styles out of the many 60's and 70's guitar gods, but by the 80's and 90's, he was churning out mediocre albums on a regular basis. You'll note that - other than the three big early hits "Black Magic Woman," "Oye Como Va" and "Evil Ways," his Columbia albums are absent from this set. That is because Clive Davis took a chance on signing Carlos to Arista, then shepherded Santana into a studio with a clutch of guests to record "Supernatural." 

Carlos rose to the challenge, hooking up with talent that was worthy of his skills (Eric Clapton) and some that made him sound modern to the times (the inescapable "Smooth," with Rob Thomas). It was a flawless album that deservedly brought Santana back to commercial prominence and won a slew of Grammys (ala Bonnie Raitt's "Nick Of Time").

Unfortunately, that made everyone try to re-bake the cake for "Shaman," a much lesser effort that essentially turned Santana into a guest on his own album. Ditto for "All That I Am." Frankly, Chad Kroger of Nickelback doesn't merit the honor of carrying Carlos' guitar cases, yet here he is, singing "Into The Night." And while Santana's music may have inspired hip-hoppers and rappers, that doesn't mean they share his virtuosity. So Baby Bash or The Product G&B tracks? Phooey. Listen to the actual soul that Tina Turner invests in her song, and then listen to Jennifer Lopez. Like Santana, Tina has the goods. many of the rest of these "Ultimate" guests? Not so much.