Santana is a legendary guitarist and songwriter who has been entertaining fans for over five decades. His unique blend of rock, blues, and Latin music has won him countless awards and made him one of the most iconic musicians of all time. From his early days with the Santana Blues Band to his solo career, Santana has released many memorable songs that have touched the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Santana songs of all time. We will delve into the stories behind the songs and what makes them so special. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Santana’s music, this list is sure to have something that will inspire you. From the fiery guitar solos to the infectious rhythms, these songs showcase Santana’s immense talent and passion for music. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a journey through the greatest hits of one of the most beloved musicians of our time.
1. No One To Depend On
“No One to Depend On” is a classic Santana song from their 1971 album, “Santana III”. The song features the band’s signature Latin-infused rock sound, with Carlos Santana’s blistering guitar riffs and Michael Carabello’s percussion driving the beat. The song’s lyrics, written by vocalist and keyboardist Gregg Rolie, speak to the frustration and loneliness of being let down by those who were supposed to be there for you. The chorus, with its catchy “no one to depend on” refrain, has become a fan favorite and a staple of Santana’s live shows. The song’s dynamic energy and infectious groove make it a standout track on an album full of classic hits. Overall, “No One to Depend On” is a powerful example of Santana’s ability to blend different musical genres and create something truly unique and unforgettable.
2. Everybody’s Everything
“Everybody’s Everything” is a lively and energetic track by Santana from their 1971 album “Santana III”. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, driven by Carlos Santana’s signature guitar riffs and the band’s Latin-infused rhythms. The lyrics, written by Coke Escovedo, touch on themes of love, unity, and the joy of music, reflecting the positive vibes that have come to be associated with Santana’s music. The song also features some impressive percussion work by Michael Carabello and Chepito Areas, adding to the overall groove and energy of the track. With its infectious melody and upbeat message, “Everybody’s Everything” has become one of Santana’s most beloved songs, and a staple of their live performances. Overall, the song is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both musically and lyrically powerful, and which continues to resonate with fans today.
3. Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
“Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” is a classic Santana song that originally appeared on their 1970 album “Abraxas”. The song is a fusion of two separate tracks, with “Black Magic Woman” being a cover of a Fleetwood Mac song, and “Gypsy Queen” being an original composition by the band. The song features Carlos Santana’s distinctive guitar playing, with his fiery solos and Latin-infused rhythms taking center stage. The lyrics, which describe a mysterious and enchanting woman, add to the song’s overall sense of intrigue and magic. “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” has become one of Santana’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. The song’s timeless appeal and musical virtuosity are a testament to Santana’s enduring influence on the rock and Latin music scenes, and it continues to captivate audiences to this day.
4. Soul Sacrifice
“Soul Sacrifice” is a high-energy instrumental track by Santana that was featured on their debut album, “Santana”, released in 1969. The song is known for its explosive and improvisational live performances, which often feature Carlos Santana’s virtuosic guitar playing and Michael Shrieve’s dynamic drumming. The song’s distinctive opening drum solo has become one of the most recognizable moments in rock music history, and sets the tone for the rest of the track. The song’s title reflects its theme of sacrifice, with the band members giving their all in an intense and electrifying performance. “Soul Sacrifice” has become a fan favorite and a staple of Santana’s live shows, and remains one of their most iconic songs to this day. Overall, the song is a testament to the band’s musical prowess and ability to captivate audiences with their raw energy and passion for music.
5. Maria Maria
“Maria Maria” is a hit single by Santana from their 1999 album “Supernatural”. The song features vocals from The Product G&B and samples the chorus from the classic 1983 song “Curious” by R&B artist Midnight Star. “Maria Maria” is a smooth and soulful track, blending elements of Latin music, hip-hop, and R&B, with Carlos Santana’s signature guitar playing adding a distinctive flavor. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a beautiful woman named Maria and the impact she has on those around her. “Maria Maria” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The song’s infectious melody, catchy chorus, and seamless blend of musical genres have made it a classic Santana hit and a favorite among fans.
6. Evil Ways
“Evil Ways” is a classic Santana song from their 1969 debut album, simply titled “Santana”. The song features a catchy melody, driven by Carlos Santana’s electrifying guitar riffs and Greg Rolie’s soulful vocals. The lyrics, written by Sonny Henry, tell the story of a man who is warning his lover that their relationship is in trouble and that they need to make a change. “Evil Ways” became a massive hit for Santana, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard charts and becoming one of the band’s most recognizable songs. The song’s blend of rock, blues, and Latin influences set the tone for Santana’s future success and cemented their status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their era. Overall, “Evil Ways” remains a beloved classic and a testament to Santana’s musical prowess and impact on the world of rock and roll.
7. Smooth
“Smooth” is a chart-topping hit single by Santana, featuring Rob Thomas on vocals, from their 1999 album “Supernatural”. The song is a fusion of rock, Latin, and pop influences, with Carlos Santana’s signature guitar playing and Rob Thomas’s soulful vocals creating a dynamic and irresistible sound. The lyrics, written by Rob Thomas, speak of a passionate and sensual attraction between two people, with the chorus featuring the memorable line “give me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it”. “Smooth” became a massive commercial success, spending 12 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and winning three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. The song’s catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and seamless blend of musical styles have made it one of Santana’s most popular and enduring hits, and a staple of their live shows.
8. Winning
“Winning” is a upbeat and catchy single by Santana, originally released in 1981 as part of their album “Zebop!”. The song features a driving beat, with Carlos Santana’s electrifying guitar riffs and Alex Ligertwood’s soulful vocals creating a dynamic and energetic sound. The lyrics, written by Russ Ballard, are about the thrill of victory and the joy of success, with the chorus featuring the memorable line “winning, it’s everything”. “Winning” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Santana’s most popular hits of the 1980s. The song’s positive message and infectious melody have made it a fan favorite, and it remains a staple of Santana’s live performances to this day. Overall, “Winning” is a testament to Santana’s ability to create music that is both musically and lyrically powerful, and which continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
9. Oye Como Va
“Oye Como Va” is a classic Santana song from their 1970 album “Abraxas”. The song features a distinctive rhythm, driven by the percussion section, with Carlos Santana’s electrifying guitar riffs and Greg Rolie’s soulful vocals adding to the overall groove. The song’s title, which translates to “listen to how it goes”, reflects its infectious melody and upbeat tempo, which have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Santana’s live shows. The song was originally written by Tito Puente, a legendary Latin musician, and Santana’s version helped to popularize the song among a wider audience. “Oye Como Va” has since been covered by many other artists and has become a classic Latin music standard. Overall, the song is a testament to Santana’s ability to blend different musical genres and create something truly unique and unforgettable.
10. She’s Not There
“She’s Not There” is a cover song by Santana, originally recorded by The Zombies in 1964. The song features Carlos Santana’s signature guitar playing, with his electrifying riffs and soulful phrasing adding a distinctive flavor to the track. The song’s infectious melody and haunting lyrics, which describe a lover who has disappeared without a trace, have made it a fan favorite and a standout track on Santana’s 1977 album “Moonflower”. Santana’s version of the song adds a Latin flavor to the original, with the band’s percussion section adding to the overall groove and energy of the track. “She’s Not There” has become a beloved classic, with both The Zombies and Santana’s versions remaining popular among fans today. Overall, the song is a testament to Santana’s ability to reinterpret classic songs and make them their own, while still staying true to the spirit of the original.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
