With a career spanning over five decades, Carlos Santana is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in music history. From his early days in the San Francisco Bay Area to his chart-topping hits in the late 90s and early 2000s, Santana has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock, Latin music, and beyond. His unique blend of rock, blues, and Latin music has created a signature sound that is instantly recognizable and beloved by fans around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Santana songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that have had the most impact on the music industry and continue to be cherished by listeners to this day. From classic hits like “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” and “Oye Como Va” to more recent chart-toppers like “Smooth” and “Maria Maria,” this list will showcase the diverse range of styles and genres that Santana has mastered over the course of his storied career.
10. Soul Sacrifice
“Soul Sacrifice” by Santana is a high-energy instrumental piece that showcases the group’s Latin and African rhythms, and their ability to jam and improvise. It was originally performed at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969, where it gained widespread recognition and became one of Santana’s signature songs. The track features Carlos Santana’s virtuosic guitar playing, which is both intense and soulful, and the percussion work of Michael Carabello and Jose Chepito Areas, which provides a driving beat that makes it impossible not to dance along. The song is a perfect example of the band’s unique fusion of rock, blues, and Latin music, and is still considered a classic today.
9. Winning
“Winning” by Santana is a catchy, upbeat rock song that features an infectious chorus and a driving guitar riff. It was released in 1981 and became a hit for the band, reaching number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has a positive message about overcoming obstacles and achieving success, and it’s easy to see why it resonated with listeners. Carlos Santana’s guitar playing is once again a highlight, as he delivers a memorable solo that perfectly complements the rest of the song. “Winning” is a great example of Santana’s ability to create catchy, accessible rock music that still showcases their unique style.
8. No One To Depend On
“No One To Depend On” by Santana is a funky, groovy track that features an infectious bassline and a driving beat. It was released in 1971 and became a hit for the band, reaching number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is about the struggles of finding true friendship and support in life, and the lyrics are poignant and relatable. The instrumental sections of the song are particularly impressive, with Carlos Santana’s guitar playing taking center stage once again. Overall, “No One To Depend On” is a great example of Santana’s ability to blend rock, funk, and Latin music into a cohesive and memorable track.
7. She’s Not There
“She’s Not There” by Santana is a cover of the 1964 song by the Zombies, but with a unique Latin rock twist. The song features Carlos Santana’s signature guitar playing, which adds a new dimension to the already catchy melody. The percussion work of Michael Carabello and Jose Chepito Areas is once again a highlight, providing a driving beat that keeps the song moving forward. The lyrics are about a lost love, and the haunting vocals of Greg Walker add to the overall mood of the song. “She’s Not There” is a great example of Santana’s ability to take a classic song and make it their own, while still staying true to the original.
6. Everybody’s Everything
“Everybody’s Everything” by Santana is a fun, upbeat track that showcases the band’s ability to blend rock, funk, and Latin music into a unique and memorable sound. The song was released in 1971 and became a hit for the band, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics are about the joys of life and the importance of staying positive, and the catchy chorus is sure to get stuck in your head. The instrumental sections of the song are once again impressive, with Carlos Santana’s guitar playing taking center stage. The horn section also adds a new dimension to the song, and the percussion work of Michael Carabello and Jose Chepito Areas is as always, top-notch. Overall, “Everybody’s Everything” is a great example of Santana’s ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful, and that showcases their unique blend of styles.
5. Maria Maria
“Maria Maria” is a hit song by Santana, released in 1999, featuring The Product G&B. The song incorporates a unique blend of Latin, hip-hop, and R&B, resulting in a catchy and infectious tune that was an instant hit. The guitar riff is based on the melody from “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock, and Carlos Santana’s playing is as always, masterful. The lyrics are a tribute to the beauty and spirit of women, with The Product G&B adding smooth vocals that complement the overall mood of the song. “Maria Maria” became a chart-topping hit, and remains a classic to this day.
4. Oye Como Va
“Oye Como Va” is a classic Latin rock song that was originally written by Tito Puente in the 1960s, but gained widespread popularity when Santana covered it in 1970. The song features a memorable piano riff and a driving beat, with Carlos Santana’s guitar playing adding a new dimension to the original composition. The lyrics are in Spanish, and the song has become an anthem for Latin music fans around the world. “Oye Como Va” is a perfect example of Santana’s ability to take a classic song and make it their own, while still staying true to the original.
3. Smooth
“Smooth” is a hit song by Santana, released in 1999, featuring Rob Thomas from the band Matchbox Twenty. The song incorporates a unique blend of Latin, rock, and pop, resulting in a catchy and infectious tune that was an instant hit. The guitar riff is based on the melody from “Gypsy Queen,” another classic Santana song, and Carlos Santana’s playing is as always, masterful. The lyrics are about the attraction between two people and the passion that can arise from that connection. “Smooth” became a chart-topping hit and won multiple awards, including three Grammys.
2. Evil Ways
“Evil Ways” is a classic rock song that was originally written by Clarence “Sonny” Henry, but gained widespread popularity when Santana covered it in 1969. The song features a memorable guitar riff and a driving beat, with Carlos Santana’s playing adding a new dimension to the original composition. The lyrics are about a man warning his lover that he won’t put up with her bad behavior anymore. “Evil Ways” was a breakthrough hit for Santana and helped establish them as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of the late 1960s.
1. Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
“Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” is a classic Santana song that was originally released in 1970. The song features a memorable guitar riff and a driving beat, with Carlos Santana’s playing adding a new dimension to the original composition. The lyrics are about a woman who uses her magical powers to control a man, and the sense of danger and allure that comes with that dynamic. The second half of the song, “Gypsy Queen,” is an instrumental that features the band’s unique blend of Latin and rock music. “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” is a perfect example of Santana’s ability to create music that is both dark and alluring, and that showcases their unique blend of styles. The song remains a classic to this day and is a must-listen for any fan of Santana or classic rock music.
Samuel Moore 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.
