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Supernatural was one of the better selling albums of all time and so twenty-five million music lovers will need to decide whether to purchase this expanded Legacy Edition.
Carlos Santana formed his self named group during the mid-sixties. 1969 proved to be their break-out year as their debut album became a huge hit in The United States plus they performed an incendiary set at Woodstock. During the seventies and early eighties their albums sold millions of copies and Carlos Santana emerged as one of the premier guitarists of his generation. While Santana’s commercial appeal dwindled during the eighties and nineties the band continued to tour and were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998.
Carlos Santana released Supernatural during 1999 and it became one of the great comeback albums of all time. In addition to the huge sales it would win more Grammy Awards than any release in music history including Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, and Song Of The Year. The album would spend twelve weeks on top of the album charts in The United States and the singles “Smooth” and “Maria Maria” would spend a combined 22 weeks in the number one slot.
Now ten years after its initial release Supernatural: Legacy Edition has arrived. The album received almost continuous radio airplay during 1999-2000 and much of the music is instantly recognizable. All the original tracks have been remastered and the sound emerges as crystal clear.
It is the second disc which makes this release essential. There are eleven additional tracks of which seven were previously unreleased. There are a number of strong tracks which could have fit the initial release well. “Angel Love (Come For Me)” has a smooth and soulful appeal. His band performs an excellent medley of Bob Marley’s “Exodus/Get You Stand Up” plus a superior cover of the old Lighthouse tune “One Fine Morning.” It is interesting to hear the mega hit “Smooth” presented as an instrumental. “The Calling Jam” features Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton just doing what two great guitarists are capable.
Supernatural: Legacy Edition is a wonderful combination of some well known music and new delights. When taken together it should make the decision to acquire this new release very easy indeed.
