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Santana's Greatest Hits

Santana - Santana's Greatest Hits Audio CD

A fair review of the Santana "Santana's Greatest Hits" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Santana reviews here, or go back to the Santana tabs.

Band: Santana
Title: Santana's Greatest Hits
Rating:

Release Date: 1990-10-25
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Evil Ways 2: Jingo 3: Hope You're Feeling Better 4: Samba Pa Ti 5: Persuasion 6: Black Magic Woman 7: Oye Como Va 8: Everything's Coming Our Way 9: Se a Cab� 10: Everybody's Everything

FM Radio Freindly Santana
Yet the versions of some songs on here like Black Magic Woman are edited and have parts taken out to make the song, "radio freindly", not exactly my cup of tea. This album was realesed in 1974 and contains all the top hits like Black Magic Woman and Evil Ways etc. The album only lasts for 30 so minutes and is cheap little hits complimation thats not worth the 7. 97. Go out and buy there first three albums instead of this stuff.

Typical Early CD Version Of A Vinyl Album
And they were right. The original Columbia LP came out in 1974 and, with the advent of the CD age, the suits at Colombia naturally thought that the buying public, in order to satisfy their curiosity about the new format, would rush out to purchase equally-skimpy CDs. At least until faced with competition from the likes of Rhino, Ace of London, Bear Family, Eric Records, Collectables, Collector's Choice, Jasmine, Disky, etc.

Within a few short years, these and other outlets, were giving us 20- to 30-track CDs AND with substantial liner notes to provide background information on the artist or artists concerned, as well as contents discographies, something entirely lacking in releases such as this one.

Such wimpy offerings should have been retired years ago, or expanded and re-released, and to expect anyone to pay the amount being asked when, for about $3. 00 more you can get a multi-track compilation of most, if not all, of Santana's hits - well, maybe they should be trying to sell the Brooklyn Bridge.

Having said that, since it originally came out in 1974, it more or less fills the bill insofar as their greatest hits were TO THAT POINT. And it provides some of the B-sides as well. beginning with their first, late in 1969, when Jingo reached # 56 Billboard Pop Hot 100 b/w Persuasion. Next up was Evil Ways, a # 9 Hot 100 and # 19 Adult Contemporary (AC) early in 1970, but the album omitted its flipside, Waiting.

Their best hit until Smooth in 1999 [which was their only # 1] came next when the cover of the Fleetwood Mac album cut, Black Magic Woman, topped out at # 4 Hot 100 and # 29 AC in December 1970 b/w Hope You're Feeling Better, followed by Oye Como Va early in 1971 which reached # 11 AC/# 13 Hot 100 b/w Samba Pa Ti. That fall, Everbody's Everything hit the # 12 Hot 100 slot b/w Guajira.

So far so good. But whoever put this album together originally under the title "greatest hits" decided to throw in tracks 8 and 9, which were NOT among their greatest hits [they weren't even hits in that sense of the word for Santana or anyone else], instead of including either the missing B-sides mentioned or, perhaps, No One To Depend On, which made it to # 36 Hot 100 in April 1972. Of course, from that point on they would add another 14 hit singles up to, and including, the afore-mentioned Smooth which, incidentally, spent 12 weeks at # 1 Hot 100.

As other reviewers point out, avoid this - force them to either give it away at rock bottom prices or simply withdraw it from circulation. No R&R Hall of Fame inductee [1998] should have this kind of skimpy offering still circulating. .

What a tease.
Many of the most important songs have been shortened. To echo the sentiments of some of the other reviewers, this CD is a gyp. This might as well be a demo CD. I want my $8. 97 back.

The best album ever!
Santana's magical and mystical form of playing his guitar can truly stir up many different feelings, whether you are ready to rock out or chill out. Thinking about listening to the most captivating, interesting music that will allow you to explore the many aspects of life? Well when I think about an album that can arise so many diverse and varying feelings, I think of Santana's Greatest Hits. This album really sums up Santana's greatest songs. It is filled with many different instruments; his trademark guitar, the electric piano, and the drums. I prefer this album over a lot of his new material; his older, fresher songs are inventive and classic.

Within this album is my all time favorite song "Samba Pa Ti," it truly stirs emotions every time I listen to it. It is very sensual, relaxing, and intriguing. It does not have any words, so it allows you to interpret the song to your own satisfaction. Depending on my mood, the song will allow me to explore my different feelings and thoughts. Another song on the album that truly reflects Santana's style is " Oye Como Va. " Although this song is not originally his, he conformed it to his own style. It is also very relaxing and fun. Both of these songs convey Santana's musical style and his talent with the guitar. Most of the lyrics in the album vary, however his style and musical preference stay uniform throughout.

Going through life without experiencing a taste of Santana would truly be regrettable. This album Santana's Greatest Hits will allow you to experience him at his best. I strongly recommend it and can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Get "The Best of Santana" instead.
Usually, the best part of the song gets cut. If there's one thing I hate, it's when songs are cut short to be able to get played on the radio. This album is no exception. An instrumental part of Black Magic Woman has been cut, and Gypsy Queen has been taken out completely. Jingo is about half as long, Evil Ways is cut short, and No One To Depend On isn't even here! Radio versions of songs suck, and should not be allowed on albums.
It is highly recommended that you get The Best of Santana vol. 1 and 2 instead of this. You'll get the real songs, not some shortened radio edit versions. And you'll also get the actuall best of Santana, not just the commercial successes. .

You can see a complete list of all Santana discography, or go back to the Santana tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.