Santana IV


Santana IV is the twenty-fourth studio album by American rock band Santana, released in April 2016.

Overview

The album reunited most of the surviving members from the early 1970s lineup of the band and was the first time that the quintet had recorded together since 1971's Santana III. Timbalist José Areas was not invited to participate. Joining these "core" members were later Santana members Karl Perazzo and Benny Rietveld, with vocalist Ronald Isley guesting on two cuts. Santana IV included 16 new tracks written and produced by the band.

Origins

The origins for the reunion go back several years, when Schon suggested that he and Carlos Santana record together. Santana liked the idea but went on to suggest that they recruit Rolie, Shrieve and Carabello for what would be called Santana IV. After initial writing sessions and rehearsals took place in 2013, the group recorded throughout 2014 and 2015, resulting in 16 new tracks that combined their signature elements of Afro-Latin rhythms, vocals, blues-psychedelic guitar solos, and percussion work.
Santana said, of the restored lineup: "It was magical, we didn't have to try to force the vibe – it was immense. From there, we then needed to come up with a balance of songs and jams that people would immediately identify as classic Santana."

Promotion

The first single from Santana IV, entitled "Anywhere You Want to Go", was released on February 5, 2016.

Critical reception

Thom Jurek of Allmusic, in a 3.5/5 star review remarked, "Unlike the reunions of most classic rockers, this one proves its musical mettle, even when the album gives in to excess. The interplay between the guitarists is fiery, while Rolie and Shrieve have never been less than inspiring...At over 75 minutes, Santana IV would have benefitted greatly from judicious editing...Flaws aside, IV is quite enjoyable -- especially split over a couple of listens. There remains a real musical connection and shared joy between these players. They may not sound young, radical, or reckless, but they do come off as if they never stopped playing and discovering together."

Commercial performance

In the United States, Santana IV debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, with 42,000 album-equivalent units; it sold 40,000 copies in its first week. Santana IV became Santana's fourteenth top ten album on the Billboard 200.

Track listing

Writing credits and songs' lengths are in accord with album's inner notes.

Personnel

;Santana
;Guest musician
;Technical
  • Jim Reitzel – engineer, mixing
  • Carlos Santana – mixing, production
  • Heather Griffin-Vine, Michael Carabello – cover