In our personal view, Santana is an underrated band in the world of Rock. They were among the first to fuse Latin rhythms with Rock, along with other styles that have made the band a compelling force over their more than 60 years of career. They consistently release albums, staying true to their initial proposition while undergoing intriguing evolutionary changes.
It was in 1969 when Santana captivated the world of Rock with their performance at Woodstock, sharing the stage with music legends like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and others. They showcased their interesting Latin proposal combined with American culture. Since that moment, both the band and Carlos Santana have been respected and praised by critics and connoisseurs alike.
Today, we analyze ‘Milagro,’ an album released in 1992, during the band’s full maturity.
What can we hear?
A guitar legend
Talking about Carlos Santana is delving into an impeccable history of technique and a discreet virtuosity focused on melodies and a unique, unparalleled style. It is precisely because of this that “Milagro” extends some songs to allow Carlos to elaborate throughout the tracks, such as “Gypsy/Grajonca,” “Somewhere In Heaven,” “Milagro,” among others. In these instances, the songs linger on a tone for Santana to explore to the fullest.
Simultaneously, something very interesting to highlight is that “Milagro” presents a 50% Latin and 50% American sound, offering a combination of high quality by taking the best of both worlds. The incredible interplay of percussion throughout the album and the well-crafted sound of the keyboards, showcasing a deep musical knowledge, result in a kind of Latin Jazz with great technicality.
If we were to describe this album in a more colloquial manner, we could say it’s a blend of Toto and Deep Purple born in the heart of the Bronx.
Unrelenting musical quality
Possibly, ‘Milagro’ may not be Santana’s best album, but its balance of energies and genre versatility make it a record well worth listening to. It is likely not on the average rocker’s radar; however, once you give it a listen, it’s impossible not to dance and eagerly anticipate what comes next.
It’s a prideful moment that Carlos Santana has established himself as a guitar legend who, for years, has connected cultures through art and music. We will gradually be analyzing his discography in The Rock Review.
And what are your thoughts on this album? Leave us your comments!
