CARAVANSERAI

Criminally underrated in classic rock circles and by those who claim to love Carlos, I'm glad to see Caravanserai properly appreciated here. I lean toward giving this masterpiece status, though I can see how some would go a bit lower--certainly no lower than four stars in my opinion. Unlike the other Santana albums I've heard, this really has an exceptional flow to it, and as a result it allows you to be transported to a relaxed and appreciative state every time (and you don't have to be wasted, either). It's also great music to put on if you have company over, or if you need some mellow music to keep you focused (working, cooking, studying, etc). Compared to most prog, I really can't see anybody truly disliking Caravanseria.

Because it's so cohesive, I don't want to do a disservice by doing a song-by-song review. Just the first few songs provide a hint of the Caravanserai's variety: mellow improv (Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation), laid-back grooves (Waves Within), funk (Look Up), rock (Just in Time to See the Sun), and a classic Santana jam. All feature catchy, foot-tapping percussion and excellent organ backing and interludes. The rest of the album is of equally high quality, featuring entertaining jams, effective transitions between songs, and catchy melodies. And then we are treated to the finale...

Every Step of the Way. This gem is nine minutes of Latin rock. An eerie, understated melody and rhythm lull you into surrended for three minutes, and then you are hit with the full force of jam that is to follow. Here they throw everything at us: flute, horns, warp- speed congas, and of course a memorable Carlos freak-out. By far my favorite from Santana.

If you profess to love Carlos, you need this album. If you love jazz/Latin prog, you need this album. If you just appreciate good music, you need this album. Give it time to grow, and you'll be happy you found it.