Santana IV

Overview

The album reunites the early 1970s classic lineup of Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Mike Carabello and Michael Shrieve and marks the first time in 45 years that the quintet has recorded together, since 1971's multi-platinum classic Santana III. Joining the core Santana IV band in the studio are current Santana members Karl Perazzo (percussion) and Benny Rietveld (bass), with vocalist Ronald Isley guesting on two cuts. Santana IV features 16 all-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 (picking up where they left off on Santana III). After initial writing sessions and rehearsals took place in 2013, the group recorded throughout 2014 and 2015, amassing 16 new tracks that combined all their signature elements – Afro-Latin rhythms, vocals, blues-psychedelic guitar solos, and percussion work.

About the Santana IV team, Santana stated: "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.

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