13 Santana Songs You Must Have On Your Playlist
Nobody has been able to deny or question Carlos Santana’s position as one of the best guitarists in the world.
For more than four decades, Carlos has been a groundbreaking visionary whose renowned signature sound has transcended music genres. With his riveting guitar playing and fusion of rock ‘n’ roll and Latin American jazz, he has forever evolved throughout the years, collaborating with artists such as Steven Tyler, Alicia Keys, Rob Thomas, Shakira and Chad Kroeger.
Celebrating the premiere of our most recent Song Around The World featuring Carlos Santana, here are a few Santana songs you must definitely add to your playlist.
1. Smooth (feat. Rob Thomas)
Album: Supernatural, 1999
Supernatural drew its foundational blueprint from Deuces Wild, B.B. King’s 1997 album that showcased the blues legend’s versatility through collaborations with renowned artists like Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, and D’Angelo. Much like King’s project, Supernatural used the star-studded approach to blend genres, highlighting Santana’s ability to connect with a new generation of listeners while celebrating his musical roots.
Source: Esquire.com
2. Black Magic Woman/ Gypsy Queen
Album: Abraxas, 1970
Originally written in the late ’60s by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, the first version of “Black Magic Woman” featured a stripped-down arrangement with a simple bass, guitar, and drum instrumental track. However, Santana’s rendition transformed the song into something entirely unique by seamlessly blending it with “Gypsy Queen,” a composition by Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo. This fusion introduced a rich array of textures, including keyboards, electric piano, a Hammond B3 organ, and a dynamic mix of percussion instruments, creating the iconic, Latin-infused sound that redefined the song for generations.
3. Why Don’t You & I
Album: Shaman, 2002
A Santana song featuring Chad Kroeger on lead vocals underwent a notable transformation in 2003. For the third U.S. release, Kroeger’s voice was replaced with that of Alex Band, lead singer of The Calling, due to Roadrunner Records restricting Kroeger’s participation on the track. This re-recorded version introduced a fresh vocal dynamic while retaining the song’s original essence.
4. Oye Como Va
Album: Abraxas, 1970
Tito Puente originally composed “Oye Como Va” in 1963, blending his signature Latin jazz style into the track. However, it was Santana’s 1970 psychedelic rock rendition that catapulted the song to global fame, infusing it with his distinctive guitar-driven sound. Part of what makes Santana’s interpretation so unforgettable is the intricate detail in his guitar riffs: the classic Carlos “hammer/pull” trills that add flair during the second and third melodies, and the fluid slides up and down the high “E” string, which lend the song its unmistakable, soulful energy.
Source: Ultimate Santana
Experience the electrifying energy as Cindy Blackman Santana, Becky G, Tito Puente Jr., Tal Wilkenfeld, Rubén Rada, and over 20 musicians from around the globe come together to deliver a vibrant, feel-good rendition of this timeless classic.
Oye Como Va ft. Carlos Santana & Cindy Blackman Santana | Playing For Change | Song Around The World
Michael V. Rios is an internationally acclaimed visual artist whose work has graced legendary albums such as Santana's Supernatural, Steve Winwood's About Time, and Poncho Sanchez’s Latin Spirits. His visionary, multilayered artistry draws inspiration from global cultures, music, rhythm, and the celebration of life’s vibrancy.
In collaboration with Playing For Change, Michael has generously shared his original painting, Afro Cuban Beats II, to accompany the release of PFC's Song Around the World rendition of “Oye Como Va!” This exclusive, limited-edition shirt features a stunning design that embodies the rhythm, soul, and interconnected energy of the drum—making it a true celebration of life and music.
Read our featured entry in the Rolling Stone Magazine about “Oye Como Va.”
5. Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)
Album: Amigos, 1976
Amigos serves as a vibrant amalgamation of Carlos Santana’s diverse musical styles from the 1970s, weaving together Latin rock, jazz, salsa, and touches of flamenco.
Among the album’s standout tracks is “Europa,” a hauntingly beautiful instrumental piece often linked to the rumor that it was inspired by a girl struggling with severe drug addiction. Beyond its emotional depth, the song became a defining trademark of Santana’s evolving sound, marking his shift toward a more jazz fusion-oriented style that resonated with fans worldwide.
Carlos Santana - Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile) Live at Montreux 2011
6. Samba Pa Ti
Album: Abraxas, 1970
“Samba Pa Ti” is a two-part song; the first section features a guitar melody over a simple chord progression by Gregg Rolie on the Hammond B3 organ, and after the figure is played twice, the G major speeds up to the samba rhythm and blues riffs.
No doubt why “Samba Pa Ti” is one of the most memorable instrumental tunes by Santana.
Santana - Samba Pa Ti (Live at Montreux 2011)
7. The Game Of Love (feat. Michelle Branch)
Album: Shaman, 2002
“The Game Of Love” was another great hit from the album Shaman in 2002. The song was written by Gregg Alexander and Rick Nowells, sung by The Wreckers member, Michelle Branch, and produced by Carlos Santana and Clive Davis.
Santana - The Game Of Love ft. Michelle Branch
8. Evil Ways
Album: Santana, 1969
Produced by Brent Dangerfield and Santana, this first album was recorded at Pacific Recording Studios under the Columbia Records label, producing the two solid and most popular singles, “Jingo” and “Evil Ways.”
This song was originally recorded by Willie Bobo in 1965; it was written by Bobo's guitarist, Sonny Henry. Bobo was a Latin jazz percussionist who was a big influence on Santana and played on some of their tracks in the late '70s. "He was one of the first guys who tried to merge Latin music and blues together on record," Carlos Santana said in ”The Guitar Greats” by John Tobler and Stuart Grundy. "He did it before us, because we were doing it on the street, and he was already doing it on records."
Santana - Evil Ways, 1969 "Woodstock" Festival
Did you know? While Carlos Santana was the frontman of Santana Blues, the band had been offered to open up for The Who and Howlin’ Wolf, however, it was not possible due to Carlos' sickness at the time.
9. Maria Maria (feat. The Producer G&B)
Album: Ghetto Blues, The Product G&B, 2001
Released on November 23, 1999 as a single from the album Supernatural, the character of the song “Maria” is described as someone who is living a challenging life and is trying to figure out ways to make it better.
All in all, “Maria Maria” was an extraordinary hit around the globe and was named one of the top Billboard Hot 100 Songs of the Decade.
Santana - Maria Maria ft. The Product G&B (Hardrock Live)
10. Just Feel Better (feat. Steven Tyler)
Album: All That I Am, 2005
In 2005, Carlos Santana and the Aereosmith lead vocalist teamed up to release “Just Feel Better,” the first single off Santana’s album All That I Am.
Did you know? There is a version of this song with the vocals of Wes Scatlin, vocalist and guitarist of Puddle of Mudd.
Santana - Just Feel Better ft. Steven Tyler
11. Soul Sacrifice
Album: Santana, 1969
The first time where most listeners heard “Soul Sacrifice” was at Woodstock in 1969. This performance was one of the most memorable performances in the festival and it is remembered for its positive energy and spirit, bringing people together.
Soul Sacrifice - Santana, Woodstock 1969
12. Put Your Lights On (feat. Everlast)
Album: Supernatural, 1999
Everlast wrote this song and sang lead. The term "Put Your Lights On" basically means "watch out," and is frequently addressed to the "sinners." When Everlast (Erik Schrody) left House Of Pain, he gave up alcohol and nicotine, then converted to Islam. The song has a religious meaning to him, and even includes the Muslim prayer "La Ilaha Il Allah," which translates to "There is only Allah." Everlast wasn't sure if he should leave that part in, but Santana, who is also very spiritual, wanted it in there.
Santana - Put Your Lights On, feat Everlast
13. Guajira
Album: Santana III, 1971
After their first successful debut at the Woodstock festival, Santana started to go upward, gaining popularity with each album and reaching its sales peak with Santana III, an album based on the fusion of experimental jazz and Latin music.
“Guajira” was a standout track on both Santana III and Sacred Fire (Live in South America). While both releases were musical works of art, the live version offered a more compelling, polished, jazzy performance in comparison to the original, raw and simple version.
Carlos Santana - Guajira (Live in Mexico)
What is your favorite Santana song of all time? Which other artist would you like to read about next? Let us know in the comments!
