Caravanserai (studio album) by Santana

From ChrisPBacon 04/05/2025 18:24

I bought this album in 73 and hated it. It was so different from Santana's first 3 albums. It has grown on me.

A good collection of songs from Santana that never disappoints but never really excels. What this album is full of however is some very high level instrumentation. Some of the performances we are treated to are amazing and they fill the atmosphere full of life and fun. It really is an extremely enjoyable album to listen to and can really give you a lot of energy just from listening to it. The instruments are really allowed to do the talking on the record as well and the vocals are rarely used but when they are called upon they are very effective. However, it does drag a little near the close of the record and a few songs do over stay their welcome a little bit. Overall, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had with this interesting fusion of styles and so is a must listen for basically anyone.

From Jboy56 05/27/2022 14:19

I love this album, lots of variety, a fine fusion of Latin, oriental &jazz flavors, and one of the most memorable (the Best) album covers of all time and Song of The Wind, Carlos is in flames he is the melodic solo master.

My favorite Santana album, which is not always easy to explain to people; but looking at the comments here and reflecting on the number of randomly met people who have joined in the opinion, perhaps I shouldn't bother?

From IlMala 01/23/2022 21:13

Am sure i will soon say that's my favourite from Santana; till now i slightly prefer the first 2 albums; that's definitely the most researched and sophisticated of the discography.

From Jboy56 11/25/2021 20:44

Song of the wind, to listen when the summer winds blow.
A great album bringing the jazzier songs forward

From seb7 01/12/2021 02:10

This album is so great. The first time I listened to it, it brought a smile to my face. One of my only true eargasms.

The album cover (yep, had to have it on vinyl) hints towards a progressive leaning and the Cicadas and gradual build up of track one further tick the progressive box. The album then moves into a hybrid of styles where Floyd, Camel, Spyro Gyra, Brubeck and Zappa can all be acknowledged either as influential or vice versa! My favourite Santana album from the four which I own. The other three are on CD and I don't listen to that format much these days.

Cool atmospheric album. Kinda like a Spanish Pink Floyd!

I think this is by far Santana's best album musically. It tells a story. Songs like "Stone Flower", "Just in time to see the Sun", and "All the Love of the Universe" just let you get lost in the complexly layered instruments and concise, yet meaningful lyrics. One of my favorite albums of all time.