"Shangó" is the twelfth studio album by the renowned Latin rock band Santana. The album was released in 1982, demonstrating a successful continuation of their exploration into diverse musical styles. Santana, led by the iconic guitarist Carlos Santana, displays their characteristic fusion of rock, salsa, and jazz fusion throughout the album.
The lineup for this album saw some changes, including the departure of keyboardist Tom Coster. Despite this, the band exhibited creative maturation and various musical influences. The album includes simple rock tunes, instrumentally complex pieces and ballads, punctuated by Carlos Santana's distinctive, fluid guitar lines.
One of the significant hits from this album is "Hold On," which was a cover from Canadian artist Ian Thomas. This track was well-received and reached the U.S. top 20, reflecting the evolving sound of Santana. Another notable track is the instrumental "Tales of Kilimanjaro," which showcases the unique world music flair Santana is known for.
"Shangó" was named after one of the dominant religions of the Yoruba people in West Africa, encompassing music and dance in its rituals, which aligns with Santana's emphasis on the unifying power of music. This particular alignment emphasizes the album's exploration of spiritual themes. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
