Today marks the 25th anniversary of Santana’s “Smooth” beginning its remarkable 12-week run at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1999. The song, which was the first single from Santana’s comeback album, Supernatural, was co-written and performed by Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20. The collaboration between Santana and Thomas resulted in a track that became an iconic summer anthem and a defining moment in both artists’ careers.
Rob Thomas has expressed mixed feelings about “Smooth” over the years. He acknowledges that the song has experienced various phases of popularity and fatigue. In his own words, Thomas described the song’s journey: “It was a great summer jam and then it became something that we all got a little sick of for a while and then it came back around for a minute and then everybody was like, ‘Oh, I kind of remember that. I like that.’ There were moments in it where I didn’t know if I should say, ‘You’re welcome’ or ‘I’m sorry.’” Despite his ambivalence, Thomas appreciates the song’s impact and enjoys performing it, even if he doesn’t consider it his best work.
“Smooth” played a significant role in the success of Supernatural, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The song topped the charts in 11 countries, including the United States, where it held the number one spot for 12 non-consecutive weeks. The album’s success was further cemented by its 15-times platinum certification, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]