On June 15th, 1999, a musical masterpiece titled "Supernatural" was released by the legendary Carlos Santana, his 18th album. This Saturday commemorates the 25th anniversary of an album that not only transformed Santana's career but also redefined the landscape of contemporary music.
Three decades into his brilliant career, Santana embarked on a mission with "Supernatural" to rejuvenate his presence in the music industry and gain more airplay across radio stations. The album's success surpassed expectations, resonating with audiences worldwide and establishing Santana's enduring legacy.
"Supernatural" was a convergence of musical titans, featuring collaborations with iconic artists such as Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, and Lauryn Hill. The synergy of these collaborations resulted in a global phenomenon, with the album selling over 30 million copies, topping charts in 11 countries, and enjoying a 12-week reign at the summit of the U.S. charts. The album's universal appeal was further solidified by its 15-times platinum certification.
The album's lead single, "Smooth," co-written and performed by Rob Thomas, became an instant classic that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks. Its infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics captured the essence of the summer of '99.
Alongside "Smooth," the album boasted other chart-toppers like "Maria Maria," which held the number-one spot in the U.S. for 10 weeks. "Supernatural" also swept the Grammy Awards, earning Santana eight Grammys and equaling the record set by Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
Carlos reflected on “Supernatural,” saying, "It is amazing that it feels like one breath, one flow. Usually when you have that many artists, you know, it's like the food is not totally cooked or something. And not in this case. It's just amazing how so many unique individuals can all blend and create oneness in that kind of dimension. It's really a miracle, you know, because nobody had a temper tantrum, nobody had a cow, producers, engineers. I never saw anybody liked bugged out and have a bad day and frustrated. You know, it was really, really a flow."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]