Santana - Africa Speaks (2 LP)

Dive into the rich, rhythmic world of Santana's twenty-fifth studio album, "Africa Speaks," released on June 7, 2019, under Concord Records and Suretone Records. This captivating collection of 11 tracks is the result of an intense 10-day recording session at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La studio in Malibu, where the band, including Santana's wife Cindy Blackman Santana, laid down 49 songs, distilling them into this powerful, hour-long journey.

Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, "Africa Speaks" finds Santana delving deeper than ever into the sounds and rhythms of the African continent, blending global jazz, fusion, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Colombian, jazz-rock, and Latin jazz styles. The album features the soulful vocals of Afro-Latin singer Buika, adding a unique depth to the tracks. From the infectious energy of "Batonga" to the enchanting "Luna Hechicera," each song is a testament to Santana's enduring ability to innovate and inspire.

"Africa Speaks" is not just another album in Santana's illustrious career; it's a bold exploration of new sonic territories. The album opens with the title track, "Africa Speaks," setting the stage for a journey that celebrates the universal truth and the cradle of civilization. Tracks like "Breaking Down The Door" and "Los Invisibles" showcase Santana's signature guitar work, while "Blue Skies" and "Paraísos Quemados" offer moments of introspective beauty.

As of June 20, 2019, "Africa Speaks" had already made a significant impact, becoming the best-selling Latin album with 63,000 copies sold. This album is a testament to Santana's enduring relevance and his ability to push musical boundaries. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Santana's music, "Africa Speaks" offers a compelling listen that highlights the band's unique fusion of rock, Latin, and jazz.

This is a 2019 Limited Edition released as a 2LP set.