The center of the supernova. Rob Thomas wrote the lyrics in a matter of minutes, singing over a loop of Spanish guitar. The song is a salsa-infused rock anthem with a riff that is impossible to forget. "Man, it's a hot one…" became the opening line of the summer of 1999. "Smooth" spent 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the longest-running #1 singles in US history.
A fusion of hip-hop rhythms and Spanish guitar that became a global #1 hit. santana supernatural album
Carlos Santana was initially hesitant. He was proud of his band and wary of becoming a hired gun on his own album. However, Davis introduced him to a young, hungry producer named Matt Serletic (known for his work with Matchbox Twenty). Serletic brought a blueprint: match Santana’s soaring, melodic leads with contemporary Latin pop, rock, and R&B. The center of the supernova
Weaknesses
Santana's (1999) is widely regarded as one of the most successful "comeback" albums in music history, famously blending Carlos Santana’s signature Latin-rock guitar with contemporary pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences. While it is a commercial juggernaut—winning nine Grammy Awards and selling over 30 million copies—critical reviews are often a mix of praise for its high-energy highlights and skepticism toward its "star-studded" formula. Critical Consensus Supernatural by Santana - Classic Rock Review "Man, it's a hot one…" became the opening
Rob Thomas wrote it in 10 minutes after Clive Davis suggested a “summer hit.” Thomas played it over the phone to Carlos. Santana said: “It needs a different guitar intro – let me try something.” That wah-drenched, snake-charmer riff? Improvised on the spot. The song spent – tying a then-record.