What makes Maria Maria by Santana notable?

'Maria Maria' achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, illustrating its impact on both the music scene and Santana's legacy. Released in 2000, 'Maria Maria' marked a significant moment for Santana, coming as part of his comeback album 'Supernatural'. This record revitalized his career, following a period of relative commercial decline in the late '90s, and showcased a collaboration with contemporary artists that broadened his appeal.

How many songs are on Maria Maria?

Maria Maria has 2 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Maria Maria

Santana · 2000

12 min · 2 tracks · music of Latin America

A fusion of Latin rhythms and smooth R&B melodies that brings a contemporary twist to Santana's signature guitar-driven sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Maria Maria (radio mix) — This track encapsulates the album's blend of vibrant Latin influences and modern pop sensibilities, showcasing the catchy hook that contributed to its chart-topping success.
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Maria Maria (Pumpin’ Dolls club mix) — The club mix reinterprets the original with an upbeat tempo, highlighting its danceability while maintaining the cultural roots that define Santana's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Santana's signature style while blending genres, but its two mixes limit its cohesion.

What we noticed

The radio mix features a prominent guitar riff that intertwines with a steady drumbeat and layered vocal harmonies.
The club mix emphasizes a danceable beat, extending the instrumental sections and altering the arrangement for a different energy.
Both versions maintain a consistent tempo, but the club mix introduces additional electronic elements that shift the overall feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Revitalized Santana's career and gained him wider recognition in the 2000s.
Themes: Latin American roots· club culture revival
Career context: Released in 2000, 'Maria Maria' marked a significant moment for Santana, coming as part of his comeback album 'Supernatural'. This record revitalized his career, following a period of relative commercial decline in the late '90s, and showcased a collaboration with contemporary artists that broadened his appeal.
Stylistic neighbors: Carlos Vives· Los Lobos· Javier Solís