Shaman cover

Shaman

Santana · 2002

75 min · 16 tracks · music of Latin America

A vibrant fusion of Latin rock and pop melodies, marked by soulful guitar riffs and rhythmic percussion that invites movement.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Adouma Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    The Game of Love — This track features a captivating blend of catchy pop hooks and Santana's signature guitar work, making it one of the album's standout singles.
  • →
    You Are My Kind — A collaboration with the legendary guitarist John Legend, this song showcases the seamless integration of R&B elements with Santana's classic sound.
  • →
    Victory Is Won — This track highlights the album's spiritual undertones, featuring uplifting lyrics and powerful instrumentation that resonate with listeners seeking empowerment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends Latin rock with pop, featuring notable collaborations but lacks a cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with strong rhythmic elements, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective pieces.
  • Several tracks prominently feature collaborations with various artists, creating a diverse vocal landscape throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • smooth, melodic background vibes
  • inviting movement and energy
  • uplifting emotional resonance
  • steady rhythmic flow
  • dynamic, engaging listening experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues the commercial success of Supernatural, showcasing Santana's enduring appeal.
Themes
spiritual empowerment· Latin fusion rhythms· collaborative artistry
Career context
Released in 2002, Shaman was Santana's follow-up to the commercially successful Supernatural, which revitalized his career. By this time, Santana had solidified his place in the music industry, blending rock with Latin sounds and collaborating with notable artists.
Stylistic neighbors
Carlos Vives· Los Lobos· Javier Solís

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • You Are My Kind

    The lyrics shift from personal reflection to a communal celebration of love and unity.

    This structural transition elevates the song from individual sentiment to a collective experience, emphasizing connection over isolation.

Tracklist

  • 1 Adouma Start here 4:15
  • 2 Nothing at All 4:28
  • 3 The Game of Love 4:14
  • 4 You Are My Kind 4:19
  • 5 Amoré (Sexo) 3:51
  • 6 Foo Foo 6:28
  • 7 Victory Is Won 5:20
  • 8 Since Supernatural 4:32
  • 9 America 4:35
  • 10 Sideways 4:41
  • 11 Why Don’t You & I 4:34
  • 12 Feels Like Fire 4:39
  • 13 Aye Aye Aye 4:45
  • 14 Hoy es adios 4:37
  • 15 One of These Days 5:51
  • 16 Novus 4:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata