How naive for the critic to think this band was coasting, or that Santana was concerned with selling product/remaining essential with this release in 1974. They had been there and done that by '74 ... Friendo! This band was firmly in the cut, grooving on another plane altogether.

This masterpiece features Carlos & many other legends in collaboration, including the almighty Stanley Clarke & Airto Moreira, with stellar vocals from Leon Patillo ... classic !

Don’t know how I missed this one for so long. So glad I finally discovered it!

must have this on LP record again. amazing cover art MGonzo60

When I first bought this album, yes vinyl, in 5074(some of you know), I knew most critics and 'so called, then followers of his music', had little clue as to the depth of what he was presenting to us. Those of us could tell by the musicians he chose for this date, some whom he continues to utilize their talents to this day, the message which he was creating. Santana did, does and will continue to do his music the way in which his vision dictates, writes, performs and choose the musicians to perform it. Then, those of us who hear the message within the musicians performance will continue to listen, buy and promote that vision. It has been said; "The best way to 'fail', it to try and please everyone", considering the his longevity and impact on the music industry, the naysayers need not reply...

IM 25 YEARS OLD THIS A;LBUM IS A MUST HAVE IT TAKES YOU ON A JOURNEY TO A PLACE OF PEACE AND I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING BACK IN TIME BACK TO 1974 PUT ON SOME HEADPHONES DIM THE LIGHTS..............CARAVANSERAI IS A MUST LISTEN TO IT AND THEN LISTEN TO BORBOLETTA IM IN LOVE WITH THE ORGAN SOLOS IN MIRAGE IT IS INDEED INTOXICATING

... is worth the price. Most of the rest leaves me cold. Caravanserai blows this away.

The reviewer needs to give it a break! Who cares how long it was on the charts when it came out. Critics have always misunderstood Carlos, and this album clearly is a case in fact! He makes the music he likes!! This album was and still is great. The music is even more accessable than it ever was. They said the same thing about Caravansari when it came out, "it didn't sound like the "Santana" they were used to. Ha! Another great album that has lasted the test of time! So there!

The reviewer's assessment of the album in question is unfair. This is probably one of Santana's best records. The musicianship, not to mention the songwriting, is fantastic apart from the monsterous guitar playing. Whether an album sells or charts has nothing to do with its quality. Don't be fooled by that foolish claim. You'll be missing out on a helluva lot of good music if you are.

I love this album. My favorite track on here is number 11 called "Promise of a Fisherman". I don't know what adjective to use to describe it... maybe epic, open-minded, inspirational, eclectic, melodic yet unrestricted... this instrumental song is uplifting to me somehow. I also like a lot of the other songs such as Life is Anew, which has good vocals I think. The percussion on this album is beautiful in my opinion. The intro of "Practice what you Preach" is very soulful with Santana's guitar work over hammond organ and the rest of the song is groovy. Another great tune groove is "One with the Sun". The musicians are very soulful and tasteful in my opinion. I recommend this album.