Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Carlos Santana was one of the most prolific artists of the 1970s and 80s, and later in that period is when he released his fourth solo album. After a relentless pace of an average of more than an album per year since his band's 1969 debut, this Grammy-winning effort was his last release before a well-earned break in that run. The largely instrumental album showcases Santana's signature guitar tones with plenty of signature soulful energy and masterful control over his playing. He was supported by a stellar lineup including Tony Williams, Alphonso Johnson, Buddy Miles and Orestes Vilat and Mobile Fidelity's limited reissue presents the album with audiophile sound quality that reveals enhanced clarity and the intricate details of Santana's playing.

Review: The 1973 album Love Devotion Surrender marks the singular collaboration between guitar legends Carlos Santana and Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, resulting in a spiritually charged masterpiece. This reissue from Mobile Fidelity unties both of the artist's quest for enlightenment, drawing inspiration from John Coltrane's work and their shared devotion to Indian guru Sri Chinmoy. Sourced from the original analog master tapes, this reissue showcases the album's intricate sonic landscape with remarkable clarity. The dynamic interplay between Santana and McLaughlin, with Santana predominantly on the left and McLaughlin on the right, creates an wonderful live listening experience. The album’s varied tempos and tones, ranging from delicate acoustic passages to powerful bursts of percussion, are brought to life with extraordinary realism. Featuring interpretations of Coltrane classics like 'A Love Supreme' and 'Naima,' as well as original compositions, the album blends jazz, rock, and gospel elements. Larry Young, credited as Khalid Yasin, delivers standout organ accompaniment, adding depth to the improvisational lines and ecstatic chords that define the record. Love Devotion Surrender remains a transcendent journey through sound, driven by two of music’s most visionary artists.