Santana IV
by Santana
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Boston Globe
    Apr 14, 2016
    60
    The album generously includes 16 new songs, so if you’re a fan you’ll find enough to like. But finding a new lyricist should be a higher calling.
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 13, 2016
    60
    It's easily five songs too long. ... But for the most part this is a nostalgic flashback to Santana's golden age. [Jun 2016, p.115]
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  3. Consequence
    Apr 13, 2016
    58
    If there’s one knock against Santana IV, it’s that it might be a little too overstuffed, with a tendency to occasionally wander into the realm of the self-indulgent.
  5. Mojo
    May 24, 2016
    40
    This album delivers rather less than the hoped-for thrilling mix of Latin rhythms, scorching organ and lyrical blues-mariachi guitar solos, but does so in bulk. [Jul 2016, p.96]
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Bigwolffman6
    Apr 21, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The wait was over, after a 45 year period we get to hear a brand new album from the legendary Santana and can't believe some of the members were at Woodstock all those years ago! We all know Santana have always
    had that mistakable sound that we are all familiar with. Now what do we get 45 years later? There is a definitive nod to the early for sure i guess if you played all of his albums in the 70's i am sure there are some similarities but upon first listen the production is amazing. At just on 75 minutes long there is some great material inclusive and a couple of tracks that include Ronald Isely which i find a little strange. All in all quite a good record. Is 75 minutes too long? At times is it a little self indulgent? leave it up to the listener to be their own judge. Enjoyable.    … Full Review »
  2. Everfam
    May 17, 2016
    9
    To me the album sounds like the band returned from a long set break. They are tight, on time and in tune. The album definitely has someTo me the album sounds like the band returned from a long set break. They are tight, on time and in tune. The album definitely has some classic Santana tones and vibes. On one or two tracks Greg's vocals sound a little out of tune, however he has a deep bluesy vocal style to start with. Having one of the Ronnie Isley on a few tracks is definitely a plus.

    Carlos is in rare form with his guitar playing a la Supernatural. He and Neal seem to really challenge each other and play well off each other.

    The album is one that as you listen more you find tracks, riffs and vibes that become your favorite and stay in your mind for hours after listening.

    Thanks Carlos!    … Full Review »
  3. sshpv
    Apr 19, 2016
    8
    Surprisingly, this album brings everything we loved Santana for. I mean great music. I mean heart and soul. I mean chemistry. I mean magic.Surprisingly, this album brings everything we loved Santana for. I mean great music. I mean heart and soul. I mean chemistry. I mean magic.
    Don't be skeptical about this. Just close your eyes and listen.    … Full Review »
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