"Supernatural" was released in 1999, and went on to sell a whopping 26 million records, thanks to Santana's Zen-like chemistry with newer pop artists, like Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Matchbox 20 front man Rob Thomas. "Smooth" and "Maria Maria" became club and radio staples, and the artists fortunate enough to be included in this project credit Carlos for showing them what music is truly all about. The style, the passion, and the love that Carlos Santana has for music rubbed off on his collaborators, and reaffirmed his position as a musical phenomenon, even though this album was released almost 40 years into his career. The success of "Supernatural" sent Carlos back into the studio with other popular musicians for "Shaman," which was released in 2002, and yielded the hit, "The Game of Love," with pop sensation Michelle Branch.
Today, Carlos Santana can be seen with his band at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas until the end of 2010. Through a career that has lasted almost 50 years, a band that has endured several line-up changes, a spiritual journey that has encompassed a myriad of different beliefs, and over 40 albums, Carlos Santana remains as a pinnacle of musicianship and a testament to the power of music. He is respected the world over among fans, peers, and critics alike, and his tunes can still be heard blaring from the speakers of every Lowrider around the world. Carlos' music is simply a gift from God, and he acknowledges it in the very same way. If you're interested in Santana's music, "Ultimate Santana" would be a great place to start, as it features his early music as well as his more recent hits. The world is a better place thanks to the music of this Latino legend, and our culture has certainly benefitted from his timeless musicianship and beautiful spirit.