On this day April 29 1981, Carlos Santana released his twelfth studio album Zebop. Blending Latin rock rhythms with radio friendly rock and pop sounds, the album showed Santana’s ability to evolve with the changing musical landscape of the early 80s.
Zebop reached number 9 on the Billboard 200 and gave Santana another commercial success. The album’s standout single Winning became a top 20 hit and helped introduce Santana’s music to a new generation of fans. While keeping the signature guitar work that made him famous, Santana added a smoother and more polished production style that fit the times without losing his edge.
Zebop helped maintain Santana’s presence on the charts and in arenas at a time when many 70s artists were struggling to adapt.
Fun fact: Winning was originally recorded by the band Russ Ballard but it was Santana’s version that made it a radio hit in 1981.
Zebop reached number 9 on the Billboard 200 and gave Santana another commercial success. The album’s standout single Winning became a top 20 hit and helped introduce Santana’s music to a new generation of fans. While keeping the signature guitar work that made him famous, Santana added a smoother and more polished production style that fit the times without losing his edge.
Zebop helped maintain Santana’s presence on the charts and in arenas at a time when many 70s artists were struggling to adapt.
Fun fact: Winning was originally recorded by the band Russ Ballard but it was Santana’s version that made it a radio hit in 1981.
