Today, we journey back to the very beginning of the century with a track that is enjoying renewed relevance. Santana’s ‘Maria Maria’ is this week’s From The Vault pick.
The flavoursome track was produced by Wyclef Jean who is also listed as a feature act alongside his protégé duo The Product G&B. It was released in late ’99, but eventually reached the highest spot of the Hot 100 – where it stayed for 10 weeks. Like its parent album ‘Supernatural,’ it was a global hit, charging into the Top 10 in the UK (#6) and #1 in France, Germany, and Canada among other territories.
Its accompanying video saw Carlos, Wyclef and G&B all congregate for a Mexican-themed street party. Echoing the song’s lyrics, the clip borrows elements of the ‘West Side Story’ throughout.
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‘Maria Maria’ premiered 19 years ago, and with DJ Khaled and Rihanna’s ‘Wild Thoughts’ (which samples the song) currently ruling iTunes and VEVO, it looks like a whole new generation will be able to appreciate its greatness. And we’re all for that!
A Classic. Santana is an ignorant asshole tho.
One of the biggest hit albums since the 90s in general. Diamond and all, and with huge single hits and total slayage at the grammys in the main categories included.
“‘Maria Maria’ premiered 19 years ago”
But late ’99 was 18 years ago.
Shut up Caleb
Santana never could of pulled 9 grammys on his own. Been following him since the sixties. Incredible guitarist no doubt. But his most creative days were in the seventies when he was under Sri Chomney an Indian spiritual teacher. When he jammed with John Coltrane and the likes. I’ll take hard rock Blues for Salvadors…Now That U Know… Any day.
Your math is off. This was 17 years ago.