"Hold On" by Santana

Song#:  1143
Date:  08/14/1982
Debut:  72
Peak:  15
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  Santana's first album of the 80s, the more rock-oriented album "Zebop!," put them back in the Top 10 (#9), returned them to platinum status, and netted them their first Top 20 hit in a decade with the LP's first single, "Winning" (#17).  The band's next LP, "Shangó," didn't stray far from the formula and this first single also found its way into the Top 20. Unfortunately, the album wasn't received quite as well and it could only manage a gold showing peaking at #22. Regardless of this hit single, the album marked the beginning of a decline for the group that would continue throughout the 80s and 90s.

ReduxReview:  I think the problem for Santana around this time is the loss of identity. In keeping with the times and trying to remain popular, the band (and specifically Carlos Santana himself) seem to have lost what made them special. It certainly doesn't hurt to try and adapt a more updated, current sound to get some records our the door, but if you sound like everyone else, it just doesn't work. This is a good tune, but it's practically faceless with only minor shades of Santana visible.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  This is a remake of a song written and recorded by Canadian rock artist Ian Thomas. Thomas' original version was issued as a single in 1981 and it reached #28 on the Canadian pop chart. Santana's version became their most successful single in Canada to-date reaching #4. Thomas had a successful career in his home country charting with several singles both solo and with his group The Boomers. His biggest chart hit was 1973's "Painted Lady," which reached #4 in Canada. The song was his only to cross over to the US chart where it reached #34.

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