"Nowhere to Run" by Santana

Song#:  1261
Date:  11/27/1982
Debut:  79
Peak:  66
Weeks:  8
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Santana's "Shangó" album featured the band's last Top 40 hit of the decade with the #15 "Hold On." This second single stalled after a couple of months and the lack of supported kept the album at gold level. The decline continued throughout the decade and continued into the next. It seemed Santana's hit-making days were over, but an unexpected 1999 hit brought them back from the brink of death.

ReduxReview:  This song sounds like it's from the soundtrack to some kind of 80s action film. You know the ones - the "bad" boy is being hunted down by his "boss" for wanting out of "the business" (and most likely screwing the boss over) and along the way he falls for a chick (or the boss' wife) and they both are on the lam trying to escape the bad guys. Oh yeah, and don't forget the cops are after him too because they think he did a crime but actually the boss set him up for the fall. The two lovers are on their own - no one will help. Will they make it? Or will they meet their demise? Ugh. Yeah, that is a worn out scenario and this song pretty much goes with it. The Russ Ballard-penned tune is okay, but I'd never guess this was a Santana tune. If it was a no-name band doing this song I'd probably think - eh, not bad. But since it's Santana, I gotta think - ugh, what a waste.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  In 1992, Santana had their lowest peaking studio album of their career with "Milagro." After that, the band ceased making new music and just toured. In 1998, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and that helped generate some renewed interest in the band. Arista label head Clive Davis came up with an album concept for the band that had Carlos and company returning to the studio and working with current, hot artists. The resulting LP "Supernatural" became a major hit reaching #1 thanks to the Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) lead #1 single "Smooth." The album would have a second #1 with "Maria Maria" and go on to win several Grammy awards including Album of the Year. It would Santana's biggest selling album going 15-times platinum. His follow-up album "Shaman" would also hit #1 and go double platinum. It featured two Top 10 hits including the #5 "The Game of Love" that featuring Michelle Branch.

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