Studio Album · No. 6
Amigos
Produced by David Rubinson
Santana wrote 6 of 7 documented tracks
Authorship Breakdown 6 / 7 documented
Scored across the 7 tracks with documented writers, by whether Santana carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 7 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Amigos marked Santana's return to commercial Latin rock after the jazz-fusion explorations of the previous albums, with keyboardist Tom Coster emerging as the band's primary composer alongside drummer Leon Chancler. Most tracks were group efforts credited to Coster, Chancler, and producer David Rubinson, while Carlos Santana co-wrote only two cuts, including the album's signature instrumental. "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)," written by Carlos Santana and Coster, became one of the band's most enduring melodic showpieces and carried the record across Europe.
Amigos is the seventh studio album by Santana, released in 1976 on Columbia Records and marking a deliberate return toward mainstream rock and commercial accessibility. Produced with manager Bill Graham, the album stepped back from the spiritual jazz explorations of the previous three records and embraced a more radio-friendly sound while retaining the Latin percussion and Carlos Santana's expressive guitar. "Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana)" opened with a Latin-funk energy that reconnected the band with their core audience. "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)," a flowing instrumental composition by Santana and Tom Coster, became one of Carlos's most beloved and widely covered pieces, a graceful, lyrical showcase that endures as a concert staple. Amigos was a commercial success and helped reestablish the band's profile after three albums of artistic experimentation.
Track Listing & Credits 7 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana)
|
Leon ChanclerTom CosterDavid Rubinson | Leon ChanclerTom CosterDavid Rubinson | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |
| 2 |
Take Me with You
|
Leon ChanclerTom Coster | Leon ChanclerTom Coster | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |
| 3 |
Let Me
|
Tom CosterCarlos Santana | Tom CosterCarlos Santana | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |
| 4 |
Gitano
|
Armando Peraza | Armando Peraza | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |
| 5 |
Tell Me Are You Tired
|
Leon ChanclerTom Coster | Leon ChanclerTom Coster | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |
| 6 |
Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)
#1
|
Tom CosterCarlos Santana | Tom CosterCarlos Santana | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |
| 7 |
Let It Shine
|
David BrownRay Gardner | David BrownRay Gardner | David Rubinson | Carlos Santana |