Before any of the 2 or fewer people who read this site write me… Yes, I am one-hundred percent aware that Santana's 2002 release, Shaman, is not a compilation. But few can deny that it feels like one. Following the blueprints written by 1999's Supernatural, Santana have hired a slew -- yes, a slew -- of guest musicians for 12 of the album's 16 tracks. The end result is an album that feels more like a Latin groove-tinged movie soundtrack or a compilation than a full album.

But that's not a bad thing… at least, usually. The four instrumentals present are well-done, energetic and exciting. Naturally, they are also lead guitarist Carlos' brightest highlights. These four tracks are not the only opportunities he has to shine, but they are the most noticeable because they, unlike the other tracks, do not have the burden of focusing on a guest's presence.

Speaking of which, all of the guests do a good job with what they are given. Musiq and Seal offer their soulful voices to their Rob Thomas-written tracks and make them their own. It's good for them, rather bad for Carlos and the band, since they get overshadowed a lot, but it leads to some great music. Dido, POD, Ozomatli, Placido Domingo, Alejandro Larner, and Citizen Cope provide not as notable, but still good, performances. Also, I, personally, am starting to tolerate Macy Gray. Tolerate.

Michelle Branch and Chad Kroeger are the real stars here. Their tracks, the lead single "Game of Love" and "Why Don't You & I," respectively, are where Santana mix with the guests the best. "Game of Love" follows the same semi-generic "Latin groove, sweet lyrics, groovy guitars, catchy chorus" pattern as "Smooth," but it still manages to be an equal to that hit. Kroeger's song, though, is a lively, soulful love song. With Santana on lead guitar. And a super-catchy chorus. Any more explanation needed? Maybe. Any gonna be given? Hell no.

In the end, Shaman is harmless. It makes for a decent party album, what, with all the grooves and all. It, as an overall work, has flaws, though. The songs themselves range from pretty good to excellent (except "Since Supernatural," which is just embarrassing). However, the artist featured on the cover (possibly the best cover of 2002, btw) gets little say throughout. And for one of the greatest lead players of all time, and one of the few "rock-geetar veterans" to have lost little skill (if any, really), that is a crime.