The 5 Bands That Carlos Santana Picks His Favorites

Carlos Santana picks some of his favorite metal and rock music bands. One of the most-known guitarist Carlos Santana loves to add exceptional guitar techniques and styles to his music and solos for his music bands. In this article, we will detail the metal and rock music bands that Carlos Santana picked as his favorite of all time.

Carlos Santana, born in Mexico on July 20, 1947, is a famous guitarist whose original sound and guitar playing have made an unforgettable impression on his genre. Santana has become a symbol of artistic integrity, spiritual expression, and cross-cultural collaboration over the course of his five-decade career.

Santana grew to fame with his band, Santana, in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their 1969 self-titled debut album catapulted them to fame around the world. Santana’s unique guitar technique, distinguished by blazing, soulful solos and a unique ability to merge numerous genres effortlessly, showed up in the album’s mix of rock, blues, Latin, and jazz elements.

Carlos Santana‘s playing is defined by a rich, warm tone, solid technique, and an uncanny ability to instill passion into every note. His guitar solos are lyrical, and expressive, and offer both the audience and the performer a spiritual and sublime experience.

Santana has worked with a wide range of artists over the course of his career, including performers from many genres and ethnic origins. His seminal album “Supernatural” (1999) showed his ability to cross musical barriers and form special collaborations.

The album featured guest appearances by Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, and Lauryn Hill, as well as chart-topping singles “Smooth” and “Maria Maria.” “Supernatural” resurrected Santana’s career, winning him multiple Grammy nominations.

Carlos Santana’s playing is defined by a rich, warm tone, solid technique, and a remarkable capacity to bring passion into each guitar note. His guitar solos are lyrical, and expressive, and offer both the audience and the performer with a spiritual and sublime experience.

Santana has worked with a wide range of artists over the course of his career, including performers from many genres and ethnic origins. His seminal album “Supernatural” (1999) demonstrated his ability to cross musical barriers and form remarkable collaborations. The album featured guest appearances by Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, and Lauryn Hill, as well as chart-topping singles “Smooth” and “Maria Maria.” “Supernatural” resurrected Santana’s career, winning him multiple Grammy nominations.

Carlos Santana’s Favorite Metal and Rock Bands of All Time

Carlos Santana has also been known to share his respect for musicians especially and he likes some of the metal and rock music bands. Santana picks his favorite bands of all time. He also loves to listen to so many genres from classic rock to thrash metal.

Carlos Santana revealed in an interview with MusicRadar magazine the Top 5 Bands of All Time. Here is the Carlos Santana picks metal and rock music bands as follows and check out some list below!

During his latest interview, Carlos Santana talks about his imagination for his music:

“Plants stimulate a muscle. It is called imagination. It helps you see clearly what others don’t see, which is…

I call it Future Pull. You see it and you go after it. It is waiting for you. Next thing you know, you’ve got it in your hand. Whether it’s a house, a car, or, you know, your queen, whatever it is. And then another way of saying this is that we are manifesters, you manifest good or bad, right or wrong.”

However, it is time to reveal Carlos Santana’s favorite metal and rock music bands.

• Metallica
• AC/DC
• Led Zeppelin
• Cream
• Jimi Hendrix

Carlos Santana shared in an interview with Music Radar magazine the Top 5 Metal and Rock Bands of All Time. Here is the Carlos Santana picks bands as follows – also check out the best music lists below!

1. Metallica

Metallica, founded in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, is a well-known band. Metallica, widely considered one of the finest and most influential heavy metal bands of all time, has made an everlasting mark on the music business, influencing and inspiring many musicians around the world.

Metallica appeared on the scene with their revolutionary debut album, “Kill ‘Em All” (1983), emerging from the fertile soils of the 1980s thrash metal genre. The powerful guitar riffs, fast tempo, and raw intensity of the record set the tone for what was to come. Metallica songs or albums such as “Ride the Lightning” (1984) and “Master of Puppets” (1986) followed.

Metallica’s breakthrough came with their self-titled fifth album, called “The Black Album” (1991). The album had singles such as “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters,” pushing Metallica to mainstream prominence. “The Black Album” demonstrated the band’s ability to make music that resonated with a wide audience without losing their unique style, with its blend of strong guitars, recognizable hooks, and thoughtful lyrics.

The band’s musical virtuosity and tireless traveling schedule solidified their position as one of the world’s most powerful live groups. Metallica’s live shows are a tour de force of energy and intensity, with blazing guitar solos, thunderous drumming, and James Hetfield’s powerful vocals mesmerizing crowds all over the world.

Metallica has progressed and experimented with various musical styles over its career, adding elements of classical music, and orchestration, and even collaborated with the San Francisco Symphony for the critically praised album “S&M” (1999). Metallica’s bring to test limits and explore new territory has kept the band current and maintained its longevity in an ever-changing music business.

Metallica’s impact on the heavy metal genre is enormous, with almost four decades of pioneering music. Their powerful and violent sound, along with their great composition, has inspired other bands and changed the heavy metal landscape.

Carlos Santana shared why he likes “Metallica” as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I would love to do an album that’s just heavy metal. Because I love Metallica. Kirk Hammett and I are brothers, we go back. Who isn’t a Metallica fan, you know?”

2. AC/DC

AC/DC is a band that was formed in 1973 in Sydney, Australia and has become synonymous with the raw power and uncompromising intensity of rock and roll. AC/DC established their place as one of the finest and most influential rock bands of all time with their addictive riffs, thrilling shows, and recognizable sound.

AC/DC were a force to be reckoned with from the moment they attacked the scene with their album “High Voltage” (1975). Their music stole the hearts of listeners all over the world by fusing bluesy rock with hard-hitting, high-energy beats. Angus Young’s electric guitar solos and Brian Johnson’s forceful vocals formed the band’s distinctive sound, which became instantly recognized and famous.

The release of AC/DC‘s album “Back in Black” (1980) highlighted their breakthrough. The record became a timeless classic, expressing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll at its finest, paying honor to their late vocalist Bon Scott, who died in 1980. Songs like “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Back in Black” cemented AC/DC’s place in rock music history.

Live performances by the band speak to their remarkable stage presence and enthusiasm. AC/DC performs thrilling performances that leave fans in awe, thanks to Angus Young’s classic schoolboy attire and mesmerizing guitar solos, as well as the band’s high-voltage rhythm section.

AC/DC‘s music stands out by its simplicity, honesty, and relentless energy. Their songs are powered by appealing riffs, infectious hooks, and lyrics that speak to people all around the world. “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck,” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” have become anthems that define the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and continue to thrill audiences at concerts and sporting events throughout the world.

AC/DC have been honest to their rock and roll beginnings throughout their history, remaining committed to their unique sound and refusing to follow trends. Their music exemplifies the power of simplicity as well as the timeless attraction of rock ‘n’ roll.

AC/DC influenced numerous bands and continues to inspire new generations of rock musicians with their dedication to their craft. Carlos Santana was also influenced by AC/DC too. 

Carlos Santana tells why he likes “AC/DC” as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I would love to do an album that’s just heavy metal. Because I love AC/DC.”

3. Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin is one of the most important and famous rock bands in music history, formed in 1968 in London, England. Led Zeppelin illuminated a path that always reshaped the landscape of rock music with their unmatched musicianship, genre-blending sound, and mesmerizing stage presence.

Led Zeppelin founded new ground by mixing blues, folk, hard rock, and heavy metal into a sonic tapestry that was both revolutionary and ageless, led by guitarist Jimmy Page, vocalist Robert Plant, bassist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. In 1969, their self-titled debut album showed their powerful and special sound, establishing them as hard rock pioneers while laying the stage for their notable career.

Led Zeppelin has fascinating guitar solos, orchestration, and Robert Plant‘s passionate, expressive vocals. Songs such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and “Whole Lotta Love” have become anthems, demonstrating the band’s ability to captivate audiences with epic compositions, irresistible grooves, and a sense of musical adventure that pushed the boundaries of what rock music could achieve.

The band’s live performances were renowned, demonstrating their musical talent through improvisational skills, prolonged jams, and nuanced interplay. The concerts of Led Zeppelin were immersive events, full of energy, passion, and a sense of transcendence that left fans in respect.

The influence of Led Zeppelin goes far beyond their music. They became cultural icons, packaging the excesses and unknowns of rock and roll. Storm Thorgerson’s mysterious album covers became legendary as visual representations of the band’s music and persona, adding to its desire and fascination.

Carlos Santana talks about why he likes “Led Zeppelin” as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I would love to do an album that’s just heavy metal. Because I love Led Zeppelin.”

4. Cream

Cream, a band from London, England, formed in 1966 and changed the music world with their outstanding musicianship, sound, and genre-defying approach. Cream, comprised of Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass and vocals, and Ginger Baker on drums, developed a musical environment that merged blues, rock, and psychedelic elements, laying the groundwork for the emergence of heavy music and inspiring many others.

Cream’s music was distinguished by their dynamic conversation, extended improvisations, and ability to blend blues, rock, and jazz influences effortlessly. “Fresh Cream” (1966), their debut album, introduced the world to their sound, which includes powerful interpretations of blues classics as well as original compositions that displayed the band’s instrumental skills and uncommon chemistry.

Cream continued to push musical limits and experiment with new sound worlds with succeeding albums such as “Disraeli Gears” (1967) and “Wheels of Fire” (1968). “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Crossroads” became famous anthems, exemplifying Cream’s ability to generate memorable hooks, compelling melodies, and searing solos that enthralled audiences.

Cream’s live shows were famous, with their improvisational abilities pushing their music to new heights. Eric Clapton’s guitar brilliance, Jack Bruce’s lyrical bass lines and distinct vocals, and Ginger Baker’s drumming combined to form an unrivaled synergy at the time.

Cream’s concerts were a fusion of raw intensity, instrumental brilliance, and an adventurous spirit that pushed the frontiers of what rock music could achieve.

The influence of Cream on the music industry cannot be highlighted. Their revolutionary sound offered the framework for the development of heavy metal and hard rock, inspiring other bands and musicians who came after them.

Each member of Cream went on to have successful solo careers, with Eric Clapton becoming one of rock history’s most popular guitarists. Cream’s legacy as a band, on the other hand, is unparalleled. Their music continues to attract listeners and is proof of the power of teamwork, technical proficiency, and the transformational nature of music.

Carlos Santana speaks for why he likes “Cream” as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I would love to do an album that’s just heavy metal. Because I love Cream.”

5. Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix, who was born in Seattle, Washington in 1942, is a rock music legend. Hendrix, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, changed the instrument’s capabilities, leaving an indelible imprint on the music business and inspiring future generations of musicians.

Hendrix’s guitar playing was distinguished by novel approaches, unrivaled originality, and masterful command of the instrument. With his particular blend of blues, rock, funk, and psychedelic influences, Hendrix created his own sound.

Hendrix’s rise to popularity began in 1967 when he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival. His blistering song of “Wild Thing,” complete with his iconic guitar-burning ending, pushed him into the spotlight and established him as a formidable force. This concert highlighted not only his outstanding guitar talents but also his flair and personality, which attracted audiences worldwide.

With the release of his debut album, “Are You Experienced” (1967), Hendrix cemented his place as a musical pathfinder. Songs such as “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” and “The Wind Cries Mary” highlighted his songwriting skill, lyrics, and guitar virtuosity.

The live performances of Jimi Hendrix were nothing short of spectacular. His performances were an explosive mix of music, images, and pure energy. Hendrix created a sound and visual spectacle that fascinated audiences with his charismatic stage persona, fascinating guitar solos, and a band that complemented his genius. His spectacular Woodstock performance in 1969, complete with his renowned version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is still remembered as a watershed moment in music history.

Hendrix’s career was tragically cut short when he died at the age of 27 in 1970. Despite his brief celebrity, his influence on music cannot be understated. Hendrix’s legacy lives on through generations, inspiring numerous guitarists and musicians of all genres.

Carlos Santana reveals why he likes “Jimi Hendrix” as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I would love to do an album that’s just heavy metal. Because I love Jimi Hendrix.”

What are your thoughts on Carlos Santana‘s favorite metal and rock music bands of all time? Let me know in the comment section!