Description
Santana – Marathon – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on September 1979, Marathon is the tenth studio album by Santana, marking a transitional period in the band’s sound. Moving further into the arena rock and AOR (album-oriented rock) style, Marathon blended Santana’s signature Latin rhythms with a more radio-friendly, mainstream rock approach. This shift was influenced by the growing dominance of corporate rock in the late 1970s, as well as Santana’s attempts to remain commercially relevant in an evolving musical landscape.
The album features Alex Ligertwood on lead vocals, making his debut with Santana and becoming one of the band’s most recognizable singers throughout the 1980s. While Marathon wasn’t as commercially or critically lauded as Santana’s early classics, it still produced several standout tracks and showcased Carlos Santana’s ever-evolving guitar work.
By the late 1970s, Santana had already experienced a decade of success, with their early albums (Santana (1969), Abraxas (1970), Santana III (1971)) fusing Latin rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelia into a unique and revolutionary sound. However, the band’s output in the mid-’70s, including jazzy, experimental records like Borboletta (1974) and Amigos (1976), had veered into more fusion and progressive territories, leading to declining commercial returns.
With Marathon, Santana embraced a more accessible, rock-oriented direction, influenced by bands like Journey, Foreigner, and Boston, while still retaining elements of their Latin-infused identity. The album leans heavily on melodic rock, powerful vocals, and synthesizer-driven arrangements, a clear departure from their earlier, more improvisational style.
Notable Tracks & Highlights
Side One
“Marathon” – An instrumental, atmospheric opener that sets a dramatic tone with Carlos Santana’s expressive guitar work.
“Lightning in the Sky” – A catchy, mid-tempo rock track, featuring Alex Ligertwood’s smooth vocals and an uplifting chorus.
“Aqua Marine” – A beautiful, melodic instrumental, showcasing Santana’s signature Latin-tinged guitar phrasing over dreamy synthesizer textures.
“You Know That I Love You” – The biggest hit from the album, this song reached #35 on the Billboard Hot 100, offering a radio-friendly, soft rock ballad that echoes Journey’s arena rock sound.
“All I Ever Wanted” – A lively, groove-heavy track with funk and Latin influences, featuring energetic percussion and a strong vocal hook.
Side Two
“Stand Up” – A high-energy, funk-infused song with a driving rhythm section and anthemic chorus.
“Runnin’” – One of the most exciting tracks, featuring fiery guitar solos and a mix of rock and Latin percussion.
“Summer Lady” – A more laid-back, atmospheric tune, showcasing Santana’s ability to create warm, evocative melodies.
“Love” – A spiritual, uplifting track that balances melodic rock with Santana’s Latin jazz roots.
“Stay (Beside Me)” – A soft, emotionally charged closing ballad, ending the album on a sentimental note.
By 1979, the Santana lineup had changed significantly, with only Carlos Santana remaining from the original 1969 band. The addition of Alex Ligertwood was significant, as he would become one of Santana’s most recognizable lead vocalists throughout the 1980s, contributing to albums like Zebop! (1981) and Shangó (1982).
Upon its release, Marathon received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the band’s adaptation to the AOR sound, while others lamented the loss of the freeform Latin jazz improvisations that had defined earlier Santana records. Commercially, the album reached #32 on the Billboard 200, which was respectable but lower than Santana’s peak years. “You Know That I Love You” became a radio hit, but the album lacked a breakout single on the level of “Black Magic Woman” or “Oye Como Va”.
Over time, Marathon has been recognized as an important transitional album for Santana, as it paved the way for their early ’80s resurgence with albums like Zebop! (1981) and the multi-platinum Supernatural (1999).
While Marathon may not be Santana’s most iconic album, it remains an underrated gem for fans who appreciate the band’s rock-oriented sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s. It showcases Carlos Santana’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while still retaining his signature guitar work.
Classic album on 180 gram audiophile vinyl pressing
Brand new, never played and seal in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Marathon
Lightning In The Sky
Aqua Marine
You Know That I Love You
All I Ever Wanted
Stand Up
Runnin
Summer Lady
Love
Stay (Beside Me)
Hard Times
