Santana ~ Hold On 1981 Extended Meow Mix

"Hold On" was Santana's 10th top 40 single that peaked at #15 on the Hot100 bringing a surprising end to his chart fortunes until he resurfaced in 1999 with "Supernatural" that brought him the attention and adoration he really deserved. He released about an album a year through Columbia up to 1990 when Santana signed with Polydor Records who continued the annual releases. He did release singles throughout the entire period. The writer of "Hold On" was Canadian Ian Thomas, who is best known for his singles "Painted Ladies" a #34 hit in 1973 and then "Pilot" in 1979. I could tell he had an ear for writing fine pop songs and I recognized his name on the label credit. Santana released the song ahead of the 1982 album, "Shango". I like the sleek and tuneful Latin feel of the music track, his vocals and guitar work still sound pretty dreamy to me. It came to mind when I started on Black Magic Woman, but it didn't come together until this past evening. It was a hit in the summer of 1982 and it instantly takes me back to that time, being in college and working for the Federal Government during summer vacation to pay for classes for the fall. Does that happen to you too, you hear a song that evokes a strong emotion and for a flash you are right back there? It's always pleasant for me and keeps me grounded.