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Santana has been a major force in the music industry for nearly half a century. After 30-plus albums, 10 Grammies and countless influential songs since the 1960s, it’s no surprise Santana’s latest album Shape Shifter is no letdown, despite the instrumentally charged album being unlike anything the band has produced before.

When Santana comes to mind, one thinks of hits like “Oye Como Va,” “Black Magic Woman” or “Smooth” – an instant classics that influenced generations of musicians. However, Santana’s latest album focuses more on a guitar-centric sound, rather than lyrics or simply trying to stir up a crowd.

Shape Shifter maintains a strong Native American influence throughout the album with the cover art depicting a Native American transforming into a horse and visually representing the album’s sonic offering. Many parts of the album include authentic sounds,  such as an eagle call and tribal chanting in the track “Shape Shifter.” The guitar, maraca and, even, piano flow together with these more native elements, giving the album an authentic, but unique feel. While this thematic emphasis may seem over-the-top, it is marvelously executed and never seems mocking or artificial.

In addition to the solid execution of a tonal concept, Shape Shifter is a shining and obvious display of Santana’s instrumental abilities.

One of this album’s unique assets is that Santana stands alone on his own talent. In the past decade, he’s put out singles by teaming up with stars such as Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews or Michelle Branch. For this album, Santana performs solo, showing he’s still got it. Without lyrics, his guitar abilities and musical constructs speak for themselves, and Santana manages to achieve a level of depth not commonly felt in his single hits.