Category Archives: Music

Song of the Day: Black Magic Woman (by Carlos Santana)

Posted on by Arleigh

Carlos Santana’s song “Black Magic Woman” is a timeless tune that hooks you right from the start, but it’s that guitar solo that really makes it unforgettable and that is what make it our latest “Song of the Day.” The solo kicks in around 2 minutes and 24 seconds into the track. What’s great about Santana’s solo is how it feels like a conversation rather than just fast playing. His guitar almost sounds like it’s telling a story, with smooth, soulful notes that seem to sing. It’s not about shredding or showing off; it’s about playing each note with feeling and attitude, making you want to listen over and over.

What really stands out in the solo is how Santana uses bends and vibrato — which means he gently raises the pitch of the notes and adds a slight shake. This gives the solo a warm and emotional feel, almost like a human voice expressing deep feelings. The smooth back-and-forth flow between notes keeps it easy to follow, so even if you’re not a guitarist, you can feel the emotion. Plus, the mix of Latin rhythms shines through, giving the solo a unique flavor that sets Santana apart from other guitarists and adds some groove to the song.

The solo in “Black Magic Woman” is what really grabs listeners and keeps them hooked. It’s not about playing a million notes fast, but about making every sound count and really feeling the music. Santana’s guitar almost talks and sings with a warm, inviting voice that pulls you into the mood of the song. His unique blend of smooth, flowing notes with just the right amount of grit and emotion makes the solo stand out as something special and timeless. Instead of flashy showmanship, it’s the deep connection you feel through the guitar that keeps the solo memorable and moving for generations of listeners. This soulful approach is what turns a simple guitar solo into a truly magical moment in the song.

Black Magic Woman

Got a black magic woman
Got a black magic woman

I’ve got a black magic woman
Got me so blind I can’t see
That she’s a black magic woman
She’s tryin’ to make a devil out of me

Don’t turn your back on me, baby
Don’t turn your back on me, baby

Yes, don’t turn your back on me baby
Stop messin’ around with your tricks
Don’t turn your back on me baby
You just might pick up my magic sticks

[guitar solo]

Got your spell on me baby
Got your spell on me baby

Yes you got your spell on me baby
Turning my heart into stone
I need you so bad – magic woman
I can’t leave you alone

Great Guitar Solos Series

Song of the Day: Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones and Merry Clayton

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Today, we continue to celebrate the birthday of Martin Scorsese with a song that has appeared in countless Scorsese films!  When Scorsese made his Rolling Stone documentary, nonetheless than Mick Jagger commented on how odd it was that this was the first Scorsese film to not feature Gimme Shelter.

From the Rolling Stones and Merry Clayton, here is today’s song of the day.

Music Video of the Day: When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going by Billy Ocean (1985, dir by ????)

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Sometimes, on twitter (or whatever it’s called nowadays), people will just become fixated with something.  Yesterday, it was this music video for a song called When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets Going.  I lost track of how many times I saw this video shared on Saturday.

So, I figured, why not share it here as well?

This music video was made to promote the 1985 film, The Jewel of the Nile.  Along with Billy Ocean, the stars of the film — Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, and Michael Douglas — also appear in this video.  Was Danny really playing the saxophone?  No, he was not.  Apparently, in the UK, this video was briefly banned because Danny was not a member of the Musicians’ Union and his miming of the sax solo went against the rules.

The UK banning something because an American broke a rule?  Wow, that’s so unlike them!

Enjoy!

Song of the Day: Cliffs of Dover (by Eric Johnson)

Posted on by Arleigh

Eric Johnson’s “Cliffs of Dover” is a bright and lively piece that grabs your attention from the beginning. The guitar work is smooth and confident, combining clear melodies with quick, well-executed runs. It feels like Johnson is having fun exploring different sounds, and that sense of ease makes the song enjoyable to listen to whether you’re a musician or not.

What really stands out is the tone of the guitar—clean, crisp, and well-balanced. Johnson shows great control, shifting between fast passages and slower, more expressive bends without losing the smooth flow of the music. The main solo starts about 2 minutes and 45 seconds in, and this is where the balance of technical skill and musicality comes through most clearly.

The track manages to be both intricate and accessible, with memorable themes that stick in your head after just one listen. Its upbeat and positive vibe has helped it remain popular over the years, earning respect from guitar players and fans alike. It strikes a nice balance between being impressive and inviting, which is part of why it’s still well-regarded today.

Great Guitar Solos Series