Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cosmic vibes as we spin "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)" from Santana's 1976 album Amigos. This instrumental gem, written by Carlos Santana and Tom Coster, is a fan favorite with a wild backstory. Legend has it Carlos was inspired after witnessing a friend’s rough mescaline trip, initially crafting a piece called "The Mushroom Lady's Coming to Town." That raw riff sat on the shelf until Santana, while touring with Earth, Wind & Fire in Manchester, England, dusted it off. Tom Coster jumped in, tweaking the chords, and boom—"Europa" was born, its title evoking a celestial cry and smile. The track’s 16-bar chord progression mirrors the jazz standard "Autumn Leaves," with every other verse closing on a Picardy cadence, giving it that soul-stirring lift. Guitar World ranked Santana’s emotional solo #50 on their "100 Greatest Guitar Solos" list, and it’s no wonder why—live performances, like the 1976 Mile High Stadium show where Carlos held a note for nearly three minutes, left 75,000 fans in a frenzy.

Now, let’s talk about that Soviet Union controversy. In 1987, when Santana toured the USSR, Armenian composer Arno Babajanian allegedly recognized the first eight measures of "Europa" as his 1959 piece "Мосты" ("Bridges"). Some claimed Santana borrowed it, sparking heated debates, though no formal resolution surfaced. Covers of the track abound—saxophonist Gato Barbieri jazzed it up on his 1976 album Caliente!, while contemporary guitarist Nils dropped a smooth rendition in 2009 on Up Close & Personal. Spanish singer Dyango even added lyrics, backed by Paco de Lucia’s flamenco guitar. Japanese guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka took it aquatic on his album Aquaplanet, and steel drum ensembles have arranged it for tropical vibes. Zoo Crew DJs can attest: this song’s universal groove crosses borders and genres, making it a staple for classic rock radio.

Carlos Santana, the heart of Santana, kicked off his journey in San Francisco’s vibrant 1960s scene. Born in Mexico, he moved to the Bay Area as a teen, soaking up blues, jazz, and Latin rhythms. By 1966, he formed the Santana Blues Band, blending Afro-Latin percussion with searing guitar riffs. Their big break came at Woodstock in 1969, where their performance of "Soul Sacrifice" stole the show, propelling their debut album to #4 on Billboard. Hits like "Evil Ways" and later "Black Magic Woman" from 1970’s Abraxas cemented their status as Latin rock pioneers. Despite lineup changes and Carlos’s spiritual explorations with guru Sri Chinmoy, the band’s fusion of rock, salsa, and jazz kept evolving, leading to Amigos and the iconic "Europa."

Stay connected with Santana through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour updates and throwback posts. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Santana Fan Club or join discussions in Facebook groups such as Santana Fans Worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the tribe, "Europa" and Santana’s legacy are sure to keep your soul grooving.