Rob Thomas and Carlos Santana
Image: Hector Mata/AFP via Getty

‘Smooth’ Collaborators Santana and Rob Thomas Reunite After Two Decades on New Single ‘Move’

It’s been 22 years since Santana and Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas struck gold with their collaborative 1999 single ‘Smooth’, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three months and won three Grammy Awards – Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

Now, over two decades later, Santana and Thomas have reunited with a new single titled ‘Move’. As you’d expect, the song is filled with fiery guitar licks from Carlos Santana, with Thomas on vocal duties once again. American Authors are also credited on the track, with the band originally co-writing it for Thomas’ own forthcoming album.

According to Rolling Stone, Thomas invited Santana to add a guitar part to the song once recognising it had a “Latin flair” to it. “Rob was working on it and wanted to know if I would play on it,” Santana said. “And as soon as I heard it, I said, ‘This is a powerful summer song.’”

Santana asked if he could take the song for himself, and it seems Thomas was happy to oblige. ‘Move’ will now feature on Santana’s forthcoming album Blessings and Miracles, which is due to arrive in October. It’s a collaboration-heavy affair, with the likes of G-Eazy, Metallica shredder Kirk Hammett and the late Chick Corea all featured.

Listen to ‘Move’ below.

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