Though it might have taken three years to develop, legendary Latin-rock guitarist Carlos Santana has returned in much the same fashion he was last seen -- dragging along a host of guest artists.

His latest collaborative endeavor, Shaman, employs an "if it ain't broke" logic, which makes sense given the eight Grammys that reaffirmed his last album.

Just as on Supernatural, Santana explores a variety of styles, usually based on the influence of the accompanying artist. The airy single "The Game of Love" finds the guitarist trading licks with femme-folkster Michelle Branch, who lulls listeners with her soft voice. The track gently blends the acoustic with the electric in the most mainstream track on the album.

A hip-hop influence appears during the duet with Macy Gray, "Amore (Sexo)." The sultry track, complete with a Latin sexiness, caters perfectly to Gray's half-rasp, half-righteous voice. Dido even merges her subdued, eye-of-the-storm style with Santana's thunderous guitar riffs in the comforting yet slightly contrived ballad "Feels Like Fire."

Regardless of what style is showcased, the constant factor in the CD is the emotive guitar sounds Santana practically copyrighted. Though not using his voice on one track, Santana sings in every song, letting his fingers speak for him as they slide across the strings with an apparent prowess.

Becoming almost a Latin-rock Frank Sinatra, Santana's choice of duets keeps him inspired and creates a unique cross-section of modern-meets-classic.

-- Reviewed by Dante DelVecchio