She's Not There - Santana (1977) 2/12/22

The first big hit for 2019 Rock & Roll Hall-of-Fame inductees, The Zombies, was their debut single "She's Not There:" a "Great Song of 1965" that reached #2 in both the US and Canada.

Twelve years later, Carlos Santana and his group released a progressive rock version of the song (from the album "Moonflower"). Although it was a Top 10 hit in six countries, it stalled at #27 in the US and #21 in Canada.

This had NOTHING to do with how good the cover is (It's EXCELLENT), but can be chalked up to radio formatting.

Santana's version was a little too hard-edged for most Top 40 formats, but it was a perfect choice for progressive and album rock stations. (Check out the guitar solos at 1:41 and 2:40) In 1977, however, there really weren't any charts that covered those formats--at least not comprehensively.

If you've never heard this version, that's probably why. But those who HAVE heard it, know it for what it is: a "Great Song of the '70s." Listen and see what you think!

The Zombies (1965):