First, I love Santana and have bought all his albums/videos from the first one until now. To say either that he recently became commercial, or that he abandoned progressive (jazz/fusion) music when he made Love, Devotion & Surrender would both be incorrect. His albums sold well from the get, and most of what he released is/was commercial. Santana III, perhaps his best, WAS commercial, as were Zebop and Inner Secrets. If you think he abandoned jazz/fusion with LD&S, better pick up the Swing of Delight from eight years later w/some of the best jazz players. More recently, the Blu-Ray/DVD Hymns for Peace from Montreaux 2004 is with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.
Yes, I agree that since reuinting with Clive Davis to produce Supernatural, much of his output panders to the lowest common denominator. This is seemingly with the sole purpose of bolstering sales. He has always done varied projects, and hopefully, will continue to do so. He has been and will be a very commercial artist, who also produces some adventurous sounds.
