The song “Smooth,” a collaboration between Rob Thomas and Carlos Santana, has etched its place in music history since its release in 1999. The track not only dominated the charts, spending an impressive 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, but it also garnered three Grammy Awards, cementing Santana’s status as a guitar legend and Thomas’s reputation as a powerful songwriter.
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Recently, Rob Thomas, the lead vocalist of Matchbox Twenty, reflected on the origins of “Smooth” during an interview on the Zach Sang Show. He revealed fascinating details about how he came to be the voice of the iconic song, which originally had a different trajectory. Thomas, who was initially focused on writing for other artists, shared that his goal was to break into the music industry as a songwriter rather than a performer.
In a candid moment, Thomas recounted how he was working alongside Clive Davis, the esteemed music executive, brainstorming potential artists who might record the song. “I wasn’t going to sing it,” he explained, admitting that at the time, he was advocating for George Michael as a vocalist. “The actual intention was I wanted to write a song that went to someone else,” he stated, highlighting his aspirations to establish himself in the songwriting realm.
However, things took a surprising turn when Carlos Santana, having heard Thomas’s demo, expressed interest in working with him. “Even Carlos, like, he didn’t know me,” Thomas noted. “He just listened to the demo and said, ‘Well, I like this guy. Does he sing?'” Santana’s faith in Thomas’s abilities led to the unexpected outcome of him becoming the face of the track. In hindsight, Thomas jokingly mentioned that he might have altered a few lines in the song, particularly recalling the memorable opening lyric, “It’s a hot one.”
Despite the success of “Smooth,” Thomas originally had a different musical direction in mind. He described the early lyrics as being somewhat “frivolous” and meant for a party atmosphere. Santana, however, wanted to take the song in a different direction, leading to significant adjustments in the lyrics and vibe. “It was about a party in room 227, and Carlos was like, ‘I like this vibe, but I don’t want to sing about that,’” Thomas recalled. Recognising Santana’s unique style, he began to craft new lyrics that resonated more deeply with the guitarist’s artistic vision.
Reflecting on the recording process, Santana previously shared insights about how “Smooth” became the final track for his 1999 album, “Supernatural.” In an interview with PEOPLE in 2019, Santana described how Clive Davis sent him the demo, despite his initial hesitation about the song’s strength. “I said, ‘Clive, I think we have enough,’” he recalled. Davis pushed for the song’s inclusion, eventually convincing Santana to record it in a spontaneous session.
The actual recording took place at Fantasy Records in Berkeley, where the duo managed to capture the essence of “Smooth” in just one take. “It felt like it was just a flow of grace,” Santana remembered, recounting the magic of the moment. The chemistry between Santana and Thomas was palpable, and when they finished, they both knew they had something special. “We didn’t have to do it again. It was like, ‘This is it,’” he affirmed.
Despite the song’s eventual success, Santana noted that only Clive Davis had faith in its potential to become a worldwide hit. The guitarist’s approach to music is one of humility, akin to cooking a meal and letting the audience savour the offering. “As soon as I do something, I back away from it,” he explained, highlighting his preference for allowing the audience to connect with the music on their own terms.
Upon its release, “Smooth” not only achieved critical acclaim but also became a defining anthem of the late 1990s, capturing the hearts and ears of listeners worldwide. The collaboration between Santana and Thomas, born out of a unique set of circumstances, transformed both artists’ careers and left an indelible mark on the fabric of popular music.
As the song continues to resonate with new generations, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the unexpected paths that creativity can take in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.
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