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Smooth's Secret: Rob Thomas Almost Didn't Sing It
14 Nov
Summary
- Rob Thomas was initially meant to only write "Smooth," not sing it.
- Santana chose Thomas to sing after hearing his demo and liking his voice.
- The original lyrics for "Smooth" were about a party, not the final theme.
The iconic 1999 song "Smooth" by Santana, featuring Rob Thomas, could have sounded entirely different. Thomas, known for his work with Matchbox Twenty, shared that his initial role was solely as a songwriter for the track. He was actively involved in discussions about potential vocalists, even advocating for George Michael.
Carlos Santana, however, heard Thomas's demo and was impressed, specifically requesting Thomas himself to sing. Santana reportedly stated, "I like this guy. Does he sing?" Upon confirmation, he insisted, "Well, let's just use him. I believe him." This pivotal moment redirected Thomas's career.
Furthermore, Thomas disclosed that the original lyrics were significantly altered. The initial concept centered on a party in a hotel room, a theme Santana found unsuitable. Thomas then tailored the lyrics to better align with Santana's persona, inspired by his wife and Santana's distinctive style, incorporating elements like "the ocean and the moon."
Santana himself recalled Clive Davis presenting the song as a final addition to his album "Supernatural." Despite initial reservations about its perceived weakness, Davis urged him to trust the process. The recording happened in a single take at Fantasy Records, described by Santana as a moment of "grace" and effortless flow.
