Carlos Santana and Aerosmith front-man Steven Tyler, both legends after decades of creating groundbreaking music, teamed up in 2005 to record “Just Feel Better,” the first single released from Santana‘s album All That I Am. And though each artist delivers reliable performances, the sum total is a rather pedestrian song that never even charted.
Note: a version of the song sung by Puddle of Mudd vocalist/guitarist Wes Scantlin was also recorded; reportedly, Carlos chose Tyler’s version as being more emotionally powerful.
Individually, each of the songwriters has definite rock or pop chops: Jamie Huston’s credits include an Emmy-nominated song for High School Musical; Buck Johnson has played keyboards and contributed backing vocals for legendary artists such as John Waite and The Doobie Brothers; and Damon Johnson (no relation) achieved success as the guitarist/lead singer for Brother Cane — as well as writing for rock legends like Alice Cooper and Sammy Hagar. Check out the new video for this guitar and percussion-driven song by the leading Santana Tribute and Latin-rock band.
Latin-Rock Video
A story about sexual harassment and child abuse is vaguely alluded to in the lyrics, but the message is unclear. Further muddying the waters is the accompanying video, starring the sexually provocative actress-screenwriter prodigy Nikki Reed (Thirteen, Twilight). In one scene, she appears to be belting a teacher for an inappropriate hug, and yet in others she is making out with Steven Tyler (more than three times her age at the time of the video shoot).
Santana’s guitar playing is typical for this period in his career: melody smoothly interwoven with the vocals throughout the entire song, with very little change in dynamics or feel, and no recognizable riffs. It’s easy to see why this song’s followup release, “Cry Baby Cry,” achieved more success on the radio.
Just Feel Better is a good example of a recording where all the elements are there, yet the final product doesn’t seem to reflect the talent of the sum of the participants. Producer John Shanks (Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Alanis Morissette, et al) puts a smooth, radio-friendly sheen on the song, which still isn’t enough to make it a hit. But Santana and Tyler certainly have enough landmark songs that one lackluster one won’t tarnish their reputations. What he uses currently, as well as the history of the amps, guitars, effects, and more that he has been using throughout his career.
Carlos’ Gear
Just Feel Better Lyrics
She said I feel stranded
And I can’t tell anymore
If we’re coming or I’m going
It’s not how I planed it
I’ve got the key to the door
But it just won’t open
And I know, I know, I know
Part of me says let it go
That life happens for a reason
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
It goes I never went before
But this time, this time
I’m gonna try anything to just feel better
Tell me what to do
You know I can’t see through the haze around me
And I’ll do anything that to feel better
And I can’t find my way
Girl I need a change
And I’ll do anything to just feel better
Any little thing to just feel better
She said I need you to hold me
I’m a little far from the shore
And I’m afraid of sinking
You’re the only one who knows me
And who doesn’t ignore
That my soul is weeping
I know, I know, I know
Part of me says let it go
Everything must have it seasons
Round and round it goes
And every day’s a one before
But this time, this time
To all things I ought to leave behind, yeah Most accurate renditions of Santana songs anywhere. Hear their versions of Black Magic Woman, Europa, Smooth, more.
It’s really getting nowhere
I think I need a little help this time!
Santana Tribute Band
Just Feel Better Chords
Intro
Cm
Verse
Cm – Eb – Fm – Ab (2x)
Bb – Fm – Ab (2x)
Chorus / Solo
Eb – Bb – Fm – Ab (2x)
Bridge
Gm – Ab – Eb – Bb
Gm – Ab – Eb – Ab
