Although Carlos Santana had been around prior to this song, this was the first time he really burst into widespread prominence and visibility. He had learned by listening to Richie Valens growing up but had taken that and created his own style of playing. He was one of the first Latin guitarists to make a prominent name for himself in the '70s.
As noted in the listening guide, this song is really just constructed as a vehicle for solo playing - trading off between Santana's guitar and his organist wailing on the Hammond B3. Even the lyrics of the vocals which come in periodically for short appearances are hardly deep. Loosely translated they say:
Listen how it goes
My rhythm
Its good to enjoy
Babe!
Hardly Shakespeare, but the point is not the lyrics but just bridging between solos. It is interesting that even in years since then, with all the hits Santana has had, he rarely, if ever, sings himself. He always brings in someone else to do the vocals while he just plays.
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