The album reunited most of the surviving members from the early 1970s lineup of the band (including Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Mike Carabello and Michael Shrieve) and was the first time that the quintet had recorded together since 1971's Santana III.

The origins for the reunion go back several years, when Schon suggested that he and Carlos Santana record together.

After initial writing sessions and rehearsals took place in 2013, the group recorded throughout 2014 and 2015, resulting in 16 new tracks that combined their signature elements of Afro-Latin rhythms, vocals, blues-psychedelic guitar solos, and percussion work.

Santana said, of the restored lineup: "It was magical, we didn't have to try to force the vibe – it was immense.

From there, we then needed to come up with a balance of songs and jams that people would immediately identify as classic Santana.