Caravanserai marked a turning point in Santana's career, moving away from the Latin rock sound of their early albums towards a more experimental and spiritual jazz fusion. Recorded after the departure of vocalist Gregg Rolie and drummer Michael Shrieve, the album is almost entirely instrumental, with only one song featuring sung lyrics.
The title refers to an inn or shelter for caravans in the desert, symbolizing an inner and spiritual journey. The cover art, designed by artist John Berg, reflects this theme with a dreamlike image of a desert and an all-seeing eye. The album reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Caravanserai was a critical and commercial success, although it divided fans who expected the more accessible sound of earlier works. Songs like 'Song of the Wind' and 'Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)' became classics in Santana's repertoire, demonstrating the group's musical maturity.