Inner Secrets was released in October 1978 and marked a shift towards a more pop and rock-oriented sound, with influences from disco and funk. The album was recorded at the Automatt studios in San Francisco, California.
This work featured the collaboration of singer and guitarist Chris Solberg, who co-wrote several songs. The lead single, "One Chain (Don't Make No Prison)", became a moderate hit, reaching number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Although the album received mixed reviews for moving away from Santana's characteristic Latin fusion sound, it achieved gold certification in the United States and peaked at number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart.