From Hell to Paradise

Mavericks

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 12, 1992)
• Original Release Date: May 12, 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca Special Products
• ASIN: B000002OK8
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,161 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Few country artists of the 1990s have been able to meld a pronounced pop sensibility with the core elements of classic country as effectively as Miami's Mavericks. Their 1992 major-label debut displays a band mature well beyond its years, one not afraid of either tantalizing melodies or country music history. Here the Mavericks reprise four tunes from their eponymous indie debut and toss in four new Raul Malo originals along with covers of Hank Williams (a lackluster "Hey Good Lookin'") and Buck Owens (a much more engaging "Excuse Me"). Their deft mix of old-school honky-tonk, Orbisonesque sob stories, and punchy modern country-rock serves notice of a band with enormous commercial and artistic potential. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't Be Shy, Give It A Try!, May 29, 2001

By	Clark Paull "(Sleepin' with the TV on)" (Murder City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, whoever heard of a country band from Miami? At least that's what I thought when I first read about The Mavericks, but after listening to this, their debut album, I quickly forgot about that transgression. Mixing a pop sensibility with the twang of classic country, The Mavericks unfortunately found themselves categorized as "new country," and as a result, found themselves fighting for attention with dreck like Garth Brooks, The Judds, and Faith Hill. What they ultimately bring to the table, however, is the bravado and attitude of a rock and roll band, as evidenced by "Mr. Jones," the title track, and their cover of "Hey Good Lookin'". And Raul Malo's voice? Don't get me started. A keeper...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Class Act from Malo and the Mavericks, March 1, 2002

By	Jose R. Perez "Jose" (Yonkers, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've called this the best country album for non-country listeners for various reasons. First, Raul Malo - the unlikely Cuban-country-songwriter channels Roy Orbison in a way that often surpasses the great late Roy with a pure voice that must be keeping the angels company in heaven. Second, there are familiar songs here like "Hey, Good Lookin'" which the Mavericks deliver beautifully, with new added resonance and spirit. And finally, the originals - from the title track to the last song "Children" (an eerie paean to lost innocence that easily ranks as one of the best story songs of our time) - are wriiten with a sure, steady hand, and delivered with incomparable feeling. It's no wonder this talented group has won multiple Grammy Awards, and this album, along with "What Crying Shame" and several others, proves their standing at the top of their game. A spirited, wonderous journey that stands heads and tails above myriad other "country" acts. This is a definitive collection from Malo and company.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent country with a unique sound., June 16, 1999

By A Customer

The Mavericks stretches the artistic boundaries of country. The tunes have a daring uniqueness combined with catchy melodies. The song "The Children" is a classic gig that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.