Lucky One

Raul Malo

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 3, 2009)
• Original Release Date: March 3, 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fantasy
• ASIN: B001Q7JM0U
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,431 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #23 in	Music > Country > Outlaw Country
  #39 in	Music > Country > Neotraditional
  #54 in	Music > Country > Alt-Country & Americana

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

On "Lucky One," his first album of original material in seven years, Raul Malo has shed his musical shackles.

"I have been fighting my whole life against people who want to pigeonhole music. We fought that in the Mavericks. I feel like I've got no restrictions anymore," the Grammy winner says. "I'm not really writing for any specific genre. I feel like I can do whatever I want."

Clearly, followers of Malo's eclectic career--both with the Mavericks and after-- know he's always chafed at placing any confines on music. Or, as he laughingly confesses, "if most people do what I've done in my career, they'd be driving a taxi by now."

However, a talent as mighty as Malo's simply can't be denied. His glorious voice has been rapturously described by The New York Times as "exceptional" and the Wall Street Journal as "exquisite." Its crystal purity is simply unmatched by any other singer's today.

And a voice like his deserves a loving, sturdy melody to wrap itself around. Although completely contemporary, the music on "Lucky One" recalls the great tunes of the `50s, `60s and `70s, made famous by Malo's musical heroes like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.

The songs on his Fantasy Records debut range from the silly to the sublime, by Malo's own design, and draw on his deep love of country, rock, jazz and Latin music. "Moonlight Kisses" features a playful male chorus and a snazzy tuba (!!), while songs such as "One More Angel" and "Rosalie" take on gut wrenching loss of life.

Malo wrote "Lucky One" over a two-year period at his Nashville home and was so happy with the result that several of his home demos appear as final versions on the CD. For the rest, he enlisted co-producer Steve Berlin, best known for his work with Los Lobos. "I trust Steve musically," Malo says. "Art comes first with him. That's the most important quality of all; nothing gets in the way of that."

"Lucky One" follows "You're Only Lonely" and "After Hours," two CDs of cover songs written by many of Malo's favorite tunesmiths including Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, Roger Miller and Willie Nelson.

"How could that not influence my songwriting on `Lucky One,'" Malo asks. "It certainly had an effect on how I wrote for this. [There's] an appreciation for song structure, melody and lyric that these guys certainly had."

After close to 20 years of making music, Malo is having more fun than ever. "I get to play exactly what I want. I have a great band. I have great fans," he says. "It's really fantastic. And the creative freedom I have now, I wouldn't trade that for the world." The liberation that true talent and vision bring has led to the ultimate freedom so lovingly evident on "Lucky One": "I know that at the end of the day I can go somewhere with my guitar and someone will come see me."

Product Description

Former Mavericks leader Raul Malo presents his first album of original material in seven years. Malo wrote Lucky One over a two-year period at his Nashville home and was so happy with the results that several of his home demos appear as final versions on the CD. For the balance of the album, he once again enlisted Steve Berlin, best known for his work with Los Lobos and who worked on Malo's 2001 Today album, as co-producer. Drawing on his deep love of country, rock, jazz and Latin music, Malo displays not only his eclectic taste, but a crystal clear voice unmatched by any other singer today.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars skip the mundane and go straight for the gold with Raul's newest CD, March 5, 2009

By	Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Raul Malo's latest CD, entitled Lucky One, showcases yet again Raul's superb ability to perform many types of songs and handle them all so smoothly you'd swear he was born to sing and entertain the world. His albums have brought joy to millions of people and this one is surely no exception. The musicians on this CD include the likes of bassist Jay Weaver, saxophonist Ben Graves, trumpeter Jameson Sevitis, keyboardist Chris Tuttle and drummer John McTigue. Of course, Raul's collaboration with Steve Berlin only makes this album even better. The quality of the sound is absolutely excellent and the artwork is very tastefully done.

"Lucky One" features Raul singing beautifully--his voice reminds me of Tom Jones only much BETTER! Raul's manly voice impresses people but he also sings with so much passion that you open up a bit more to him than you would if you were listening to another singer--and that's special. Raul knows how to touch people's hearts--what a rare talent! The guitar work on the song "Lucky One" is outstanding and the melody works well. I could never tire of hearing Raul perform "Lucky One." In addition, "Moonlight Kiss" has an excellent Latin rhythm and Raul sings this well with a splendid male backup chorus that sounds perfect. Raul sings of a man smitten with a woman while the male backup singers warn him that his love may not be reciprocated for very long if at all. The guys on backup harmonize to perfection. "Something Tells Me" is another great ballad performed with a slower tempo. "Something Tells Me" is a moving number and it really moves me with its natural beauty.

Raul bats "Ready For My Lovin'" straight out of the ballpark; he delivers this without a flaw and you can tell he's enjoying himself as well. What a delivery! "Ready For My Lovin'" is clearly a big highlight of this album. "Crying For You" puts Raul Malo squarely front and center; and I really like "You Always Win." "You Always Win" gets the royal treatment from Raul and it's another gem on this CD. Talk about great country music!

"One More Angel" is a strong and moving ballad about the importance of telling people you love just how much they mean to you while they're still living. Unfortunately, life is merely temporary. "One More Angel" is both strong and sensitive at once; and listen for Raul Malo to outdo even himself on the somewhat dark and pensive "Rosalie." "Haunting Me" shows off Raul's ability to tackle complicated tempo changes and the key modulations between major and minor astonish me. The CD ends with a stunning ballad entitled "So Beautiful." "So Beautiful" was recorded by Raul in his living room--but he didn't stop at just singing this number--he played guitar, keyboard, and bass as well! "So Beautiful" just couldn't have been better written or performed; the keyboard work in particular really enhances the musical arrangement for "So Beautiful." I love it!

Raul's fans will clearly want this album--it was worth the wait. Raul Malo possesses great talent and a love of art and life that comes across in every song he sings. If you don't know much about Raul Malo but you like creative country music, try this CD and discover the genius of Raul Malo. The musicians on this album help to make Raul's material shine like the brightest star in the sky; and I for one can't wait for his next CD.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Just Too Good!, March 3, 2009

By	A* (New York, N.Y. United States) - See all my reviews

This is Malo's first disc of new material in ages, he's taken the reigns of writing and I must say that this disc is like the Mavericks at their style mashing best; think more of Trampoline/ Music for All Occasions ... and I must say I heart Trampoline so flippin' much. But Malo didn't abandon his strong attraction to that big band sound that has influenced his output as of late.

If I had one problem, it would be that the lyrics, at times, aren't that strong. But how can they be when coming off albums of covers from some truly amazing artists. But what is apparent is that Malo gives it his all, wrapping his magnificent voice around every single note and declaration of love; Malo's voice has only grown warmer, deeper and more bombastic with age.

And the muscianship is also another winning point - as always - "Something Tells Me" is just a dang good song with great guitar play and a nice opening refrained vocal, "Moonlight kiss" follows in the same vein with its cute little call and response chorus.

The disc is a winner. It's genre mashing at its best, to go from "Lonely Hearts" to the simply stunning "So Beautiful" shows that not only Malo but the production as a whole is brilliant.

Like all of Raul Malo's music, this disc is a must buy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aren't WE The "Lucky One"s!, March 8, 2009

By	MysticSkye "Skye" (Midland MI) - See all my reviews

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That voice! WOW! Although this isn't the best music I've heard from Raul, even "less than best" from Raul Malo is better than "the best of" by any other musician. I miss the horns tho! Rock On Raul! We love you!

2 days later and I'm still listening to this cd on the way to and from work. I still miss all the horns but the whole cd is growing on me. Moonlight Kiss has enough sexy Raul and horns to keep me happy.