Customer Reviews

Today

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

As the lead singer of The Mavericks, Malo is responsible for some of the most exciting and passionate recorded performances of the last 10 years. This departure from that group (whether temporary or permanent, we know not) allows Raul to dive head-on into the stream of Latin sounds and rhythms of his heritage. Whether singing en engles o espanol, he conveys both the beauty and the fire with his clarion tenor. Accompanied by as hot a band as imaginable, he has awarded us with music that simply drives us to dance, in spite of our ` pieds izquierdas' (left feet).

I have always liked the Mavericks (Raul's original group), especially the latter-day Mavericks where they began incorporating more world rhythms into their sound. This album takes what the Mavericks had done and breaks down all the "country" labels the group had. The songs on here run the gamut from Cuban dance rhythms that Ricky Martin wishes he could touch (Today) to late-night smoky lounge jazz (Since When). That's right, Jazz!

The song "Every Little Thing" is a slow blues song, ala BB King's How Blue Can You Get, with a Latin backbeat creating the most intense build-up of rhythm I've heard. The song SMOKES!Shelby Lynne (who appeared on some Mavericks albums) does a great guest vocal spot on "It Takes Two to Tango".

Tell you how great the sound of this album is - at least half the songs are in English, and all the choruses are catchy (even the Spanish ones) so that you can sing along with them, and I've been listening to this for a week, but I still don't know any of the words of the songs. Because they're bad? No, because the music is so good that every time I listen I'm captivated by the sound and don't even pay attention! The horn arrangements are awesome, and the backing band is tight, very tight. Not a moment out of place on this, and the songs do not get stale throughout the course of the album. A very entertaining listen.

I didn't know what to expect as a solo album. - Like the Mavericks and think Raul Malo is a talented songwriter with a great voice and know he has eclectic taste that can't be nailed down. I am entranced by this CD. Gets better each time I hear it. I have nearly worn it out in 3 weeks. I love the latin beat touch and the mix of the rest. The Two to Tango duet with Shelby Lynne is incredible. It's addictive. Too bad his style can't be pinned down for more commercial play and truly wish he would get out in more concert tours. Do I have to go to the UK to see him? The quality of his voice is great and his songswriting ability seems to be overlooked. Hope he gets more opportunities and recognition to keep him going. Can't even find a website to express satisfaction with this CD directly as a fan.

His first solo effort, sans The Mavericks, is a great debut! His rich, strong tenor carries these songs well. The title track 'Today' is a lively upbeat number about being in love. 'I Said I Love You, and 'It Takes Two To Tango' are great showcases of his voice.
It is nice to see him branching out from the Maverics. Some more solo efforts can be seen with 'Los Super Seven'. Definitely mexican cantina music on those discs... but just as enjoyable.
With a voice like his, I would love to hear him do some standards, probably best suited to rock standards, but I imagine he would do as well with others too.
He proves his malleability here with trying a little rock, spanish/mexican, tex-mex and pop with latin flavor and carries it off well. I do hope we hear more from him.

I bought this CD because I have always been a fan of the Mavericks and Raul Malo's contribution to that group. I knew from the other reviews that this CD was not just more of the same kind of music, but I did not expect it to be so very different. This is not to say I don't like this CD. I like it very much and actually like every single song on the CD - an unusual event. But, before you buy, be aware that what you're buying is a collection of Cuban Latin-style songs.

If Roy Orbison married a seniorita, his son might have been Malo...what a voice on this guy. This album also fits well with two of my previous reviews, Los Super Seven for obvious reasons and Shelby Lynne who does a great duet with Malo. He also has a great backing band. I would love to hear him sing with Santana someday.

I hate to admit it, but I had never heard of Raul Malo or the Mavericks until one morning when I drove within the reach of a favorite Philly radio station. After hearing "Every Little Thing About You," I ordered the CD.

The first track, "Today" blasts out of the speakers and fills my home with energetic optimism. I am sure my neighbors have seen me spinning, whirling my way past the windows. "Every Little Thing About You" gets the fingers snapping in unison with a dramatic tango in the living room. "I Said I Love You" brings a smile to my face. Spanish tracks generate an intense desire to root around for that high school Spanish dictionary although the songs are courteously transcribed for the purchaser.

I have to agree with other reviewers that there is a vague Roy Orbison similarity when one compares the tones of their voices. However, Malo demonstrates an honesty sans the syrupy quality that makes one believe that he truly feels what he sings. After hearing his CD, I found his website and signed up for an e-mail alert for his concert list. I bet if you listen to this fabulous CD, you will, too.

Spanish, English, country, jazz--the man's voice covers it all. This wasn't what I expected after listening to the Mavericks so long--we've got some great Latin, tango, and just rich ballads. Very nice collection and very 'today.' I agree with another reviewer who'd like to see Raul sing with Santana.

I confess. I have no idea why I love this CD. It has nothing to do with anything else I listen to. But after hearing a cut of "Every little thing..." on the radio, I just had to get it. In fact, I sat in the car outside of work (already late on arrival) so I could hear it out. This is one of those albums that suffers from the pigeon-holing of American radio stations, so kudos to the few, electic stations that have figured out they can air it. Give it a shot.

This is the best CD I've purchased in the last 3 years. Without a doubt. Raul Malo has a wonderful voice, and the songs are diverse and interesting -- ranging from slow and mellow to wild salsa. There is no way you can listen to this CD and sit in your chair. It just MAKES you dance. I highly recommend this CD!