Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsRaul Malo at his best
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2019
This album is Raul Malo at his best, and that is saying something. This album is primarily a showcase for Malo's great voice and feel for songs. The album opens up with a cover of John Anderson's mega-hit, "Swingin." I like John Anderson a great deal, but I have never liked this song, which is his biggest hit. Malo, however, makes the song at least palatable. The same can be said of the second cut on the album, the Waylon Jennings hit "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way." Following those two songs, we get outstanding renditions of Harlan Howard's "Blame It on Your Heart" and Hank Cochran's "Don't You Ever Get Tired (of Hurting Me)." Next Malo takes on the country classic "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," and, again, this is exquisite Malo. The highlight of the album is Malo's take on "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," which is every bit a match for Willie Nelson's classic version of the song. We also have a nice duet with Martina McBride ("Once Upon a Time") as well as a terrific cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart," which turns out to be a delightful surprise. In addition we get a definitive take on the Hank Cochran classic, "Why Can't She Be You?" as well as a definitive treatment of "I'm Leaving It Up to You." We are also treated to Malo's cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel." Not as good as the Elvis original, but still darn good. If you have ever liked Raul Malo (with or without The Mavericks), you will be delighted by this album, which finds Malo at the top of his form.
