It's not encouraging that only one of the four new songs on this 1999 greatest-hits package, arriving after a layoff of more than a year, was cowritten by Raul Malo. But we come not to bury the Mavericks' future, but to pr... more »aise their past. They're the strongest argument that the change in Nashville in the '90s hasn't all been for the worst. Whether the songs lean toward country or early-'60s pop-rock, they invariably have a good feel, good melody, good hooks. They ring simple and from the heart, without guile or pretense. The musicians are invariably smart, stylish, and sympathetic. Their chops are undeniable, but the ensemble playing makes it all work, and the soloists never upstage the songs or Malo's unforgettable voice. Finally, for all the talk about the Mavericks' Latino-country fusion, it's really more pan-Caribbean than strictly Latino. This is the most festive-sounding country music ever. --John Morthland« less
It's not encouraging that only one of the four new songs on this 1999 greatest-hits package, arriving after a layoff of more than a year, was cowritten by Raul Malo. But we come not to bury the Mavericks' future, but to praise their past. They're the strongest argument that the change in Nashville in the '90s hasn't all been for the worst. Whether the songs lean toward country or early-'60s pop-rock, they invariably have a good feel, good melody, good hooks. They ring simple and from the heart, without guile or pretense. The musicians are invariably smart, stylish, and sympathetic. Their chops are undeniable, but the ensemble playing makes it all work, and the soloists never upstage the songs or Malo's unforgettable voice. Finally, for all the talk about the Mavericks' Latino-country fusion, it's really more pan-Caribbean than strictly Latino. This is the most festive-sounding country music ever. --John Morthland
A perfect mix of all the best the Mavericks have to offer
Annette Gonzales (ichula@hotmail.co | California, USA | 11/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This greatest hits is long overdue but worth the wait. If this is the first Mavericks album anybody buys they will have a great representaion of that great sound that is signature to their music. New songs like Things I Cannot Change are a perfect addition to my list of favorite Maverick songs. Raul's ability to write songs that touch your heart and make you feel good is what makes this album go great. A great remake of Think of Me which I enjoyed formerly by Buck Owens now has a new flare which I really like. I am really pleased with the choices put on this album and to see From Hell to Paradise made the cut. The only music better than this Mavericks album is to see the Mavericks live and in person. I bought two albums. One for office and one for home because I know I need to have it in both places. Buy this album for some truly entertaining,upbeat and great sounding music. You will not be disappointed."
Another Hit!
Toni Templeton | Spokane, WA | 11/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this cd. To have alot of the songs I love on this one cd, beats having to change cds when I want to hear a certain one. The new songs are also wonderful, and I especially love "Things I Cannot Change." Raul just has this wonderful skill to sing in full emotion, whether he's singing a fun song like "Dance The Night Away," or a heartfelt ballad like "I Should Have Been True." The band plays together wonderfully. The only thing "wrong" with the album, is that I truly believe it should have been a 2cd set, instead of just one. I would have trouble to chose only enough songs for one album, because I love too many of them. But, the songs that were chosen, are some of my favorites. Plus, the range of the music of The Mavericks is wonderfully represented here. It is definitely a must-have!"
A Blend of the Best
Annette McClellan | 12/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maybe it's just me ... I can't figure out why these guys have such a tough time finding airplay on the radio here in the States. Their music is the best of what music should be: true to its roots (as evidenced on the tracks from the earlier albums) and yet edgy and ever-changing.In this collection of hits, the quintessential sound of the Mavericks is presented almost as a gift -- everything from good honky-tonk twang to ballads that should have found their way onto Top 40 Pop Radio. The four new tracks cover every style from Fab Four-styled harmonies ("Things I Cannot Change") to Tijuana-meets-Bakersfield (especially on "Think of Me [When You're Lonely].") Equally fun are all the "old faves." The one disappointment is that there weren't more tracks off the 1998 release, Trampoline.If you're a Mavericks fan, this walk-down-Memory-Lane-with-a-look-to-the-future should be right up your alley. If you've not had the pleasure of listening to the Mavericks before, then do yourself a favor. Pony up the dough and get this one!"
A must-have CD
Laura | New York | 12/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD just cinches it that The Mavericks are one of the best bands to come around in a long time. Raul Malo is the only singer I know of who can conjure up Orbison's lonely and lovely voice. I wish more people knew how great this band is."
Let The Good Times Roll
Fernando Monteiro | Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil | 12/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I'm writting this, I'm listening to Things I Cannot Change.I just can't stop listening to it. It gets you, like all (I mean all) Mavericks songs. Ironically, it wasn't written by Raul Malo (actually, only one out of the 4 new songs in this compilation was). But it could've been. It has his signature, and only the Mavericks could have done it. What about the other songs? Yes, cause, after all it's a compilation! That reminds me a review I read long ago about Great Days, John Prine's Rhyno compilation. At one point, the reviwer said that the customer would regret buying it, cause it'd make him wanting to buy all the albuns. The same thing would apply to Mavericks if it wasn't for those new songs. Don't try to label the Mavericks. They make great songs, for all occasions I must say, and you have that sort of feeling of being brought back to the 50's in a time capsule. Those good days. Unfortunatelly, these are strange days, where Garth Brooks (just to mention the most pathetic) sells millions of something I can only describe as....well, never mind. You can fill in the blanck. Cheers, and let the good times roll. Mavericks still doing SWELL."