Search - Raul Malo :: Lucky One

Skip the mundane and go straight for the gold with Raul's ne

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

This is Just Too Good!

A* | New York, N.Y. United States | 03/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Aren't WE The "Lucky One"s!

MysticSkye | Midland MI | 03/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."