Raul Malo - You're Only Lonely

Bottom Line:

Raul Malo has been a favorite vocalist of mine for many years. It was time for him to do a record like You're Only Lonely and I am grateful he did. With 12 fine tracks, It is one of my favorite records of the year so far and it could be one of yours too if you give it a chance.

Raul Malo first arrived on the national music scene as the chief songwriter and lead vocalist of Miami, Florida based group The Mavericks. What instantly set the group apart was Malo's strong tenor vocal that was compared to Roy Orbison then and now, after many hits and awards (including 2 CMA Group of the Year and Grammy Awards), Malo is considered a "singer's singer." With that in mind, it was only a matter of time before he got around to recording a 'singer's record.'

For Raul's second solo album, after the critically acclaimed 2001 release, Today, You're Only Lonely is that singer's record. Featuring 10 'classic' songs and one new song penned by Raul Malo (to link his past to his present), the record hits all the right spots. The lead-off and title track is the J.D. Souther classic that pays homage to those long time vocal comparisons with Roy Orbison. It's a passionate vocal that resonates well. The production from Peter Asher (he produced many of the great singer records of the 1970s) suits Malo's voice well.

Willie Nelson's "Angel Flying To Close To The Ground" is one of three links to Raul's country music past. It's a nicely done cover that features some really good musician work and great gospel like background vocals by Robert Bailey, Vicky Hamilton and Kim Fleming (who frequently are guests on Wynonna's CDs). Randy Newman's touching "Feels Like Home" is given a glorious and heartfelt vocal workout from Raul. Along with the strong orchestra in the background it just hits all the right notes. The song is also reprised at the end of the record in an even better duet with Martina McBride (another link to country music) which I would love to see get a shot at country radio. The pairing of the two singers is an absolutely genius master stroke. They are fantastic together.

It takes a lot of gusto to be willing to cover Etta James' signature tune "At Last," and Raul simply has recorded a version that's equally as good. Raul's own (and the lone new song on the album) "For You" will remind many of his latter days with the Mavericks, his association with Los Super Seven and his first solo CD. It's a wonderful Latin dance tune that I can picture being played at many Latin dance clubs.

Ron Sexsmith's delicate "Secret Heart" is given a tasteful workout by Raul as is Harry Nilsson's "Remember." Another song that works well on this fine album (but probably shouldn't) is the Bee Gee's hit "Run To Me."

It isn't often that a record like You're Only Lonely" comes across my desk and I'm very happy it has. I have always been a fan of the Mavericks and was giddy when I heard that Raul was recording a record of his favorite songs to sing. He's the kind of artist who could sing anything and I wonder why he didn't record an album like this before now. Whatever the reason, I am glad he has chosen to do so and it's a fine release that will please fans of great singers (since it's not really a 'country' album).

Song List:

1. You're Only Lonely
2. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
3. Feels Like Home
4. So Sad
5. At Last
6. Games That Lovers Play
7. For You
8. Secret Heart
9. Run To Me
10. Tomorrow Night
11. Remember
12. Feels Like Home (Duet With Martina McBride)