Clearly, followers of Raul Malo’s eclectic career — both with the Mavericks and after — know he’s always chafed at placing any confines on music. Or, as he laughingly confesses, “If most people do what I’ve done in my career, they’d be driving a taxi by now.” However, a talent as mighty as Malo’s simply can’t be denied. His glorious voice has been rapturously described by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal as “exceptional” and “exquisite” – its crystal purity is simply unmatched. And a voice like his deserves a loving, sturdy melody to wrap itself around. Although completely contemporary, the music on Lucky One recalls great tunes made famous by Malo’s musical heroes Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. The songs on Lucky One range from the silly to the sublime, by Malo’s own design, and draw on his deep love of country, rock, jazz and Latin music. “Moonlight Kisses” features a playful male chorus and a snazzy tuba (!!), while songs such as “One More Angel” and “Rosalie” take on a gut-wrenching loss of life. “I like to take semi-sad content and put it in an upbeat melody. It’s like what you do to make kids eat their vegetables; you have to put some butter on it.”