Raul Malo

Former Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo is one of the few reasons to listen to mainstream country music these days, thanks to his choice of top-notch material and arrangements that brilliantly walk the fine line between modern country and pop without the mandatory Nashvegas cheeseball factor. Combining impeccable taste with a world-class voice, Malo's July 2007 release After Hours tackles hardcore country classics like Hank Williams's "Cold Cold Heart," Buck Owens's "Crying Time" and Kris Kristofferson's "For the Good Times," revealing yet another side of his multifaceted talent.