A. P. Monblat | Sutton, Surrey United Kingdom | 06/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Truly magical stuff this first (I think) album by this little-known but magnificent Latin Rock band. This album was released in 1972, a golden year for music in general and Malo in particular. There's a natural inclination, which should probably be resisted, to compare and contrast them with Santana. The similarity is that they are both Latin Rock and their guitarists are brothers, but Malo very much plough their own furrow. Having said can I be a bit controversial please? "Suavecito" does sound a bit like "Sitting in the Park" by Georgie Fame, a British singer from the 1960s. Its the none the worse for it; probably just a case of great minds thinking alike. But my favourite track from "Malo One" is "Cafe" - by a considerable margin. Music doesn't get much better than this track. Sure, it's available on the excellent and highly recommended "Best Of", but only in an edited version (from 7 minutes down to 3 minutes). So splash out your Dollars or Pounds or Yen wherever you are and buy both."
"Malo" - Still Bad As They Want To Be
Quasi | Bronx, New York | 08/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A classic CD from the early 70's, this group has a sound from
yesterday which is still hot and pumping today. Their classic
and signature song "Suavecito" delivers a typical summertime
groove which lets you sit back and reminisce about days gone by.
The hard rocking and salsa swinging tune "Cafe" is off-the-hook.
This is a CD that everyone both young and old can enjoy and
appreciate."
Landmark album
Chava "El mago" Flores | SAN JOSE, CALIFAS USA | 10/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This great album marks a turning point in music history.This recordng goes to show that Latin people, and our music was here to stay.Santana proved that,and Malo did it again.Up until that point there were not a lot of latin sounds in rock,Malo of course changed all that-creating a melodic blend of danceable latin rhythms and rock guitar playing paired with a great latin horn section and piano/organ.The original version of "Cafe" on this album is not on the best of Malo."Just say goodbye" is a great all most instrumental featuring Richard Bean on vocals,who later went on to start his own band "Sapo"."Suavecito" has always been a classic out here. "Nena" is a total latin percussion and rhythm orgy.This is an essential purchase!! ..."
A Must Have Album
70s Guy | SF, CA | 09/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This band rocks. I am fortunate that local bands such as Malo and Santana still play regularly in the Bay Area. Nena, Cafe, and Suavecito alone makes this album a must have. The music is timeless and even my kids love to hear it. This album is not one to pass up. Tony Sandoval from KISS FM played Nena recently and got flooded with callers wanting to know the song and the band. It's Malo folks. Go out and get it."
Debut album is a landmark Latin Rock recording.
70s Guy | 01/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Malo made a solid debut in 1972 with the release of their self-titled album. The six tracks on this album are nice and long and there is never a dull moment throughout. While I consider Santana's style more rock with a Latin influence, the Malo sound can be seen as the opposite - Latin rhythms with a rock influence. It's too bad Malo wasn't as big in the mainstream as Santana, because on this album they display a unique sound that is all their own. "Suavecito," the band's only Top 20 major hit, appears on here, making it the definitive Malo album. If you had to pick just one album by the group, then this should be it. Highly recommended."