LISTENING IN: The Mavericks, magnifico

A self-described “eclectic rock and country group known for crisscrossing musical boundaries,” The Mavericks have been making feel-good sounds for over 30 years, not least based on distinct Latin underpinnings that often demonstrate Mexican or Cuban influences.

Sometimes called Tex-Mex, the band is actually from Miami, which also belies its common characterization as a country band. Indeed, sometimes they sing in Spanish and recently went “all in” on their Latin heritage and released an entire non-English album, with songs ranging “from tender boleros to brassy mariachi to reimagined Afro-Cuban classics.”

But whatever you call them, Raul Mallo and Co. – like Los Lobos from the other coast (Los Angeles) – have consistently charted their own course, with hits like “Come Unto Me” and “All You Do Is Bring Me Down” prominently utilizing accordion and horns to temper the requisite guitar-base-drums format.

Here is perhaps their most enduring hit, the infectious “Dance the Night Away,” from Top of the Pops in 1998, the year it was released.

Lyrics

Here comes my happiness again
Right back to where it should have been
‘Cause now she’s gone and I am free
And she can’t do a thing to me

I just wanna dance the night away
With señoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow’s lookin’ bright
Just like the sunny mornin’ light

And if you should see her
Please let her know that I’m well, as you can tell
And if she should tell you
That she wants me back, tell her no, I gotta go

I just wanna dance the night away
With señoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow’s lookin’ bright
Just like the sunny mornin’ light

And if you should see her
Please let her know that I’m well, as you can tell
And if she should tell you
That she wants me back, tell her no, I gotta go

I just wanna dance the night away
With señoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow’s lookin’ bright
Just like the sunny mornin’ light