“One More Angel (A Tribute to Raul Malo)” by Eric Alexandrakis is a personal offering in the spirit of friendship, loss and remembrance. The song was originally co-written by Raul Malo and Alan Miller, and featured on Malo’s 2009 solo album Lucky One. With its emphasis on death and the death of life, Alexandrakis’ new version has even more emotional resonance.
Covering a song that you’re into is not as easy as it sounds for Alexandrakis. He has a long history of working with Malo and he and Malo had also been through a lot together in the fight against cancer. With Malo passing away after 18 months with cancer in December 2025, the recording is a sweet tribute to the artist and the person behind the song.
Every element of the song has an honest connection to alternative Americana and contemporary sound on the music side. The accordion adds warmth and a definite roots feel; electronic drums and slight digital effects give things a contemporary feel. All of these elements never detract from the main theme of the song.
Alexandrakis’ interpretation is sincere and the emotion doesn’t overpower the piece. The outcome is a thoughtful tribute which honors Malo’s songwriting, while simultaneously gifting the song a new life. “One More Angel” is like a goodbye, but also a reminder, that great music enables an artist’s spirit to live on through the people that remember.
