*** The Mavericks, “From Hell to Paradise,” MCA.

Thought-provoking is a description that applies to few country acts these days, but this Miami band is one of those few. Looking beyond the insular world of just-you-and-me-babe, the Mavericks comment intelligently and forcefully on such topics as America’s disillusioned (“Mr. Jones”) and Cuba’s refugees (the title tune). Traveling the socially aware road, the Mavericks are bravely stepping where too many country colleagues fear to tread.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent).