David Archuleta - David Archuleta
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Free Music Notes for David Archuleta
Free Music Review: This "freshman" effort doesn't sound vaguely "freshman." Very polished, awesome vocals - David's true heart came through here
Hit: 5 Stars
David Archuleta is the reason I watched last season's American Idol. I hadn't watched any of the preliminary nonsense, when contestants are sent through to the judges purely for fun, so that they can be made fun of on a national scale (and perhaps even become suicidal). If ever I thought being made fun of in an elementary school of two or three hundred students was bad, I dispossessed myself of such thinking. American Idol had sickened me.
But I had an interest in the Top 12. I wanted to know if there was any talent in that season, so one night I left the TV on while doing other things, and from the kitchen heard an amazing voice start to sing John Lennon's most iconic song.
I was spellbound.
As I approached the TV, I was (there really is no better word for it) flabbergasted. A teenager was singing this simple yet profoundly deep and moving song, and he was singing it with understated, yet great spirit and vigor. As if mesmerized, I watched as he sang, and my heart was greatly moved.
I didn't need to hear anyone else. He was the one to win; I knew it.
He didn't win, of course, but second place is hardly a toss-away consolation prize with American Idol. Instead, it's a record contract. And if you're good - and boy was this kid good - that's worth several million dollars. (If you don't believe me, ask Clay Aiken how it worked out for him financially.)
My initial reaction to this CD was quite good. The music was varied, and I thought that David's vocal talents were shown off quite well. Initially, I was most impressed by "Touch My Hand," "You Can," and "To Be With You."
That said, "Angels" is by far, in my opinion, the strongest song on the CD. The American Idol version was the second most played song on my iPod this year, and if I add how many times I listened to the full-length version of "Angels" from pre-ordering the Deluxe Version of this CD, it's by far the most played song on my iPod. He took a phenomenal live performance, turned it into a better recorded performance with AI, and for the full-length CD version kicked it up another five notches. Can't say enough about it.
As I listened to the CD more and more this past week, other songs grew on me as well, and I found myself humming the verses to songs that weren't initial favorites. In short, I've found all the songs immensely well sung, well produced, and well performed, and think that perhaps some reviewers here who say they like David, but don't like this CD, should give it another chance. One or two listens is hardly ever enough to form a firm judgment on something. Especially if that judgment is a one-star review.
This kid hit it out of the ballpark on his first swing. It reminds me of Andruw Jones, in 1996 when he was with the Atlanta Braves, playing against the New York Yankees in the World Series. (1997 would be Jones's rookie year.) He had been called up late in '96, and didn't play full-time until the World Series. If memory serves correctly, in his first at-bat he hit a home run. And then he did it again in the same game - perhaps even his second at-bat.
That's what we have here. A young rookie, out of his league, yet performing at a level far beyond "his league."
Good job, David. You've done well. Keep it up.
And - sorry, but I just have to say this. I'm glad that they took a second look at the art photography and "upgraded" it from the "Crush" single to that of this CD. David's a cute kid, and, well, that wasn't represented properly in the cover photography for "Crush." As for the photography on THIS - terrific. Someone took a shy, timid kid and gave him some pretty impressive sex appeal. Good job. I'm sure that millions of teens are pleased.
One more thing - a request to those who call themselves "Archies." Please reconsider. It really demeans the artist, and makes him look exactly like those who don't like him want him to look: an air-brushed Disney crush doll. David's more than that. Just think of how demeaning "Claymate" was. Clay claimed to eventually come to terms with it, but (and this might cost me the all-important helpful votes, but oh well) it devalued him, and made it difficult for *real* music fans and critics to take him seriously. That's the same thing that may happen to David. So - dispossess yourself of that naming convention. Please. For him - not for me.
Free Music Review: Can't Get Enough of David
Hit: 5 Stars
Music is a big part of me and I don't mind splurging on CDs. I have over 170 of them in my collection and am actually starting to run out of storage room. Therefore right now I am limiting myself when it comes to buying albums.
In the beginning I didn't intend to buy David Archuleta's album even though I knew he would not disappoint. Not because I didn't know what to expect, but because I don't have much storage room in my room and have to limit myself on what CDs I buy. But after I heard Crush on the radio, I was hooked to the most extreme and couldn't get this song out of my head. I kept singing the chorus non-stop and soon enough even the verses were for the most part memorized. And this led me to make the decision to give in and buy the album. Yes, I pre-listened to all the tracks before buying the album, but I would have bought it regardless. I was that hooked on Crush.
Having bought the album last week and having listened to it for the first time in full, I was hooked, and have already listened to it at least 4 times. I instantly downloaded the whole thing onto my iPod so I could take it with me wherever I went, and I did, when I went upstate for the weekend.
Every song on the album is catchy, emotional, and leaves a lasting impression. David's voice is angelic and mesmerizing from beginning to end no matter what song is playing. Each song is different in its own way and has David's touch put into it. The musical styles range from pop to ballads to R&B to a bit of rock showing how versatile David is as an artist.
Some people out there may say that David's lyrics could have covered more issues other than the love, crushes, relationship ones that comprise most of the album, but c'mon, he is only 17 and these topics are very much common to someone his age, so it only seems fitting to write about them.
This album is a must-have for people of all ages. Yep that's right. You don't have to be a teenage girl (maybe having a major crush on David) to fall in love with this album and even relate to it in some way or another. I totally love this album and wish I had bought it sooner than I did.
There are only a few slight setbacks to David's release that I do want to point out, but they have nothing to do with his singing or the songs he recorded...
The first thing I do when I open a CD is go to the booklet and look through the lyrics. When I did that with David's CD I found there were none. That is a bit disappointing for me as I am obsessed with singing and without a doubt will be singing along to all his songs every time I listen to them. I want to have his lyrics at my fingertips (until every word is memorized) without having to scour online looking for them, but now that is what I will have to do. :( Were they trying to save on ink or something? The lyrics should have been in the booklet!!! That is a must!!!
Besides this, I wish that David had written more songs on this album. I have to give him credit for writing two of them, but that is just not enough. I am sure he has the talent and ability to write more songs than that. I wonder why he didn't. Perhaps the record label and/or the producers he was working with didn't allow him to write more songs. And if that was the case then it's totally unfair. An artist should be singing the songs he writes not those that someone else writes for him. So, while the lyrics are great and I am sure that David was able to connect with them on some level, as he mastered each one exceeding expectations, he should have been writing every lyric featured on the album. And since we will no doubt be hearing from David for a long time to come, I hope he will be allowed to have more creative control on his future albums and actually write all the lyrics himself, even if just as co-author.
Without a doubt this album is one people will never get tired of hearing and is a must-have for people of all ages, backgrounds, and musical tastes. Not only is it touching, mesmerizing, and leaves a lasting impression, but we can also dance along to every song, even ones that are slow tempo. What more can we ask for, but perhaps more songs from David to keep us fed since we will always be hungry for more. Always!
Free Music Review: this album is amazing
Hit: 5 Stars
"David Archuleta" is the new debut album from 17-year old American Idol season 7 runner-up, David Archuleta. Let me first say that I have never watched a previous season of American Idol. I HATE reality TV, yet I tuned in for season 7 because I was bored since the writer's strike was happening at the time. Who was I to know that a humble Utah teen would make me watch an entire season of the very show that I swore I would never watch. I have loved and adored David since the first note he sang on "Heaven" during Hollywood week on Idol. I have never felt so emotionally connected to a celebrity before. Actually I do not even consider David a celebrity. His humble nature proves he is above that. His voice, nature, and the inspiring performances he has given to all us fans is what makes us love him.
First of all, to the reviewers who claim that this album only appeals to tween/teenage girls, HELLO 22-YEAR OLD COLLEGE GRADUATE HERE. This album is amazing considering David only had a few months to work on it and half that time was devoted to the Idols tour. However it proves that he will be around for a VERY long time. It is very rare that I love every single song on an album. Many albums get acquainted with the skip button on my music player but David's CD will not. Every song is amazing and his voice is just incredible in every song. You can hear the emotion in each song and the feeling he puts into it as he sings. I shall write a little bit about each song for those of you who are interested.
1. Crush--the fun, addictive, number-one single about a feeling that we all have experienced. If you have not heard this song on the radio or somewhere else, where have you been these last 3 months?
2. Touch My Hand-- Many people say it has an OneRepublic/Coldplay feel to it. Frankly I adore the song. It is a fan song and the 2nd half is insanely good.
3. Barriers--seriously one of the best songs on the album. It is my favorite on the main album. I love the echo effect in the chorus.
4. My Hands--the lyrics are completely witty and fun. One of the more poppy songs on the album but still good.
5. A Little Too Not Over You--when I first heard the chorus to this song I literally cried. His voice just soars in the chorus. And his falsetto kills. This song was co-written by David and is expected to be the 2nd single.
6. You Can--this is a pretty love ballad. It is a very simple song with just an acoustic guitar.
7. Running--this is a Midi Mafia produced song I believe. It is quite fun and has a pop/R&B feel to it.
8. Desperate--power pop/rock ballad. I love the song, enough said.
9. To Be With You-- lovely piano ballad. his voice soars especially when he gets to the note where he sings, "WAAAAAAAY." I imagine a lot of weddings will be usings this song in the future.
10. Don't Let Go--another fun, witty song that was co-written by David!
11. Your Eyes Don't Lie--a ore westernized song. love the whistling, especially since it is David himself who is doing it.
12. Angels--this is a cover of Robbie William's song. If you've not known David since Idol, he sang this during Top 8 week and during the AI tour. This version blows the AI studio recording out of the water.
Those are the main 12 tracks of the album. I am a diehard fan and bought the album from other sources to get additional bonus tracks for a total of 17 songs. I won't review the bonus tracks since you don't get them on the physical copy of the album (you do get ONE bonus track on Wal-Mart's version though), however Amazon does sell the digital bonus tracks that you can download. If you are just the casual fan/listener and want to buy the standard physical copy from Amazon I totally recommend it. I am sure you will fall in love with David and his amazing voice.
I would also like to add that I had the opportunity to briefly meet David a few times this summer during the Idols Live Tour. And he is one of the most gracious, down-to-earth, and sincere people I have had the pleasure to encounter in my life. The boy is a sweetheart and having him in the music industry is a breath of fresh air.
Free Music Review: "The Voice"
Hit: 5 Stars
As someone who primarily listens to anything BUT Top 40, I surprised myself earlier this year when I took notice of the American Idol contestant, David Archuleta. His music was not my style, but something about his voice just grabbed me. Even critics who can't stand him, concede that his vocal skills are extraordinary: he has a good range, excellent timbre, a raspy and yet soothing tone, and a way with phrasing. I don't look for perfect singing in the music that I like, but in this case, it is just so amazing to hear this type of singing.
That being said, I was a little apprehensive about his debut album. A squeaky clean kid trying to sell himself as a pop Idol could be a little tricky. But, after listening to the full album, I am pleasantly surprised. It IS pop fluff at times (oh who am I kidding.. at all times) but it is exactly the right chord that he had to hit, esp. considering his age and public persona. There are some sparks of great music in here, but essentially it is a solid album, produced by a label known for their teen idol hits, sung by a 17 year old with an amazing voice. Here are some of my highlights of the album:
Track 3-Barriers: Very surprised that he was able to pull off this song. A little reggae-ish with David crooning about a relationship that can't be saved. During the bridge, it sounds like he is heartbroken; this is one of the top vocal highlights on the album for me.
Track 5- A Little Too Not Over You: David helped co-write this song and while it's nothing mind-blowing lyrically, the words do flow nicely with the music (set to waltz time). His voice is perfect for this type of melodic tune (and they try to throw in some R&B elements in this one)
Track 6. You Can: The lyrics are fitting for him, talking about meeting `the one'. The line "show me that good things come to those who wait" is so cliché, but brilliant at the same time b/c David actually makes it believable.
Track 9. To Be With You: My favorite track of the album, a simple love song, with limited piano and strings, but a very powerful song in terms of his vocals (which is understated, yet so emotional). The bridge is the top vocal highlight of the whole album for me, when he ends a word with an almost-gasp. Just brilliant.
Bonus tracks:
Works for me!: I guess this song was left off the main album, because it would have stood out too much. The lyrics are only average, but the throwback (semi-Stevie Wonder) vibe and acoustic sound highlights his soulful voice. His falsetto in this one is a joy to hear. I imagine that this type of sound would be the logical next step in his musical career.
All in all, buy this album if you enjoy pure pop (essentially that is what this album aims for) If not, then download a few songs that I mentioned.. if anything, you won't be disappointed with the quality of his voice.
Free Music Review: "Archie" is awesome!
Hit: 5 Stars
I will turn 50 years of age next April, and this teen's voice really touches me. I don't care for much of today's music. I like some country. I'm a big fan of Carrie Underwood, also from American Idol.
David is such a rare talent. He's also one heck of a nice guy. I feel that he's more mature than most young lads his age. He is singing songs that our wholesome, that capture feelings that we've all experienced in our lifetime, at one time or another, and his vocals are incredible!!!
I like all of the songs very much. I can innocently say (especially since my daughter has a crush on him), that he is a cutie, and I hope that his fast found fame doesn't go to his head. I pray for him that his success will grow, but he will stay grounded spiritually, and he will stay humble. I also hope he will stick to this type of quality music.
It's the best pop album I've heard since I was in high school (the 1970s), when Barry Manilow and John Denver were at the top of their career singing pop ballads that told stories and expressed true feelings that everyone could relate to.
Congratulations David Archuleta! It's an awesome album! I hope it will sell in record breaking numbers! We enjoyed meeting David in Evansville, Indiana during the Idol tour. Even though we only got to speak to him briefly and get his autograph and pictures, we were impressed by him as a person, not just as an artist. What you see is what you get with "Archie"! Go Arch! We love you, and we listen to your album every day at least twice. It's in the car, and in our home.
David's band is great too! The base guitarist and the drummer are awesome! I do hope that David will play more piano in future albums and at his concerts. He is a talented pianist as well, if you haven't been following him.
My daughter and I highly recomment buying David's album. We can't wait to get his tour schedule. We hope he will have a concert next year close to where we live so that we can go and see him again! I know he is beloved by thousands of people, especially teenage girls, but I feel he reaches out to many different age groups. Buy his CD! You'll love it if you love catchy beats, and lyrics that you can all relate to. David has a gift that comes around very rarely. Lastly, I would also like to say that I think his diction in his singing is superb. I can understand every word he sings, and that is rare in today's pop aned/or rock artists! I pray he has a bright future and makes many more albums of this kind of quality for us all to enjoy. Thanks David!