Ok, Rascal, down boy. Leave Madonna alone, or we’re gonna have a war. I am a huge Madonna fan. Now, I might agree with you that Madonna is not known for her voice, but she certainly did make up for it in MANY other ways. Let’s list a few:

1) she was one of the first to take the power out of the male-dominated industry CEOs and made critical business decisions for herself that other females later benefited.
2) she took control of her female sexuality and did not apologize it. She owned it instead of letting others dictate what she should or should not do.
3) she was one of the first to fully support gay rights/AIDS, etc.
4) her influence in the pop world is well documented. Look at any current female pop singers and you see a bit of Madonna in them.
5) for a woman, she certainly showed she had balls bigger than most males in the business.

I could go on, but you get the gist.

Now, I haven’t listened to DA’s album yet, because I wanted to wait til Tuesday to get a physical copy of it. Until then, I can’t really agree or disagree with you on how his first CD will be. An artist, to be great, will have to be judged over time, at his/her entire body of work. It is way too early to deem one CD as a representative of what his work will be like years from now.

Rascal,

You found the proper words to say what I have been feeling throughout this process. David is capable of so much more than what this album demonstrates. I’ll buy it, gift it, support him and wait for the solo tour. NO ONE has moved me more during a live performance.

Thanks for sharing your observations!

Thank you Rascal for your review .. I must say I have been waiting for it.

I appreciate your thoughts I will re read your review to absorb all that you have said.
I must say I am a huge fan of the song Desperate.. this song grabbed me right from the start. I like this side of David and his voice sounds delicious! His ability to change things up is mind blowing… I am very happy he choose to do this song.
“For such a sweet and unassuming guy, David does darkness extremely well. ” I agree with this — he really does.

I am happy with this, his first CD— I know there will be MONUMENTAL things to come but for right now I am impressed. He is a smart young man he knows what he needs to do and I believe with this album he will accomplish it.

*** I must say I LOVE Barriers….it has grown to be one of my favs ! LOL!

An eloquent review–of course!–thanks rascal. I’ll have an upteenth listen through your ears now….

I’m happy that there are no Barriers to appreciating each others’ opinions here! It must be a real pickle for the label to figure out what to release as a 2nd single, since David can easily do *every* style and genre, with a hugh contingent of folks who would carry the banner for each one. It will be interesting to see how this knockout of a first release fairs in the market.

I wish I knew how the radio market works–can’t the station Music Director play whatever they want off the CD? Perhaps the “2nd single” will form in a more grass roots fashion.

With *so many* artists out there who have one–maybe two–good songs on each CD they put out, this from David is truly remarkable.

So rascal, do we get an addendum on the 5 songs we have yet to hear? I’ll be waiting, because 2 of the songs are co-written by David and as we all know, Falling is all him.

We ODD fans know David inside and out and thus have higher hopes for him. I know I do, but for now, the songs I’ve heard make my ears very happy. Remember, he said this album is his pride and joy….for now.

Now THERE’S a review. Thank you, Rascal.

carollann…trust me, you will be more than thrilled to hear this album. I have found that I block out some of the “overproduction” and just drink in David’s voice….which is like velvet…really. (JMO)

Oops. Hit a wrong button. Meant to say, I ADORE this album. I love that David does so many of the background vocals and have to listen loud and often to get to all of them. (Barriers is one of my favorite songs on the album for this reson) — but I understand what Rascal is saying and it helps explain some of the other reviews.

Thanks Rascal for your intelligent review. I love all of the songs on the CD (with slightly varying degrees of intensity) because of David’s voice. I too am looking forward to the CD he puts out next where he has more freedom to produce the music exactly the way he wants it, but in the meantime, I am sooo happy to have anything that features his incredible voice to listen to.

Snarky’s is reporting that David will be sharing the lead float at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with Miley Cyrus! I think that shows how seriously tptb are taking his star power!

BTW, Barriers is my current addiction … My daughter was giving me hard time this morning because I’ve listened to it more than 500 times, according to my itunes account!

: “by selling CDs alone”, not “buy”.

It occurs to me that the over-produced quality of the CD may be a reflection of Jive’s feeling–as did David, apparently–that the songs themselves weren’t all that strong? With more established artists vying for the song pool, I can’t help but wonder what was actually available to David at this time. It is bloody hard to write an out-of-the-ballpark song on demand (although we all know David did and will be doing just that), so maybe quirky whistling and louder than necessary instrumental “support” is their answer to the dilemma? Just speculating.

[OK, back to my songwriter DAvatar!]

Wow rascal, that was a good review; for some reason I was expecting less. I loved the filet mignon made into hamburger comment about the production and the intent of the label. David’s artistry is the real treat despite the production.

However, I am not a pop music fan nor am I the target audience. So it will be really fascinating to track his album’s journey and his PR tour and Jingle Balls/Jams through the end of the year. Never having had the inclination to support an artist at this level before, it has been a truly unique and enriching experience. And no matter the genre, David’s voice still has such impact!

Here’s to the success of David’s album: May his target audience…request from the djs like crazy…attend his concerts in record breaking droves…and buy his CD like they never have before!

highbervibe-23 “It occurs to me that the over-produced quality of the CD may be a reflection of Jive’s feeling–as did David, apparently–that the songs themselves weren’t all that strong? ” Very interesting point.

I completely agree–To Be With You would be perfect without the 2nd voice.

I find it distracting and think it probably was to promote something besides David’s album. Other agendas at work and part of the AI Faustian bargain perhaps.

David does do “dark” well. He is light YET he understands the Yin to his Yang and when he sings the songs with angst, it is absolutely stunning, chilling, a place of great beauty and soulfulness.

One day, hopefully, we will get a live album from him. Others have done it and with a lot less talent.
Rascal, he feeds off his audience, don’t you think?

Re previous thread:
Yesterday we got our shipment in early of the new People mag. with David. (Walgreens) Obama is on the cover.
I am anticipating another shipment of monthly magazines on Tuesday. I believe the new Elle will be out then.

Thanks Rascal for your eloquent (as usual) words and review.

I was looking forward to a power ballad on this freshman album which I think we can all agree showcases David’s best talent. But as a fan of pop music also, this one will be a winner. Touch my Hands, among others, will create great success for album sales. And, as Josie so succinctly put it, “I just block out some of the ‘overproduction’, and drink in David’s voice.” absolutely, right on Josie! David knew his first album would have to appeal to the masses; the next one will be different, I’m sure.

good evening all~~

Josie/28~~heaven help me, but I’m actually getting fond of “Music, on demand”…oh my heck!….ROTFL !! LOL

Rascal, I agree with you 100%. Over produced and David’s beautiful voice is diluted. Imagine my disappointment (because I pre-ordered the actual CD in July) & surprise (I will now have to purchase the download) when I saw on FOD that Amazon has a downloadable only, Deluxe version available, which has three additional songs on it that are FABULOUS!!! Go to FOD and listen to the snippets they have, of course one of these is Falling which David wrote when he was 14. Cannot BELIEVE these 3 songs did not make the album cut. What the heck??!!!? WHAT were they thinking???

Coming out of lurking again to tell you that I love your review, Rascal. Very insightful – you ‘get’ David, as many of us do. As a fan with ferocious ODD, I’ve been reading all the reviews so far, and am blown away at how poorly researched and written many of them are. Take, for example, a certain reviewer from EW. Did the guy even LISTEN to the album? Makes you wonder…

Regarding To Be With You, you stated, “it should be illegal to pair David’s voice with anyone else’s.” I had to laugh at that, although I do agree. I’m thinking that, in the future, David’s voice and music will be so recognizable that no one will dare sing his songs, at least not seriously, much like AI contestants know that trying to replicate Celine, Christina, Mariah and artists of that calibre is pretty much the kiss of death in the face of the judges…

Rascal – I need to hear more about this–> “He got so frustrated with the process at one point that he reportedly wondered aloud how he could consider giving up after God had offered him all this opportunity. ”

Can you tell us more?

I hear you rascal. It will be great to hear his 2nd CD! His aptitude for growth is phenomenal. His recent interviews have been way different from 6 months ago. One thing about David…for me anyway..I can hear one of his songs 1-2 times and wake up the next morning with it in my head. This is a first for me. What’s that all about?

collegemom…the review sent to JIVE could be a good idea as well!

hi everyone! OK..maybe I’m still the cra-zeh one here, and at first I was anxious to read all the reviews & critiques about David’s album, especially rascal’s, but I have decided NOT to read any reviews at all. Even with the “over-production” of some of the songs, which may be, but I really don’t know or care really. The point is i can’t find anything wrong with any of the songs..I really can’t. They are all different, “a little bit of this, a little bit of that” just as David described it was gonna be. He says he’s still tryig to find what direction he wants to go..I hope to heck he goes in the “DESPERATE”
direction. It may be “dark”, but it’s also daring.
Also, Barriers & Your Eyes Don’t Lie have the quirkiness that the target group will really like because they ARE quirky. Those types of songs are what’s going to make non-fans really see David through different eyes. I think there are already many people who have listened to the leaked songs who have been surprised and thinking they misjudged him, thinking he was a one dimension singer.
debra5354..you are so right about the new snippets..they sound EVEN better than some of the complete songs we’ve heard!
MsLemonade08..And you are so right about David’s voice being so recognizable that no one WILL BE ABLE to do justice to his songs, but buh-lieve me they will TRY!
After all David is THE VOICE! Well, he’s THE FACE with THE VOICE, now!
About TO BE WITH YOU..beautiful song. The lyrics are about wanting to be with someone you know but haven’t MET yet..someone he wants to have that FIRST LOVE feeling with..that’s what I get from the lyrics. So I can’t see this song being a song played at weddings, etc. Maybe, but that’s not what the song is about. It’s about the hope of being with that special person who doesn’t know yet how you feel and hoping they somehow want the same thing. Am I wrong? Am I hearing something different? Anyway, this song is very beautiful because ofthe way David sings it..It’s THE VOICE again.
I could go on & on about why I love every song for different reasons. I am just so excited and happy for David. His Desiny unfolding!

“He got so frustrated with the process at one point that he reportedly wondered aloud how he could consider giving up after God had offered him all this opportunity. ”

RASCAL – can you share more on this?

HG – Perhaps there is more to this connectedness thing cos I have been of late been thinking of David’s vocal paralysis and I cannot shake it off. My mind kept going back to that after finale interview with him & Cook with all the reporters in gallery. A couple of things stood out for me there and one was his pragmatic stand on his singing career. That he was still thinking of going to college (much to the surprise of the gallery!) cos altho he wants to sing for the rest of his life, it would be nice but he is not sure whether he could make a living out of it… do you know of any 17yo with that talent and under those circumstances, think that way? By now we know at that point that he was already told he was to work with Jive. Yet there he was… being pragmatic

And I told myself – it’s the paralysis thing. He isn’t sure whether he can do this forever with one vocal cord working and the threat of the paralysis coming back… And I prayed sooooo hard at that time that the Almighty not allow that to happen. Just let him sing please…

So your dream HG, am beside myself to even attempt to interpret it, reminds me to pray specifically again for his voice. We shouldn’t worry — He listens

smanda – #41 – it was just one of those moments when you’re at your wit’s end and thinking you should just pack it in, and then you focus on the opportunity more than the difficulty. I think it’s just an interesting indication of how dramatic things got, how David put such a brave and cheerful face on it all, and once again how hard he had to work to get even close to what he wanted. That’s really all I know.

Hi, just read the Saturday papers in The Straits Times in Singapore, I was pleasantly surprised to find a near half page article devoted to David’s up coming CD (quoting Reuters). CRUSH has alot of airplay in the various stations in Singapore. I only listen to radios when I am driving and sometimes I hear it more than once from a station in a day, and I am sure when his CD is released here we will hear more of David on our radio stations. HURRAY!!!

Diana,
I’ve said it before….I believe that David is going to be HUGE in Asia, especially Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, and other countries. Just a hunch I have. I think his whole look, demeanor, and style of singing will go over big in Asia. It sounds like he has a growing fanbase in Asian countries already.

Joner#30/SF#47- I am really enjoying the album too. That’s all I really care about in the end. It is definitely a “pop” album to me and I like it. My husband used to like to say, “It is what it is.” Simple enough, but true enough. Only 1 or 2 songs don’t particularly appeal to me. I think that is an impressive accomplishment for any album. I think it is interesting that many have posted that they too like all but 1 or 2 songs, but its different songs. Love his voice, love him.
I also agree he has a lot of radio hits, which also makes me happy.

Oh SILVER – I doubt that David would ever quit singing. We all agree that it his life – his air. And am sure many will go with you to kick his a$$ if in the very remote possibility that he would! After what he put us through right? Now THAT would be some scene

And you are right about the superstar thing. But am reminded of what Shakespeare once wrote — o HAPPY would be happy about this!

“Some are born GREAT; Others achieve GREATNESS; And to others, GREATNESS is thrusted upon them”

Which do you think is David?

JR#59- thanks for the Shakespeare….

good night all. Thanks for the fun.

I have listened to his songs and I really like them all for different reasons. Of course I have my personal preferences, but we all do which is obvious when you read everyones comments. In fact for a first ablum put together so fast, I am pleasanty surprised at how much I really like it. All you critics, do your critic thing. I know you have your place and importance, but for me it is more simple, do I like it or not? Yep!

It bothers me, if it is true, that he was so troubled about the ablum. He is such a perfectionist that I can only imagine how hard that must be. But I think one of his great qualites is his positive nature.

Right about now, I am feeling very grateful that he has his Dad looking out for him. This machine working aroung David which I am sure has interests that are not always alined with his, has got to be tough some times. He is working in an industry where todays standards just don’t match up to his and that’s just not in music.

This fan loves his music and loves the person he is.

I must be some kind of funky older lady because I really like Barriers as well as Your Eyes Don’t Lie. I must have a split personality because I also favor To Be With You and Desperate.

Are older ladies a part of the target audience?

HG- Hey cool, liking that Barriers much?

Hello, bloggers. I’ve been a long-time “lurker” and finally decided to jump into the dialogue. Although I don’t really have much to add, really. I just want you guys to know that I thoroughly enjoy the lively banter that goes on here. I’m sure there are plenty more lurking out there just like me. Matter of fact, I met a few on the way in..right next to the SIGN-IN portal. They said to say “Hi”. (I think they’ll be in as soon as they work up their courage and type their passwords in correctly:) Anyway.. This young man – David – he’s really something isn’t he? Just like so many of you, he has taken control of my life. How does David do that? (HDDDT). There’s an added element to his voice that somehow transcends anything anybody has ever heard before. It’s indescribable. How CAN you define something that doesn’t/didn’t exist?… that is, until David? All this from someone (much) younger than you or I. A young man that is honest, sincere, kind-hearted, caring, giving, modest, etc., etc., etc., And all the while, he seems unaware of how deeply he is affecting the lives of so many people. There is something seraphic going on here. I’m going to enjoy watching the star of David. IMO, it’s at the top.. and going higher.

Alright Angels! Thank you for lighting the fire! ‘Bout 12 hours after the “Call to Arms” at VH1, the icon attached to his name has changed and is now A-FIRE!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Keep it coming Angels and let’s bring him up to his spot at #1 of course when he guests this Saturday

“He got so frustated with the process at one point that he reportedly wondered aloud how he could consider giving up after God had offered him all this opportunity.”

Reading tidbits like this make my attempts at sticking to commenting on only his music and artistry useless. As you’ve said, Rascal, he’s more than that. This, and reading the story behind “Falling” reminds me of why I’ve given so much of myself in supporting his career, and him as a person.

http://www.dailycal.org/article/103479/album_reviews

“The album cover says a lot about what David Archuleta tries to convey about the singer. He’s mature, yet has baby-like innocence. He’s clean, yet slightly dangerous.”

Dangerous. I love it!

“David Archuleta is going to top the charts and not only because of the masterful way it appeals to young girls. Archuleta is an extremely talented singer with a voice that defies his age, height and personality. From album-opening single “Crush” to the several ballads for which he is revered, every song shows off Archuleta’s flawless clarity and diction. He is successful at tortured-soul whisper-singing, angsty bellowing in an echo chamber and quivering falsetto.”

OK, for the graveyard shifters — saw this was posted by suttygal at FOD and had me LOL! It’s like a sitcom segment:

“I did a major eye roll then promo for David at our local WalMart today! I didn’t see any promo picture or anything of him there. I asked them where their new album releases are placed. Two clerks said “oh we just add them to the shelves alphabetically” I said Sriously? Do you know who’s album is being released on Tues?

UGH!!! I said, No, he didn’t sing that song, but he should have!!….”

Oh my… that was fun.

rascal, I can’t wait to hear what you think of the remaining tracks. I wonder if the day will come again at some point when arrangers and producers’ mode of operation of “making up for a lack of vocal prowess with production technique” when working with their pop stars, is no longer the only standard procedure, as it really seems to be.

Although I seem to enter this blog when everyone leaves for the night or moves onto another “thread”. I believe I am the last post on every article so far. Anyway, hopefully someone is still out there. I LOVE this album though not sure about one or two songs. With every listen, I’ve discovered a few constants: love the songs I liked at first; am totally crazy (can’t stop listening and start to bawl when his voice takes over – esp To Be With You) over the songs I loved; am liking songs not sure I would. It’s like getting to know & understand someone.

Also, I feel connected to this blog as many of you are experiencing the same phenomena. I have been drawn into EVERYTHING David Achuleta. Have tried sharing my experience with my family but everyone thinks I’ve gone over the edge. Thus I have turned to this website, mainly as a lurker. You have brought me so much enjoyment just reading everyones comments – esp. silverfox. You always keep it light and real. After all this is entertainment.

You’re not alone, fandaforever48.

Nitey nite.

Interesting to see some of the professional reviews that are starting to come in. Many of them lump David’s songs together and say they sound similar, which perplexed me because I thought there was an amazing diversity to the album.

Then I realized that maybe they’re reacting to the production, which gave some songs a similar vibe and, by overlaying his voice, made them seem less distinct from each other, particularly the midtempo pop ballads.

Because what’s remarkable in the album is David’s vocal versatility – just compare how he sings “Desperate” with it’s power notes, anguish, and vibrato, to the smooth ringingly clear tones of “You Can.” Then compare both of those to the attitudy licks he adds in “Your Eyes Don’t Lie.” And then there’s the rich notes in his lower register during the verses in TMH, Barriers, and Don’t Let Go, and the bendy “British” sounding vocal in TMH. Then there’s the slick, rhythmically tight R&B singing in the verse to ALTNOY.

Another thing I liked upon re-listening is the last 30 seconds to “My Hands.” It’s a multiple David chorus! All the melodies and harmonies melding together, almost Beach Boysy. Would love to hear what that would sound like without the background music, acappella. I could listen to Multiple Davids sing to me all day! ^_^

Thanks for your review Rascal. It helped me gain courage ( trying to
say anything the least bit critical at some fan sites, not this one; is akin to stepping into a lion’s den covered in said hamburger. lol) to say that I’m waiting for David’s second album more so than this one and you hit the reason with your comment of :
“Would I have recognized what I now understand to be the virtues of a once-in-a-generation performer from this collection alone? Not likely. David’s voice, with its enormous nuance and subtlety, is given somewhat short shrift in this collection.”
David has such musical skill, that it just blows me away. And some of these songs just don’t do David justice. I know I’ve got to keep in mind that this album was somewhat rushed and Jive would not allow someone so new to the business too much rein. In fact its rather surprising how much freedom Jive has given David. And this album is an exploratory venture, with David trying out different sounds to see which ones work for him. So, while I impatiently wait for the delivery of my CDs, I’ll try to be patient for the delivery of David’s second album. B)

Welcome genesis, I’m glad you jumped in! Its always great meeting another fan of David Archuleta.

Two more things I’d like to mention- I’m so looking forward to hearing the full version of the song “Falling”. After hearing the little snippet of the song, and reading the heartbreaking story behind it. I also read how Jeff and the guys at the studio, worked extra long and hard on this song to make it right, because this song was David’s.

Vote VH1! David will be on the show this Saturday. Wouldn’t it be cool if he got to introduce the #1 video and it turns out to be “Crush”?!

np1107 #71, that great write-up is from my school paper (Berkeley)!! I’m gonna make sure to get multiple copies tomorrow and save em LOL

This review represents the risk involved in a “proving strategy” that David can be a contemporary pop performer on radio-ready material designed for the market closest to his age bracket. It’s a perfectly decent and even thoughtful (as far as it goes) review, but because the reviewer doesn’t “get” David to begin with, this collection is not creating that connection for her. Consequently, nothing truly special is coming through or being discovered.

On the plus side, I recall that this reviewer was pretty awful to David during the AI season. Her review here might be counted as a big win compared to where she was before.

Apologies. I was referring to Ronald’s post 83, above.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/arts/music/10choi.html?_r=4&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

This review was dated yesterday. I didn’t see it posted here.

Interesting perspective. Seems reviewers are intrigued by his many facets, contrasting facets, and are giving props when they think they have hit upon what is unique/intriguing about David (the man) and his music (the art). Now they just need to see the Elle head shot of David–that is what we see visually when we see David – “The Man and His Art”

Read the album review again Rascal. There is much there to assimilate. I too am looking forward to your review of each song but do wait until the album is out. Reading all of these comments is making my self-imposed David Album fast rather difficult. I still remember my reaction as I listened to Crush for the first time. I was blown away.

David is an amazing performer. I can’t wait until I have the opportunity to see him perform live as in person not recording. I actually would also love to watch him record. People who collobarated with him were very impressed by his professionalism. I guess the truth is I love to watch David sing. I love listening also but his face..his beautiful face just adds dimension to the voice.

I hope Jive will stop interfering with genius. They may know the market but they just do not truly understand the bomb(per Randy) they have in their midst.

rascal -a “tantalizing” glimpse, Desperate –YES!!! That song grabbed me from the first listen. Maybe because i am from the over 50 set but this song is the one that I play multiple times. Could this be because it shows the mature side of a 17 year old, with uber talent that is so amazing to phathom? We need more like this.

“She thinks the songs are underproduced – LOL

Kizzi LOL here too. To re-phrase an old expression, isn’t it interesting that what is goose for others is gander for some? Haha

But yeah, Joan Anderman was nasty to David during AI days.

And isn’t it interesting that most of these reviewers who slammed David for being a 1-trick pony/boring crooner are actually liking the slower/mid-tempo & ballad tracks in the album. Go figure!

hi jr4da: I am laughing at Anderman’s comments and isn’t it great that she didn’t allow her AI posture to completely overshadow her album review–at least she did some work to review the album from a refreshed stance.

Wow, I am thumbing through the Times now and found that review. A very nice review!

http://fansofdavid.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/jenny1.jpg

This is the famous Roses picture that Jenny posted on FOD.

What is it about those Roses and David? Is it the compelling comparison with the juxtaposition of an ancient symbol of love and beauty with David?

Hey everyone! On my break at work, I decided to post my review on my blog (Rascal, I acknowledge that I wrote it partly in response to yours):
http://diaryofananxiousblackwoman.blogspot.com/2008/11/glimpses-of-vocal-prowess-my-review-of.html

http://diaryofananxiousblackwoman.blogspot.com/2008/11/glimpses-of-vocal-prowess-my-review-of.html

Hey guys! I posted my review on my blog just now while I have a break at work. Rascal, I acknowledge that I wrote it partly in response to yours.

Since the link won’t post here, you can get to my blog by clicking on my screen name.

morning…
Thank you rascal for your review.

“an underlying melancholy, symbolized by that cry in his voice; the feeling that in grace lies an awareness of suffering.”
This is what I hear in David’s voice, and his ablitiy to connect me to my own feelings. I still am in awe of him.. And thankful for the insights (and fun ) and links and love here.

HG, loved your thoughtful review! I’m with you, I LOVE Barriers, my current favorite… though of course, that does seem to change from day to day… it depends on my mood.

And, I love your site… a lot of fascinating commentary on what’s going on in our country right now.

My latest post a couple of hours ago got lost. Hi, folks, just to informed you that David’s CD has already been selling in Singapore from today. I happened to dropped by FB and a fellow Singaporean posted (with proof) that she had already bought her copy. I immediately called two stores here and they confirmed that they are already selling it, and they reckoned it is already selling in the US. These store people seems to be very familiar with David Archuleta and one even told me to come down quick! I will go down tomorrow as soon as they open at 11am to grab a few copies, yapeeeee!!!

Momsofteens and InspiredbyDavid (there’s a song called “To Make You Love Me”? ha ha), thanks for your positive feedback. The diverse reviews are interesting, to say the least, so I had to add my voice in there.

David at Good Day Utah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nWkROXm5GY

Love all of the short interviews. David is SO charming.

HelloGorgeous, I loved your review and noticed that when I did a Google search a while ago, that one popped up first!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJTkBwX1xc0

Another Fox interview. A little different, he is more animated and answers a question about doing a duet w/Cook at the end.

Forgive the typos. At work, on my work computer, the text entry box is a dark brown. I can’t see!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCLaDdcH-x8

David’s latest video blog. He seems fatigued in these videos I have seen today.

I just love that he is who he is; his incredibly beautiful vulnerability is truly a shield of courage. An oxymoron I know, yet, it is his vulnerability that conveys great strength, pure bravery, awesome courage!

Joner – LOL – you have given me a new goal: To be the sleeve for a day on the shirt of David Archuleta! “Not a bad place to be, is it?”

It was good to read your opinion Rascal. I think at this site we are all advocates for David and want nothing but the best for him now and in the future. I sometimes look at this part of his journey as his internship when he will perform songs and venues that may not be what his long term plans are, however along the way will earn many hearts and experience that will help him down the road as he refines his singing career. Even David knows, at his tender age, that insight and understanding of this business are essential for those who want to take the high road in life. David’s commitment to his art will take him to where he wants to be on this long and winding road. David holds the golden keys to integrity of heart, faithfulness and reliability of character. He faces each day with grand passion and unrelenting optimism. So until his internship is on to the next stage, he has all my support, love and encouragement. David does run so deep, however, they are starting him in the shallow end of the pool.

HG – great review. I love Barriers too and, as I’ve mentioned before, still keep going back to With You. That’s why I’m surprised you call My Hands “generic.” Couldn’t be less so for me. Although it’s a very different song than Shop Around (with a more sophisticated melody and lyrics), it grabbed me just as hard.

I feel a powerful jolt, an electric charge from My Hands and I HAVE to listen and feel it and move to it over and over the way I did that first time with SA. This won’t be everyone’s experience, of course, but I’m loving that it’s mine.

TOfan! As you know, it’s MY experience, too. I jez LOVE “My Hands”. I love Barriers, and Your Eyes Don’t Lie, and ALTLNOY and Running… and You Can and To Be With You.. and… LOL… well… but I really really do love My Hands.

HG, speaking of really really… I really really appreciated your thoughtful, articulate review! You’re the best. ♥

My Wal-Mart CD should be arriving tomorrow morning! I will home from work tomorrow (crazy story in itself), so I can’t wait to unwrap and listen!

lol… sheesh… my ODD time is a little constrained right now… rascal I REALLY appreciated (but failed to mention it…d’oh!) your overall commentary and review of DAVID ARCHULETA. It resonates with how I feel about the industry and David’s ability to prevail in spite of it. I just hope there’s a little secret place in your heart that is just going unabashedly bonkers with happiness for him over this album and how perfectly is SHINES and OUT shines in the context (pop top forty) it was designed to compete with, and be “relevant” within. IMO, an out’n'out *Triumph*. I hope his own satisfaction with this “oeuvre” outweighs any frustrations he may have endured. David Archuleta has a whole freakin’ LOT to be proud of with this debut album.

I am watching David right now chatting on Z100. What a busy, busy day and next few days he has. The fans are asking me many of the typical questions, but also some new ones.

it’s official from david’s lips……….TMH is the new single, what do you think?

Hi everybody, I’m back from Mickey’s land and happy to report Minnie has not washed the side of her face where DA kissed her. In fact, that side has a special glow to it. haha

Sagittarius #24, To be with You ‘It is a ballad that will become an anthem to so many. It will become a theme song to many lovers. It can be a theme song, soundtrack to a romantic love story movie’
Can’t agree with you more.
I also feel the same about You can. I think it will make a beautiful wedding song as well. I can’t have enough of them. I think thery are sublime, beautifully done, heartfelt, connecting… These are by far my two favorite ones.

juliebug #62, thank you for posting that link. All I can say is: Aahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Panamom ~ those are my 2 favorites too (You Can & To Be With You). Of course, I love several others too, and My Hands & Barriers are really growing on me. Still working on Desperate ~ it’s just not my style, but it’s David and anything he sings so … it’s only a matter of time!

Sorry …
“anything he sings, I LOVE, so … it’s only a matter of time!

I thought he sounded a bit tired and hesitant in the interviews however I remember how the off site interviews go even for the news people. It is like the sound is delayed or something and they have to almost guess what is being said.

Can you imagine the emotional high he is on? What a rush…. 11/11 is almost upon us. I am so excited and hoping my mailbox will have a surprise awaiting me. I know I will have the download.

HG, your review is fantastic. I was so amazed how quickly you put together allthingsdavid but seeing your blog site-you are one amazing person. You do know that yours is one of the blog choices on the 1st page when you google David Archuleta don’t you?

oh rascal – rhapsody has blocked the download. I was soooo excited! Have to wait 6 hrs and 41 mins to download – sheesh

Boy, this back to work after vacation really cuts into my blogging time. BooHoo. I had so much fun last week blogging so much! Hey, chickee and djb- Tennis anyone!

Rascal, Kizzi, TOfan, np1107, JR – I wanted to thank you and everyone for all of the review links. They are really fun to read. I don’t search the web for anything David. If it’s not linked here, I don’t get to it — just a time management thing. So I really appreciate you all spending hours sifting through and reading everything and then posting the best things here. It’s like I have a staff of personal assistants!! Thanks, really!

JesseQ-111, genesis-67, dma-70, fandaforever48-79, cutter12-85- hike! jk.
I loved your comments.

HG- thanks for your review!!

So fun to have all the new lurkers posting!!!!!

Tofan #151 ~ gotta run, I’m still at work ~ but had to thank you for that link! Now that’s what I love to read! Good articles about that Angel!

And I finally found out that the Elle Magazine with David & the Idols in it is the December issue ~ and here I’ve been looking all over town! Also so the pictures online on the Elle Magazine site ~ including one of Syesha I hadn’t seen yet. I’m a little surprised they didn’t do more than one of David Cook! What do they have against him, I wonder?

well, Happy, waiting on you to lob your first serve!!

oh, wait, I have to make dinner first. see ‘ya later….

highervibe, thanks for your interpretation of my dream. Just so you know, I didn’t take it as literally as worrying that David would experience vocal paralysis, so the idea that it was representative of something else (like his voice being list in the production process or dismissed in some of these reviews) makes sense.

Of course, I too am praying that David takes very good care of that one vocal chord.

I stopped by home at lunch today in high hopes that the CD from Wal-Mart might have been delivered a day early because they said it was “shipped” on Saturday.

It wasn’t on my doorstep

Probably a good thing. If the UPS guy showed up with it I probably would have thrown myself on him and given him a big smooch! Hey, brown is not my favorite color, but if he’s carrying David’s CD, I could change my tune.

anyone listening to the tribute to DA on FHR? Link is on FOD

I tried posting the link but it wasn’t accepted

chickee163- I think valbraz172 just lobbed you one……

Good review Rascal.

Lots of great radio songs and some songs destined to be interactive live audience faves. And I love a ton of them. But I think the album could have been ever better with less overproduction and more time. Wasn’t this CD recorded in about 6 weeks not counting a few days here and there during the tour and minus whatever else he had to do in those 6 weeks including songwriting? I think the more David sings something, and the more open and simple the arrangement is, the more David shines (especially his intensity and his soulful side). Most of the album songs are pretty tight boxes (musically and rhythmically) – as far as improvisation is concerned, not much room to stretch one’s wings.

But hey – lots of cool songs. My personal favorites so far are My Hands, Barriers, Running, Desperate. I am denying myself most of the rest until tomorrow (I’ve been waiting so long for the 11th so I still want a big treat then).

Joner#168/thanks for the link to I-fly pics. so happy to see David having some FUN.

Hey Happy, the ball is in YOUR court now. Care to take some flying lessons? hahaha

Hey David’s album went poof from the iTunes chart…what’s up with that???

Does anyone have a link to “Works for Me”?

Can’t believe it, rang up one of the bigger store I called yesterday before I go down town to get David’s CDs and was told that all David CDs with postal are sold and remainders are on reserve. I have to wait for them to call me when the next shipment arrives and may or may not with postal. *sigh*, didn’t expect David to be so popular here in Singapore. Only myself to blame for being so slow and stilling suffering from the hangover of recent trip abroad.

BeeBee #141 David Archuleta has a whole freakin’ LOT to be proud of with this debut album.

I feel the same way I am so happy for him.

Rascal i could totally feel your excited over the Rhapsody versions. You excitement adds to mine. thanks for sharing!

archiesfan4life 182- just checked in before bed, and was met with one last treat!! Thanks, LOVE IT. (now THAT’s the way to produce a song for a great, great singer!!)

chickee 177- we’ll play tomorrow….

Kait 184 – thanks!!!! so excited!!!!!!!!!! mine too, thanks to you!

omfreaking_g. I just downloaded my iTunes Deluxe… first new song I’m listening to… “Somebody Out There”… O. M. G. Passss the Defibbbbbbbbb……. *THUD!*

I don’t understand why it won’t count?? I already dowloaded and then read all these weird posts saying not to download…why would iTunes send out the email then? I’m confuzzled :[

That’s what I’ve been told. But iTunes sent out the emails. So who knows. I’m playing it safe and waiting.

Let Me Go is great…really hooky, hip, why didn’t this one make the main album??? (only complaint: quite similar to Burnin Up by JB)

OMG…”Somebody Out There” is beautiful! Oh man, I’m feeling sorry for David that Jive wouldn’t let him put some of these songs on his album…no wonder he was so frustrated :[

oh shroom…. I can’t even articulate yet. I’m in archu_blissninny heaven.

GAH, his vocal on Let Me Go is killing me!!!

Is he really only 17!?!?!?!??!

juliebug – I already downloaded – oh, I hope that’s not true.

I am listening as I type – Somebody Out There – O.M.G.!!!!!!

I’m listening to the new songs. OHMIGOSH!!! “Somebody out there” is faboulous, hip, and David’s voice is uncluttered. Oh happy day!

#194LittleMushroom, just listened to Falling. GAH!!! if this isn’t a power ballad, then there certainly are some power notes on here that David really nailed. this is hauntingly beautiful, sung with incredible feeling. Oh Happy Day indeed davidfanLIZ.

chickee, I’m listening to Falling right now. My first impresssion is that these bonus tracks will be my favorites.

“I’m stuck inside this pain!”

I agree Chickeeee!!!

Falling is a TOUR DE FORCE

and I love all the other bonus tracks too!

I’m feeling p*ssed at Jive – no wonder David was so frustrated with them – these bonus songs are fantastic!

Goodies from FOD Chat w/ Jeff Archluleta — aka jazzman on FOD chats (apparently still ongoing, but seems to have slowed down a little)

http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php?option=com_altcaster&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=773b4ab8a7&width=470&height=550

jazzman: Not sure yet about specficis for Jingle Ball concerts, but I will let someone know once we know.

jazzman: No new songs until the Jingle Balls, just Crush for the live TV shows at this point…

jazzman: 4 songs for Jingle Balls, possibly a 5th at a few venues. It will all depend on the time they allow us.

jazzman: We had to negotiate and compromise on the songs. We did have a difference of perspective on things, but they tried really hard to be fair. The main thing we didn’t get that we wanted was to switch works for me with YEDL as it seemed to fit better from our perspective. They are the experts though and have a great track record. I fought based on my gut feeling and felt I was right, but at least they did listen and did let us have a LOT Of input on songs. I personally was able to have input on at least half of the songs and had a lot of creative and production input including vocal production input as to ideas and nuances.

jazzman: Can you guys do a poll on FOD as to the 4 or 5 songs you guys would like to hear for Jingle Balls?

jazzman: DAvid will be singing on TRL but to a track. Band for Today show, track for TRL. Not enough time to setup the band for TRL.

jazzman: The band is great!! Very experienced group of guys, have played with all kinds of great people including Jason Mraz, Avril Lavigne, Nick Lachey, Kelly Clarkson, Clay, etc…

jazzman: TMH is most likely the next single, probably 3-4 weeks away still.

Jazzman: ALTNOY is a cool song, I really like it. I worked on the bridge and the vocals in the bridge as it wasn’t as complete as it is now. I felt it needed more of a lift going into the bridge so I added an extra bar and made it a bigger moment as a result and also added the ad lib licks leading into the bridge and the falsetto lick. Falsetto on TBWY also. I like working on the licks for David as I know his voice better than the producers and know what he is capable of. Sometimes they go for easy licks that just don’t deliver the same level of emotion that David is capable of conveying with better note and lick choices.

jazzman: You can is one that I really liked but also wanted it to have a few more little things in it. I added the one note higher on “You” can the 2nd and last times. Felt it added more of a lift.

jazzman: AFter album promotion, there will be 12-18 performances and appearances before Christmas. Then a week off with the family, finally!!

jazzman: Running is one of my faves as well, love the chord progression…

jazzman: Desperate is a good song, I just preferred some other ones for the album. Wasn’t one of my picks.

jazzman: Desperate is David in a few years maybe, but I dindn’t feel it was really him right now IMHO. I”m glad a lot of people like it though… The label felt strongly about it.

jazzman: I”m not sure what Lupe’s fave is.

——–
Questions:
Jeff – will David ever consider recording Don’t Tell Me?

Did David really write falling when he was 14?

Answers:
jazzman: No on Don’t Tell Me, Yes on Falling when he was 14.

Q:
Jeff, how much is David onto the top 20 at VH1?
A:
jazzman: Don’t quite understand the top 20 at VH1 part. What do you mean?

jazzman: We had a big meeting tonight with the Sony excecs. I sat next to Barry, the president of Sony. We had a great chat about the future and I can say that there are 1 or 2 albums that we will be working on for next year, one being a probably Christmas album. We are also looking at doing some Spanish versions of songs from the current album. All very exciting news!! The label is very positive about things.

jazzman: I had nothing to do with YEDL.

“My Hands” makes the album but Falling does not? (I know alot of people like My Hands, but when you compare it to the bonus tracks…idk it makes you see things differently you know?)

Okay, now I’m getting suspicious…I’m guessing some of these writing/production teams had contracts that made it more fiscally desirable for Jive to include TWO or more songs from each team….

hence, we have CRUSH, MY HANDS and TO BE WITH YOU
TOUCH MY HAND and BARRIERS
YOU CAN and YOUR EYES DON’T LIE

…thus really limiting what else could go on the album….not that I dont like those songs, but would have loved more of the other Davidy songs too..

GAHHH!!!!

Where is everybody!!!

beebee HA! You beat me to the punch! Good job. Awesome chat tonight.

Abrra

I just logged on – was in a mtg the whole morning – am downloading my iTunes copy now — wish me luck?

gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!

That’s only for the anticipation. BRB angels!

hi djb, still here, “Don’t Let Go” sooooooo catchy, lovin’ it………….how can he be 17? jeez louise…….hold on, hold on, GAH……………

GAAHHHHHH !!!!

beebee, thanks for the jazzman info, i couldn’t find that chat on FOD.

I think it just ended… jeff was headed to “the other” FOD chat… which I think is at the top of the FOD front page. I haven’t checked the justin tv chat yet.

Ha! Abrra. Know where the chat is that Jeff was headed to??

I found the link in a live justin tv chat and accessed it that way. (very confusing…lol)

jackryan… I’m a MESSSSS! (In a GOOD way, of course…)

shroom… i’m dyin’ here… LOVING ALL BONUSES… L..O..V..I..N..G

yep beebee…those songs are killers.

Did you read that chat transcript? Gives some insight into Jeff’s personality.

Night chickee!

::::shakin’ beebee bootie to “Let Me Go” :::::)….ROTFL

jazzman: I wanted Falling instead of Desperate and so did D.

interesting!

Also, Somebody out there is my new fave!!!

Should Jeff really be sharing all this insider info? I imagine David might feel uncomfortable if one of the reporters asks him about some of this stuff in his appearances this week…

I agree with him and D about Desperate, BTW, but what if the songwriters heard this? Desmond Child is a big force in the industry.

After my post #.181.I rushed down to my neighbourhood CD store to try my luck and end up teaching the store owner how to do business just because he did not have stock of David’s CDs. When waiting at the traffic lights on the way home suddenly realised that I had spelled “poster” as “postal” in my last post. I was so upset with not getting the CDs as planned that I just could not function and think.

To quote someone in the earlier post: HDDDI? How could a level-headed senior citizen behave in such a irrational manner. First pre-ordered 3 copies of the CD from Amazon.com, could not wait for the paid items which they advised would arrive in December. Ascertained that the CD would hit the local stores on 17 Nov and started counting the days. Then found a week earlier that it had already hit the local stores. Spent the whole night fidgeting in bed planning to get her copies first thing in the morning, then was disappointed that the store has nearly sold out their existing stock. Reserved 3 copies, possibly buy more if free posters are given. Could not wait for another day, rushed down to neighbourhood stores in a wet weather. Its craaaaaaazy!!!

Yet I find it is worthwhile and happy doing all this for (for myself rather) AN AMAZING YOUNG MAN whom I have never met, who has given me hours and hours of pleasure, listening and viewing his videos.

Oh, while posting this, I got a call, my reserved copies are in, yapeeeeee, I am leaving now to collect them. What an exciting day!!

David, you deserves all the adoration from your fans around the world.

death by terminal chillybumps

Does anybody know how I can listen to “Works For Me” online? (it’s on the wallmart cd, which I won’t have til tomorrow)

beebee, Rickey is streaming the album, I think Works for Me is coming up soon

Yeah beebee, it’s awesome. What a shame Jive wouldnt let David make the album he wanted.

he didn’t need to use all those songwriters and producers!! Look what he came up with on his own – his own style! ugh. I’m a little annoyed with JIVE

ooops…. hahaha!

juliebug@kc.rr.com

look up! hahaha!

Did you get my reply?

Sorry, meant to add after 31 years of smoking!

Oh well I’m off to bed .. night guys!

archangel48… HOW DID YOU DO IT?? (the quit smoking thing)

And your story sounds…lol… like a walmart nightmare… thank goodness for you NICE HUBBY!

Night all. My head is full of new DA songs! Happiness!

night beebee

aww… archangel48 {{{{hug}}} you’re my HERO! You inspire me.

Got home late to a lucky surprise ! ! ! Whoot!
It downloaded itself. Listening…
*FALLING ! ! ! !*
Ohhhhh my. THERE’s David!!! You can hear him. It’s simple. It’s lovely. It’s sweet. Tears.
“Somebody Out There” too.
Still listening….

Highervibe – Mine is fine. You are using iTunes? Do you need to upgrade?

Chickee on #234 Oh you must have missed my post 2 threads ago (I think). I have been listening to the real deal for 2 days now, except for the bonus tracks… That was when I responded to pouncer’s SOS for more donors for the Gifting Campaign & informed him of my discovery of a torrent on DA’s album – the real tracks. I was actually surprised nobody picked up on that; even told rascal at one point that I am all smiles after hearing the real tracks as our concern re the over production may be not all over the place as initially feared.

You see I had a little self-assigned mission monitoring the illegal download activities re DA’s album — I wanted to see how the Gifting Campaign is impacting this underground industry. I coordinated my findings with TeamArchie & FOD and at one point last night, alerted Snarkies about a review they posted that has a link to an illegal download of the whole album. This led to the closure of said thread. You may be glad to know that the Gifting Campaign works!

Now that I have the deluxe edition, the only song I have not heard is Works For Me — which is so ironic cos that ain’t working for me of course!

Having said that, I can understand why Falling & Waiting For Yesterday didn’t make the cut for the debut album… But Somebody Out There? Let Me Go? JIVE come on!

BTW, that doesn’t mean I didn’t like Falling or WFY, ok? In fact, I have a personal attachment to Falling esp after learning its back story… with my being a widow… it is too close to home, so to speak.

ANW, is the album a HOOT or what? My goodness, I cannot for the life of me, imagine where David will take us 2-3 years from now. As jazzman said, the Jive execs are upbeat. the future looks bright for The Archuleta and as an Archie, it is all that matters for now (still dancing to Don’t Let Go )

Good Morning All:

“Somebody Out There” is vintage David – now this is what I’m talkin’ ’bout! Can you image him singing this live?!! And it doesn’t even make the album, just a pre-order iTunes bonus. So, quite obviously with my sense of priorities in David’s music, I am not the target audience for this album–LOL–ummm, duh Kizzi. Someday everyone will get that it is all about the VOICE!

Love the extra tracks, great debut album. He is getting good reviews overall by the media.

Did you see Joe Levy’s Blender Mag vlog (he is the editor and been in music industry for years) at FOD? Nice props for David!! Actually his comments on David’s video are quite relevant in societal context.

jr4da: Thanks for the torrent info and that the gifting program works. I saw some sites carry the torrent downloads over the weekend too. I guess the silver lining is that there was enough demand for David’s album pre-release that the illegal downloads happened.

These bonus tracks are killing me!

I am impatiently awaiting my Wal-Mart UPS delivery.

Why does a chubby man in brown shorts and socks with hairy legs suddenly seem so appealing to me?

OMG David, look what you’ve done to me…

Hi guys! Thanks to everyone that welcomed me to this forum for David. And thank you Rascal for providing this great place to hang out.

Well it’s David’s BIG DAY! I’m so excited for him. He’s has got to be up in the clouds somewhere today. Rascal, I hope you don’t mind if I post this. It’s been bugging me how most of the interviews with David seem to rehash the same old tired questions. I sense that David feels the same way. And with the release of his first CD, more interviews are most certainly on the way.

Since his management team doesn’t appear willing to give David any suggestions on how to respond to them, I offer the following:

INTERVIEWER: So, David… with a gazillion screaming fans, most of them girls between 4 and 11 years old, there must be someone in your life… are you dating?

DAVID: Umm.. actually, dating isn’t a huge priority right now. I wouldn’t be sitting here today if it was. I’ve got to stay focused on my MUSIC. But to be honest with you, I actually receive more marriage proposals from women 50 and over. Did you know this age group has one of the highest disposable incomes in the world? You should be playing my music non-stop… starting with “Desperate” soon as we’re done with this interview. Hah hah!

INTERVIEWER: During American Idol, your father was accused of being a “stage dad” and deprived you from drinking water. Any truth to that?

DAVID: That’s a big falsetto! I love my Dad, he’s a great guy. After all he’s my first male groupie! Hah, hah!

INTERVIEWER: Whose CD will sell better? Yours or David Cooks’, your old nemesis from AI?

DAVID: Hah, hah.. Cooks a great guy, I love the heck out of him. He’s been like a big brother to me, not a memnasis…nemnasis? Whatever! Hah! So anyway, I’m going to support him, just like I did during the AI finale… The 12 MILLION CD’s I pre-ordered ought to do it… Tee Hee.

I’ve just redeemed my gifted digital album from iTunes and I’m so grateful to TeamArchie. This is the 3rd gift I get from them. All I’ve been able to help with so far is contribute to the StandUp to Cancer campaign, as they take my international credit card. I don’t think many artists have such conscientious fans. Arch angels FTW!

Hope this is a great day for our kid!

David will be on Today at 8:30 et. Al told one of the screaming teens whose birthday is today that he’d see if he could get David to sing Happy Birthday to her. It looks like it is freezing there.

Oh yes! Today Show! *Goes offline to watch TV.*

Yes ~ he’ll be on in about 10 more minutes! Lots of screaming and signs from FOD outside ~ I guess that’s where David will sing? I hope this time he has a good warm jacket! And I wonder if he’ll sing anything new from the album! Can’t wait!

Was it Josie who apologized for the exclamation marks? I use them all the David, ’cause I stay excited about David! That VOICE! It’s simply AMAZING! You’re right, Kizzi ~ it’s the VOICE!

Hurray for David!

Inspired by David – go to the “Store” tab and click on “Check for Purchases” and then follow directions and then your pre-order should download. The other info comes up if you click on his album and you follow the directions to download the rest of the album.

Hi Heart }}}}}}}waves{{{{{{{{

Kizzi thanks…now its says two of the songs will not download….YIKES!!! I wonder why?

Inspired – iTunes is mega busy this morning. I am gifting and periodically I get locked out because iTunes is busy! I hope it is mostly David downloads that is making it busy

KIzzy – I hope there are so many downloads it crashes iTunes..ha ha ha that would be so funny!!!

Those bonus tracks are a gold mine.

Today Show – what a rush. Great job David. Changed it up some. Backup singing is different from Tonight Show. Music still too loud in spots. Loved the leather jacket, a la Elle.

GAH! Wasn’t David hot looking in that leather jacket! Oh my!

Oh dear! The baggy eyes are back – get some sleep tomorrow, sweetie! (What’s the schedule like for the rest of the week?)

InspiredbyDavid, if you already preordered the cd, check your itunes Library – you should find the files there.

Crush performance from NBC Today Show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynoyj3b00nk

From the sites, I am hearing that fans overwhelmingly love the bonus tracks. I am wondering if Jive’s strategy was to build up a fanbase with a pop CD (particularly among teen audiences) and then move more in the direction of the bonus tracks with the second album. What do you all think?

Joner #282, love the fantasy, but for me, the song would be “Somebody Out There.” Oh my….

Good morning! This is me transmitting from the outer reaches of space, way beyond the moon, beyond the stars…where David took me last night with his complete album…The view from here is GLORIUS! The music I hear is like no other I have heard. It’s not just the music, it’s THE VOICE!! That’s it! It’s THE VOICE!! I am flying high with David’s VOICE all around me. Are we there yet?
YES.. finally! David delivered more than he promised!
I am so proud to be an ARCHANGEL!
Just saw David perform on TODAY. He was awesome, looks great! But am concerned when he had to clear his throat after he sang..always worried about David getting sick! It’s so cold in NY and he’s outside with the throngs of people wearing what looks like a light jacket..

Dear Lord, I am unworthy to ask, but I am asking anyway, please Take Care Of Our Earth Angel, David.
Watch over him, protect him from all harm.
Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that thrown in his path. Give him the courage and guidance to say No to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround him with loving and supportive people who love him as we, his ARCHANGELS do. Seperate him from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he needs it and stamina when he feels fatigue.
Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective
arms. Keep him healthy and strong so that he can continue to fulfill the Destiny that was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
This I, though unworthy, humbly pray. Amen.

Now I’m off to Walmart to get a physical copy, then Kmart for another copy to get the poster! Have a great ARCHUHOLIDAY everyone! Happiness all around!

SF, AMEN!!!!!

amen!

SF – loved your prayer – it is beautiful!

archangel48 – #262 congrats on your success!

Joner #283 – I am still laughing at your description of the UPS driver:)

SF – perfection. Thanks for that beginning to this long awaited day.

Now I’m off to make my David rounds!

What a party!! I just scanned all the blogs and it is unbelievable!. You can feel the happiness through the screen, It is a great day in Archuletaland indeed.

happy, beebee, joner, you are archunuts.

hello gorgeous, ‘But, you hear him struggling and ascending on the song so that it’s his voice that guides the melody and the harmony. And the irony of the “echo” is that it merely reinforces the vocal master that David is on the song. Take that, Machine’

I will add, take that, all of you nonbelievers!!!
Great review!! You made me listen to Barriers again. You can and TBWY are still my favoritas though. What’s not to like about anyways.
Keep having a great day.
I wonder how David must be feeling right now. Remember his face when he first listened to Crush on the radio. I wonder. Gooooo David

silverfox~ simply beautiful…Amen

oh, by the way silverfoxe….that was no “light jacket” that was BLACK LEATHER honey !!…Gaahhhh!!

off to WalMart..not waiting another minute for the guy in brown to deliver THE MAN in Black Leather !!

I can’t quit listening to “Falling” and “Somebody Out There”. I honestly think they saved the best for last.

Oh, and that poster that you get from K-Mart with the CD purchase….Guh!! That was my favorite pose from the photo shoot video! My life is now complete!

And David’s Dad referring to TWO more albums next year!!! My heart is bursting! ♥I am in Archubliss!♥

Thanks silverfox. I loved your prayer and am taking it and using it for my son, minus the archangels reference. (Hope you don’t mind, don’t think you will, though.) Today is David’s day but it is also Veterans Day and people need to remember that!
I am praying so hard for my son… so thanks for the most beautiful thought.

Sorry everyone, didn’t mean to inject any kind of downer into this wonderful day.
I am glad David sang indoors this morning on the Today show. Stay warm David!

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2008/11/american-idol-1.html

Nice nod to David.

David’s album is #4 on top selling albums on iTunes!

“Let Me Go” –WHOA, I missed it earlier this AM – where did this come from? This is funky, unusual—so, of course, I LOVE it!

“round, round, and round we go…and when it stops you say you don’t know”

HG – I think people do treat young people with a dismissive attitude, in general. I’ve seen it over and over again–with my own children, with my grandchildren, with groups of teens I’ve chaperoned over the years. If they don’t act like a “perfect adult” they aren’t, in general, taken seriously.

David’s depth and his ability to connect to the song and his talent continue to be overlooked by those who don’t scratch below the surface of a cute 17 year old teen who sings. It is obvious that Jive is marketing to tweens/teens, not to us. So I think reviewers see him as a tween/teen popstar. I was at Walmarts earlier today and the plethora of teen mags with David mentioned, his photo included is overwhelmingl. Emphasized to me that he is indeed, being marketed to tweens/teens primarily and I am only an after thought, a footnote, as a secondary audience, but not that important–except I do believe David put some songs on his debut CD for the more mature fans.

Is that age related? and coupled with his humbleness (LA Times described his humbleness as pathological but in a good way-lol),his kindness, his balance and strength, most don’t get past that image? IDK for sure but I think so! One thing I do know for sure, I am glad I GET it.

Silverfox, Amen!

I too went to sleep listening to David’s cd all through the night. It’s a wonderful cd, the bonus tracks are great, don’t know if I would want to boot anything off the main cd, but they are incredible nontheless. Grabbed Snarky’s Works for Me, and it’s so damn good. David has made a cd of which he can, and should be proud.
I know I am. It’s one of the best cd’s from an American Idol, period. I have purchased many of them, but only Soulful (ruben), and Breakaway (kelly) still get multiple plays on my ipod.

Kizzi~ I have to admit I don’t think I have stopped bopping since first hearing it last night !!…

ahhh! What a feeelingg!!!

Just popping in to say OMGah!

I am so blown away by this album. Words fail me. The bonus tracks are… omg.

HG, I canNOT wait for you to hear “Works For Me”

SF {{hugg}} O HAPPY DAY!!

LIZ Crank up that volume for “Let Me Go” and shake yer l’il boo-TAY!

Josie ? Wherefore art thou? *THUD!* ♥

Hey everybody!!! What a wonderful day it is, now that all of our waiting is over!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this CD!!!! Of course that really goes without saying amongst us die-hard fans!!! I cannot go into great detail at the moment due to time constraints, but “To Be With You” is probably the most beautiful love song I have ever heard!!!!! It completely moved me to totally gushing , gushing tears!!!!! I’ve only heard the full CD through once so far, but that will change as time permits!

One thing I do know for sure, I am glad I GET it.

Yes, Kizzi, I’m very glad I get it too! As do many of us here.

Beebee, I too can’t wait to hear “Works for Me.”

Finally, a Myspace page that looks – dare I say it? – PROFESSIONAL! Go Jive!

OK, now off to teach some classes.

Until next time.

awestruck#352 (from previous thread): I felt your post. I’m not really as eloquent as everyone else here, but just wanted to let you know I’m “listening” to you. Keep listening, friend. As David has said, “it’s all in the music”.

Forgot to mention: anyone notice that on the songs David wrote or co-wrote, the song is registered with ArchieSongs?

np1107#356: I DID hear that! hahaha Very cool. I am sooo over the moon about this CD I can hardly stand it.

What I love about it (besides the obvious!) is that you can’t just listen to it, you HAVE to participate. Whether that means chair bopping, full-out dancing, crying, smiling or singing the harmonies (which takes care of that AI judge quite nicely!) or [fill in your intense emotion here].

My husband asked if I was going to save one CD in the wrapper — “so someday it’ll be like having the first Beatles album”!!!!! LOVE him!

np1107 #357 thanks for those words…

Joner – #336 – I wish I could be discussing the bonus tracks with you all but unfortunately I have not heard them all. iTunes screwed up and did not give me access to my pre-order, so I went into my account and selected the order manually but it downloaded only the standard album. I paid AGAIN in order to have the deluxe version, but I was not able to duplicate that on my office machine without purchasing it A THIRD TIME. The only bonus track I currently have is Somebody Out There. I believe I have Waiting for Yesteray, Falling, and Let Me Go on my home machine. I’ve not heard Works for Me at all.

I happen to think this whole alternate version / bonus tracks / per-order / buy it here / download extras business is utterly ridiculous and absolutely infuriating. It’s like they purposely made it as confusing and as inexplicable as possible so that people would pay multiple times for the same music. It’s disgusting.

He did great on the TRL/MTVinterview. Said this was the first time he sang to an audience who was singing his song, his own song, not a cover, and how cool that was.

Rest was typical questions and he beamed his answers in Archie-Style! Cameras panned to a huge crowd outside with signs and holding his CD in their hands above their heads. Interviewer asked if he had the crowd follow him from place to place and he responded with his now copyrighted (or should be) David chuckle. (They should copyright “oh boy” too!) LOL

beebee #351, Thanks for your excellent advice to bop around to “Let me go.” As we’ve said, sometimes it’s good to change the channel! I am feeling much better!

kizzi366- just saw the TRL as well. I thought his performance there was the best too- (vs. leno & today show) He was definitely enjoying the audience!! He had that little authentic smile in between lyrics, and then at the end he shook hands with the audience ala old Donny Osmond. I thought he was lovin’ the girls and their energy.

Kizzi / 366~ I agree ~”best yet”~ even with the ?hoarseness? did you notice?? worked well though..he works it…sings like no other..cutest thing ever ..loved the outfit..he seemed really relaxed here….seemed like he was having FUN !

I-Tunes David is #1 in POP and #2 OVERALL!!!

Look out Taylor Swift, there’s a new kid in town!

#2 overall? That’s great!!!

I can’t stop smiling seeing the reception he’s been getting in New York! What a fantastic day this must be for him! He looked like he was glowing on TRL looking out the window at all the fans below screaming and holding signs for him. He’s really worked hard for this and is so deserving of the accolades and he’s done it with such class.

What a gloreous day for David! He looked like he was really having fun on TRL! He’s just so adorable, did you guys all like the outfit! Sooooo cute!

Kizzi, I love Works for Me. I think it’s so soulful, just beautiful!

Erin4david~~Loved…loved..LOVED the outfit…Perfect!! He looked so relaxed and like he really was having FUN!!
Did you notice his voice a bit hoarse?maybe it was just me, but he sounded awesome..so proud and happy for him!!!

djb, I didn’t notice an hoarseness in his voice. I think this one was the best so far. Crush is a hard song to sing, and he was brilliant!

beautiful lyrics on Works for Me!

erin4david: I loved his outfit on Today, that leather jacket was hawt and his shirt and tie with the gold chevron (that is so fifties) was killer on TRL.

He nailed Crush at TRL and TOfan I didn’t even realize the mike stand was gone, but that made it better.

TOfan and happy … nice new avatars.. me thinks I need a change too

SF, so right, see my post up at #361!

djb#386, thanks! Your avi is also quite fetching…. (As is yours, Refnaf, “don’t go changin’ “)

Kizzi, Erin, Ref & others, LOVE “Works for Me.” I’ve replayed it about 10 times on YouTube (why does Wal-Mart have to be such a buzz-kill?).

I don’t remember who else said it (HG?) but I think that the bonus track, “Somebody Out There,” is arguably his best vocal on the album. Can’t wait for you to hear the bonus tracks, too, Rascal! The fan response about the bonus tracks has been overwhelming!

Such a happy day for all of us! I am so excited that he’s already up to number two… I’m sure that if they didn’t have two versions on itunes he’d be at number 1!

The bonus tracks are fantastic… I can’t stop listening to Falling…it’s so sad, but it’s so beautiful! I love Somebody Out There too… he is just amazing. And, I love that these tracks feel so much less “produced.” So much to celebrate today, and so much to look forward to!

On a personal note, I’m feeling happy today as my family has finally started indulging my o.d.d! I came home from the gym to find that my husband had taped David’s Today performance for me… and my daughter sat down and listened to the bonus tracks with me and walked off singing Crush!

Tofan /395~thanks` going for a temp change in avi for David’s Big Day~ he looked SOOOO HAPPY on Today Show and TRL…he was beaming!!! So proud.OMG.So Proud !!

just noticed my young son and friends have Davids CD playing!!.. So cool…I do believed they are hooked!!!

momsofteens, I *love* Somebody Out There! His vocals are incredible on that song.

I’m wondering if the bonus tracks might represent where he might go in the future, and the main album was the label’s attempt to build up a young teen fan base to help carry him through future albums.

Kizzi, erin, davidfan: Works for me is totally working for me too. It makes me feel like dancing. Or is it the contagious global happiness I am feeling? I’ve read entries from Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Canada and more keeps coming. I once read a sign saying that David is environmentally safe, but with all these emotions running high, I think global temperature just went up two degrees. haha

Rascal #365 — Add to all those variations the fact that Walmart Canada has the CD WITHOUT the bonus track, a track that was co-written by David. Surely this will cut into sales in Canada — some of us will be able to do cross-border shopping (I’ll leave early for the Buffalo KISSmas Bash so I can stop at a U.S. Walmart to pick up my four copies). I do have the Deluxe I-Tunes version downloaded (before SOT disappears). Wonder if Jive can explain this mish-mash — maybe I’ll e-mail them. Surely we fans deserve better.

vermeer – the liner notes are going to be a highly referenced symbol of a musical icon (sound like SF now)!

I am on repeat with “Works for Me!” and “Somebody Out There.” This is why I am a David fan; this is why I watched AI for first time; this is why I have ODD only its not a disorder, it is pure love and beauty and life!

Oh Kizzi, that was beautiful too. Let’s see if I can do this: {{{{hugs}}}}

What an excellent day. David takes NY by storm! I loved watching TRL. David is really doing such a great job making a case for himself.

Works For Me is a gem. It’s just a beautiful song, and it’s gives us another glimpse of what kind of muisc we can expect from David when he is allowed to go his own way. That is exciting.

My 17 year old is listening as we speak. She loves Barrier, and Works for Me….waiting on more feedback. Let me say that I think this cd is going to make David a superstar, not the next one. This one.

I found this YouTube made to explain “the sign”. As I watched, I realized how many of the things mentioned have come to be for David and us. This lady has her hand in something extra-worldly. It’s a sweet trip down memory lane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrGJqu40W0M&feature=related

Abrra

I don’t understand how a song everyone is loving,”Somebody Out There” can disappear?? Ok, so we can’t BUY it anywhere after today…YET. It doesn’t make sense to me. Why does this happen? Who makes those decisions? Is it a common practice? SOT is one of the better songs on the album..David’s vocals are so… David! I hate that the whole world may not have the opportunity to hear it! Dang! Can’t WE DO SOMTHING?

FALLING has some of the saddest lyrics, but also the most beautiful melody I’ve ever heard. Can’t get it out of my head…

Just thought of something..this morning on the Today show, David changed the ending of CRUSH ever so slightly..so like David! makes every performance a little bit “new”. I missed TRL..I was busy making sure all the the Walmarts, Kmarts, Targets here had David’s Album out and on display..Poor clerks, some of them actually thought I was a VIP from High places. I had to wait at a Kmart while a clerk opened the box of CD’s and put them up on display..But I was nice and said “GOOD JOB! I’ll be sure and tell your manager!” I hope I don’t get in trouble for impersonating a VIP!! hahaha!

So new I have to find a video of David’s TRL performance.

Silver email me. I can hook you up maybe . Are we not all sistahs here?

alphawav@comcast.net

Abrra

UH-OH..rascal is not a happy camper!

Hey valbraz, that K-Mart poster is deep – deeply beautiful, incredibly tender. The hand posed slightly under the chin is perfection. Nothing shallow about the poster, very deep, very studied!

Josie, #13. I have listened to David’s CD twice and I have found many, many reasons to love it!!! “To Be With You” moved me so deeply to my core that I still weep when I think of it. “Desperate” reminded me of going through periods of personal darkness and pain and just praying for someone to care enough to reach out to me. And above all else, there is David’s voice!!! So smooth and nuanced, so penetrating and emotive! I really don’t understand why so many people are dumping on the CD. Is it perfect? No. Is it a collection of beautiful songs brought to us by the greatest singer of his generation? YES!!!!!!! I’m sure I will come to love this work of vocal art more and more each time I listen to it. Thanks for your words of encouragement!!!

Kizzi # 423

Haha! You crack me up!
It’s deep, indeed!
And we’re deeply troubled adults! LOL!