What the random?

Some randomness from the last 24 hours...

momJulee tweeted a link to an article "Who Do Mormons Say Represents Their Faith Positively?" with a small mention of David:

...singer David Archuleta (literally a rock star but currently a full-time Mormon missionary).

In this video featuring the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, NH, at about 0:17 you can spot David's name on the front door!

I've actually seen this in person, it's pretty awesomeage ;)

Also, upon realizing that I never posted it, here's a pic of my BEGIN. review featured in the October issue of Teen Ink Magazine:

You can read the full article HERE.


And lastly, here is a lovely MKOC picture posted by Kalena on tumblr:

Have a good weekend everyone!

Song-by-song review of BEGIN. by Ashley!

Because I love this album so much and have so much to say about it, I decided to do my first song-by-song review!

Beautiful - I'm pretty sure the word that comes to everyone's mind after hearing this song is, beautiful. Simply, beautiful. I love how David's voice gradually gets stronger and stronger throughout the song, convincing himself he is beautiful and you are too. David's voice is so sincere as he sings, "You are beautiful no matter what they say." Thank you David, so are you. The song gets even better in the second verse as David unleashes some very missed "Idol vibes" in his voice and a notable growl! But my favorite part of the song? The bridge. David's voice is on fire as he sings over himself throughout the bridge, out-doing himself every lyric after the next.

Somewhere Only We Know - My favorite! I knew since the BEGIN.ning that this song would be my favorite, considering I prefer upbeat songs most of the time and this is one of the only upbeat songs on this album (nothing against the rest of the songs, of course.) I love the lyric "I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to BEGIN." for obvious reasons, and I just love the whole concept of this song.

Everybody Hurts - Every album of David's always has a special/helpful song, and this is it. This song has already helped cheer me up when I needed it, and I've only had the album for about a week. David's voice is so calming in the verses and then he belts that bridge. But I think everyone will agree when I say the best part of this song is the 'hold on's. David has repeated this phrase a lot in his songs, and he doesn't fail to do it again on BEGIN. Like I've said before, hearing David tell you to 'hold on' is extremely uplifting.

Don't Give Up - For some reason (ok maybe I know the reason), it's hard for me to get into duets (I just want David's voice and nothing else). But ok in all seriousness, this song has actually been growing on me. Libbie has a great voice, and David's parts are amazing, as always. And when the two sing that one lyric together, it's pretty moving. I especially love how in this song, David switches his role of being the uplifter to being the person that needs the uplifting. Pretty interesting to hear.

Angel - Ok, I'll be honest... I didn't think I would like this song that much. It has nothing to do with David, just mainly because this song is so slow and sad, and I figured it would remind me of abused animals every time I heard it. Well fortunately, that's not the case. David makes this song bearable with his delicate and soothing vocals. It's very calming, and there's a certain ethereal sense to this song that is felt each time I listen.

Bridge Over Troubled Water -
There's something 'bout this song that breaks my heart... whoa oh oh oh. Ok really, I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's just something about it that lifts me up, but makes me miss David at the same time. I don't know if it's his voice or the lyrics, or maybe both. Either way, I've become fond of this song, and that glory note David holds at the end is just stunning.

Broken - What's more to say about this song that hasn't already been said? It's beautiful. I love the lyrics, and the musical arrangement is great (wink wink). This song becomes pretty moving once you hear David say the words 'invisible children' and finally realize what this song is about. Though it starts out soft, the song get powerful in the end as David sings, "Broken, but not broken," Such an interesting phrase to think about.

True Colors - I knew since the BEGIN.ning that this one could quickly become one of my favorites. David's voice is so sweet and sensitive throughout this song. This song kind of hits home (so does Everybody Hurts), so I think I especially love this one because I know just how much potential is has to be helpful to me in the future. "If this world makes you crazy and you've taken all you can, You call me up, because you know I'll be there," I love those lyrics, and agree that if this world makes me crazy and I've taken all I can, I can just pop in BEGIN. and David will be there.

Pride (In The Name Of Love) - Another upbeat song! This song is pretty different from what I'd imagine David singing, and I love it. I love the sort of raspiness in his voice, like that time he sang a little bit of "Maybe I'm Amazed." It's hot. And the one lyric, "One man betrayed with a kiss," oh my heck the way he says 'kiss' kills me every time.

Be Still My Soul - I love this one because I just know the deep connection David has with the song, and how it's the closest song to understanding David's decision to go on a mission. There's a certain divineness that can be felt throughout the whole song, and David's voice is just amazing as usual.

I love this entire album. From the B in Beautiful to the period at the end of BEGIN. There's not one song on the album I don't like. These are helpful, easy-listening songs that David obviously chose for a reason. This album will cheer you up and even give you a confidence boost when needed. It's probably his best album vocally, and honestly one of my favorite alums of David's so far.

BEGIN. buzz, reviews and tweets from friends!

The Salt Lake Tribune

The Washington Times

The Record NorthJersey.com

Idol Chatter

Disney Dreaming

CarterMatt.com

Recording Connection

BTS pic from Kari; Forevermore review in MYX Magazine; Q102 Ultimate Fans poll

A nice random post on this lovely Monday! :)

Found on Pinoy Archies, Forevermore review in MYX Magazine:

David made it to the next round on Q102's Ultimate Fans poll! Vote!

Edit:

My Kind of Christmas Tour Review from Pam Pike!

David Archuleta - My Kind of Christmas Tour Review

When you are in the field of creativity you lose track of time. Only the flow exists, and sometimes absorbed in the present moment.

As a musician David Archuleta decides how the feeling or interpretation will change as the song progresses. One can see the effects of a spiritual experience. His performances are ecstatic and as though he is totally immersed in prayer. He also has made certain decisions about the spirit and feeling he is trying for, but his actual moment to moment performance decisions are spontaneous. He seems to have the sense of escaping the normal experience of time.

The humility that he envelopes in the grips of such awe-inspiring aspects of creativity reveal his sensitivity to life's spiritual qualities. Great performances involve love and love is the essential component of every spiritual experience. We hear his love for the music in his singing. He conveys to his audience his feeling of profound respect and love for the music.

Nobody leaves disappointed. David has a wonderful stage presence, interacts well with his audience and most importantly provides perfect vocals on all songs new and old. Ah yes, the songs.

He kicks off the evenings with "Sleigh Ride" and if this and "Drummer Boy" are any indication David seems to be moving in a heavier, groove oriented direction which suits him very well. The new songs were well received by his faithful fans. Other highlights of the concerts included, "MKOC-Fa La La La", and a stirring rendition of "Ave Maria" continues to delight his loyal fans not to mention winning a new generation of fans.

He is amazing and demonstrates some new dance moves that excite the crowd. Cheers of recognition are immediate and the show is paced well. He has matured as an artist and is a dynamic performer.

The industry should stand up and take notice of the "new" David. A great show.

Yahoo! Voices

Irving Plaza MKOC concert review!

From Mindful Of Music:

Concert Review: David Archuleta - My Kind of Christmas
There is nothing like David Archuleta's kind of Christmas! After experiencing David's Christmas show Friday night at the Irving Plaza in NYC, all I can say is WOW. Pops songs, Christmas songs, old songs, new songs and even some poetry, performing in English, Spanish, Latin and French... what a show!!

David started the show with a fun, upbeat "Sleigh Ride" that got the crowd pumped and in the holiday spirit. David's first set held a mix of pop and Christmas songs, both classic and original works. His take on holiday tunes like "This Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" were marvelous, one person even saying he sang it better than Nat King Cole himself. As for the pop songs, not only did David sing his new single "Wait," but he also sang a stunning version of the song "Climb Every Mountain," singing it in honor of children and the charity ChildFund he's sponsoring while on tour. David performed the song better than ever, hitting some unbelievable notes and showing his passion for the lyrics.

When David came back out for his second set, he was dressed in a festive, black jacket and scarf, and was strictly in Christmas mode, singing songs like "Pat-a-pan" in French and "Riu Riu Chiu" in Spanish. But that wasn't the only Spanish song of the night when David called kids onto the stage to read them his adorable "My Kind of Christmas" poem and then have a "party" on stage as he sang his new, original song "Fa La La La La." David explained that he was going to introduce everyone to some of his holiday tradition, singing this half English/half Spanish holiday tune as he played maracas and danced some Bachata! That song definitely showcased David's kind of Christmas and was one of the highlights of the night. Toward the end of his set, David took it down with slower ballads like a cover of Amy Grant's "I Need A Silent Night," as well "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night," two songs that David has perfected in the past and didn't cease to amaze once again.

Ending with "Silent Night," it didn't take long after he left the stage for the crowd to start chanting his name, and finally David came back out for one more song, "Little Drummer Boy." This last performance would have gotten a standing ovation if it wasn't already a standing room! Between David's smooth voice and the rock tempo added into the song, this performance was already great, but that was before the ending. David turned around toward the drums, picked up some sticks, then ran back to the mic, raising his sticks in the air and hitting another amazing note before running back to the bass drum and banging on it. This drummer boy left the crowd cheering and me speechless as I couldn't help but think of how far he has come and how much confidence he's gained with his performances.

 With a variety of music for everyone, lots of surprises and Christmas spirit throughout the concert, that was by far one of the best shows I've ever seen.

Randomness!

David's in the Seventeen Magazine Latin edition, Credit to awwwrchuleta:

New Pandora video; 'What Would Brian Boitano Make?'

Credit to DissonSkatingShows

Eastern Iowa Life:

MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR featuring David Archuleta:
“Glad Christmas Tidings” (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)
Rating: 3 1/2 stars

I admit I was rooting for David Cook over David Archuleta in the 2008 “American Idol” finale. It was nothing against Archuleta; I just thought Cook was more “Idol” material.

But Archuleta, a Utah native and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is in his element singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

For me, the true meaning of Christmas is best reflected in the choir’s beautiful and moving arrangements. Archuleta brings traditional songs such as “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger and “Angels from the Realms of Glory” to a new level with his clear tenor voice.

Thanks to Janey for the find.

Glad Christmas Tidings CD review!

From Mindful of Music:

Celebrate Christmas early this year with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's new holiday album Glad Christmas Tidings, featuring David Archuleta, out today!

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir alone is uplifting and full of holiday spirit in tracks such as "Three Dancing Carols" and "A Christmas Roundelay". But if that's not enough, David Archuleta lends his voice to half of the songs, and as some have said, David's voice was made for Christmas music. Already having released his own Christmas album, this year David's back with his take on some different holiday tunes like "The Cat and The Mouse Carol" and "Los Pastores a Belen" in Spanish, along with classics like "Joy To The World" and "Silent Night". David always has a majestic yet joyful sound to his voice when singing holiday songs, and there's just something about David singing along with the MoTab Choir that's, and this may sound cheesy, but magical.

This album will captivate you and get you right in the holiday spirit, even if it is September! In my opinion, it's never too early for Christmas music!

TOSOD review in New Straits Times!

You can read what it says HERE

David Archuleta - There's Something 'Bout Love

In July 2010, David Archuleta fans were treated with the release of his new single "Something 'Bout Love". Off of the highly anticipated second album, The Other Side of Down, the long-awaited "Something 'Bout Love", which David co-wrote, was greatly worshiped by David's fans, being listened to and talked about nonstop. The upbeat pop tempo and meaningful message in the lyrics along with David's stunning vocal, what's not to love about the song? Fans believed it was going to be a hit when it was finally released to radio, but instead was highly underrated.

Not too long ago, I watched back David's performance of "Something 'Bout Love" from Skate For The Heart that I had recorded on my DVR. As I listened and became captivated by the song, I couldn't help but wonder what happened, just months ago. It was eminently reviewed and was considered the perfect summer song, and instead of being the hit it should've been, it was completely overlooked. So now, let's give the song the recognition it deserves.

"Something 'Bout Love" - As vague as the title may be, the song has so much more meaning and depth. Throughout the song, David describes a situation that most go through, having trouble with love. But as the music video explains, not necessarily a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Instead, David makes it clear that even though it has it's struggles, there's something about all love - a boyfriend/girlfriend, a friend, a family member, etc. - that you shouldn't give up on.

David sings the song almost like he's aching for the person he's talking to, while still having an assuring, motivating tone to his voice. It's obvious David deeply connects to the song while he sings it, putting the perfect emotion in every part of this song, all while showing an extraordinary range to his voice. Singing these insightful lyrics, trying to really get his message across, all in a cheerful and swift song. As up-tempo beats are usually unusual for the balladeer, this new sound makes the song all the more intriguing. And David definitely pulls it off while he gets his message through to people as he lures them in with the favorable, fun beat.

This song has it all - upbeat tempo, motivating, relatable lyrics and incredible vocals. Though the song didn't do as well when first released, it's never too late to bump it up and shock the synthetic incongruity-craving society. Prove that a good song with encouraging lyrics can make it way to the top, towering over the popular, incoherence that the music world has most recently become. Either way, "Something 'Bout Love" shines in the fans' eyes as it's only a glimpse of David's prestige that is shown in his entire album.

Associated Content

The meaning behind the SBL vid

Ok I know this is really old but I found it tonight and thought it was really interesting and worth posting.

From The Voice:

There is so much I love about the new Something ‘Bout Love music video. The first two videos he did for Crush and ALTNOY were fine, but they didn’t move me. This video does. It expands my heart. It has depth and meaning and subtle messages to intrigue and make one ponder and wonder. In a world of videos that are shallow, empty, and heartless, I just find that altogether wonderful.

The video begins with the camera taking in just his shoes as he strolls a sidewalk littered with crushed petals.

We are invited to walk in his shoes, to understand a little more of who he really is inside. The next moment reveals a full-on face shot and it’s not the smiling face to which we have become so accustomed. It is the face of a man who is intensely engaged in a purpose. The stride is confident and relaxed but very deliberate. It is as though David is saying right from the start…“I will be taken seriously as an artist and I am not all rainbows and sunshine. Deal with it.” Yet despite this, light refracts into rainbows before him even while shadows play against his face and the tera cotta wall beside him. This kind of subtle dichotomy is present throughout the film.

Before the video was made his answer to a tweet requesting he make this into a dance video was:
“The message in the song isn’t really about dancing though lol. It’s more heartfelt. Kind of odd how they are different.”

It is odd and he plays on this theme of dualism, light/dark, left/right, pain/pleasure, despair and yet the over-riding truth that love is worth all we suffer for it.

“The video and the song are about people who are feeling a little down and a little alone … and just feeling a little frustrated with love or their situation in life. Even though you might feel down with love, there’s something about it you shouldn’t give up on.

aceshowbiz

The camera soon pans to a wide shot and there is a huge white arrow painted on the wall beside him that is pointing in the direction he is walking. The message here is that moving forward is the only way past the pain.

A boy meets the barrier of a tall fence, and without hesitation, surmounts the obstacle and moves on. A train speeds forward.

David wears his watch on his left wrist when he is outside alone which he curiously switches to his right wrist when we see him later that night at the party. He is asked about this on twitter and replies “Yep it actually was intentional.”

It is interesting that in his seven minute Ramblin’ Man vlog, posted shortly before the release of the video, David is wearing a titanium bracelet, called an Equalibryum. On the website it claims these bracelets are more than a silicon band but, “like armor for the soul,” designed to “regulate the body’s bio-electrical energy flow giving you an edge.”

equalibryum

I wonder if his wearing the titanium bracelet in the vlog was a clue to the meaning of the intentional switching of the watch across the body. To clue us in to the message that positive energy has a healing effect.

From an article by Victoria Anisman-Reiner, “Wear Your Watch on the Right Wrist
Protect Your Heart: Common Sense and the Left-Handed Heart Meridian” dated Apr 4, 2007:

“If you’re right-handed, you probably wear a watch on your left wrist. You might consider switching, however, when you consider the impact that your watch’s battery can have on the health of your heart meridian and, ultimately, on your heart. The heart is one of the 14 major organs and systems in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each of these organs has a corresponding meridian, a line of energy flow through the body that becomes strong or weak in tandem with that body part. In healing a weakened organ, the energy of the related meridian is used both to diagnose the health of the body and as a means to begin to strengthen it“.

naturalmedicine

Perhaps these two events are unrelated and as someone later tweeted to the person who received the reply from David that it was “intentional,” it may simply be that “my guess about @DavidArchie and the watch switch – He always Chooses The Right – like CTR”
Yet it is telling that immediately after we see the change of the watch to the right wrist, there follows a girl painting a heart on paper that, with the addition of time and help, becomes by its very largeness, a strong visual statement, the image of a strong heart.

It is at least a possibility that in a video about strengthening weakened hearts and spirits that these “intentional” symbols are meant to convey the message that healing can occur if one avoids negative energy and stays positive and hopeful.

At any rate I love that he has made a video that encourages this kind of thoughtful speculation. I love that the video is not all romantic, bubblegum fluff. When I read the advertisement for the cast of the video: roller bladders that are capable of astounding feats, an ethnically ambiguous, edgy girl, I thought it would be just that. Somehow I think David may have exerted his will a bit to make this video reflect what he feels about the song, which is quite different from mere youthful, summer fun. I have noticed that in his own quiet way he gets respect, simply because he won’t give or accept anything less. It was only a matter of time before this same quiet insistence on validation, on being valued and respected, would carry over to his vision for his work.

Two examples that have David’s signature all over them is the scene with the small, lonely boy who is invited to play basketball by the bigger boys. The other is the young girl stooping to help an elderly woman who has dropped her belongings. Romantic love is not the only kind that is missing in people’s lives. Loneliness is not confined to only those who have loved and lost romantically, but is a daily part of many lives and if you are human you have experienced these feelings at one time or another. The moral is clear: It often takes very little to gladden a heart.

Poof made a very insightful comment about the video: “To me, David is not looking sad, but intense. He seriously wants us to listen to the lyrics and his mood fits the lyrics. The contrast in the happiness and pain in relationships goes back and forth quickly in this song. I think David does a great job of expressing those two sides. I especially love the “look straight in your eye” when he is talking about the “scared in the night” part of the song. (One my all time favorite, IMPORTANT, lyrics I have ever heard) David was, I say it again, stunning.”

There is so much more. The light bulb at the end of the dark alley, the alleyway itself where he stands alone with one hand on a ledge, the exuberance he displays when hope rises in the end,

the celebration and finally, a smile when someone hands him a cell phone that literally delivers “Joy” in the form of his dear friend. The smile makes its return and is more welcome for being lost to us for a little while. Only for a little while. That is the real message of the song, that our joy will be with us “in a bit” if we will only hang in, hang on; it’s gonna be alright. From those first slow steps to the ramped up passion in his expressions and movements to that last heart-stopping smile, he takes us with him for the ride of our lives.

I found the watch theory the most interesting. lol

"He sparkles and shines like a star in heaven"

"Don't Let Go" from David's Debut Album at first hearing was not my favorite song. I only listened to this song when the entire album was playing while driving to work or around the house catching up on my Archie Duties! But a funny thing happened one night at one of David's concert; it hit me that this was one of the most edgy melodies and trades vocal gymnastics for pure power. It serves well to display the purity and power of his golden vocals. The heartbreak in his eyes and body language give us an insight to the passion he feels when he sings this song. It is now one of my top song choices.

His face revealed such intensity and on occasion while watching him he sparkles and shines like a star in heaven. My heart and head sometimes spins with memories of the first time he sang "Heaven" and how much he has developed as an artist. Whenever I read a post from a fan that just saw him in concert I am jealous that I wasn't there to see what they see. He belongs on stage that is his home now. In a sea of faces I can only hope he sees his most ardent fans and knows his music has touched us hypnotized and mesmerized us.

David Archuleta just gets better and better with experience and still has so much more to show us. David puts me in mind of that Dream-Sickle we would get from the ice cream truck as kids. As you enjoyed the outside layer you knew in time you would reach the inner core and the best part was savored until the next Dream-Sickle was experienced. I can't wait for the next experience.

Fans around the world are waiting for David Archuleta's 2011 Concert Tour and are willing to travel to far off places to attend his live events. Nothing can really compare to the experience of watching David perform right in front of you surrounded by cheering fans.

Associated Content

"Senseless" reviews

On January 6, 2011, a song that didn’t make it on David’s debut album leaked. The song is called “Senseless”, written by James Fauntleroy, who helped pen another one of David’s songs, “My Hands”. And this song is a little bit like it. With an R&B vibe, showing David’s rougher voice and his sensitive side.

The song is about a girl breaking up with him, and how he can’t handle it. It’s making him senseless. This song seems a bit extreme for David, considering he’s said he would never act this way over a girl. It seems like that’s why this song didn’t make the album. It’s a lot like “She’s Not You”, another reject off of the debut which was leaked last year. Both songs show a more vulnerable David, going crazy over a girl, and that’s not the way David is. Though he puts a lot of emotion into this song when singing it, it’s pretty obvious he doesn’t connect to it as well as others.

So if the question is whether this song should have made the album, I’d say no. It’s a great song, and David sings it amazingly as usual, putting the right emotion where it’s needed, but it’s not “him”. It’s a lot more believable to hear David sing about touching fans’ hands rather than things like this. Fans would much rather want to hear the real “David” in his songs rather than him singing a good song just for the sake of a good song.

Teen Ink

David Archuleta Loses It In Unreleased Track “Senseless”

It feels like 2008 all up in here, with David Cook and David Archuleta duking it out for America’s attention. Well, okay, not really. But work with us—it’s January. Two days after Season 7 American Idol winner Cook posted a new video clip featuring songs off his upcoming album, along comes an unreleased Archie ballad called “Senseless.” It’s not the most exciting thing the 20-year-old A Fine Frenzy fan has ever turned out—who knows, maybe it’s only a demo—but you can give it a spin below.

We’ll give Archie an A for effort on this one. What do you think? Should “Senseless” have made the cut on one of his albums? Or is it better off left on the shelf?

Idolator

Other reviews:
Disney Dreaming
Just Jared Jr
Neon Limelight
Jsyk.com

Nothing but praise

David Archuleta performs 'Falling Stars' on Kaleidoscope skating show

David Archuleta was the guest on the Kaleidoscope skating show in San Antonio that aired tonight on FOX. The entertainer performed 'Falling Stars' in front of an audience that was delighted to see the American Idol runner up. He also took to the stage to sing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” A show for the awareness of cancer survivors, the perfect moments had everyone watching the ice.

The holiday week has been extremely busy for David Archuleta as he has been on the road performing nonstop over the weekend including his work nightly over the weekend with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Giving a grand performance that no American Idol winner or runner up has ever been challenged to, Archuleta has heard nothing but praise.

The week ahead appears to slow for Archuleta who is going to be taking time to be with his family and enjoy the holiday season. While you might have missed the Kaleidoscope skating show on FOX, take a moment to watch it again in the video clips highlighted in the video box. It is definitely worth it!

Examiner

Beauty Addict 101 faves TOSOD!

Click HERE to watch the video! She starts talking about TOSOD at 13:25 :) She says that TOSOD she definitely be on the charts. Couldn't agree more ;)

"incredible vocal performance" in Celtic Christmas!

She gets a little help during the one-hour special from guests David Archuleta, who stops by to duet on “Silent Night” and an impressive “Pat-a-Pan,” as featured on his own holiday set “Christmas From the Heart.” Country singer Mark Wills appears to duet on “Little Drummer Boy,” and former Celtic Woman member Meav joins on “O Holy Night” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

As a whole, “Orla Fallon’s Celtic Christmas” is still recommended as a perfect backdrop DVD for the holiday season, offering a stunning-looking Fallon performing both traditional and non-traditional Christmas fare with friends, including an incredible vocal performance from Archuleta. Just remember you probably won’t need that companion CD as well for the studio versions.

All Headline News

Disney Dreaming reviews CFTH!

David Archuleta “Christmas From The Heart” Perfect For The Holidays

All the sudden it turned from November to December and we automatically pulled out our David Archuleta “Christmas From The Heart” CD to play for the remainder of the month!

David’s amazing holiday album released in 2009 and includes a number of popular holiday songs sung by the ever impressive American Idol star. David even co-wrote a new track for the album, titled “Melodies of Christmas.”

Here is the track listing for the album:

1. Joy To The World
2. Angels We Have Heard On High
3. O Come All Ye Faithful
4. Silent Night
6. O Holy Night
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas from David Archuleta & Charice Pempengco
8. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
9. Pat-A-Pan
10. What Child Is This
11. Riu Riu Chiu
12. Ave Maria
13. Melodies of Christmas

Our favorite songs on the album are “Pat-A-Pan” and “Riu Riu Chiu.” What are yours?

Read our David Archuleta “Christmas From The Heart” Album Review.

Disney Dreaming

COS Review!

This is a review of Chords of Strength from Teen Ink:

When first asked to write a memoir, David rejected the idea, thinking he was too young and would have nothing to say. But after some thought, David decided to pursue it. He thought it would be a good way for his future kids and grand kids, and even his fans, to know his story straight from him. It would also be a way to get his own thoughts straight, his years of journal writing now paying off.

David’s book, Chords of Strength: A memoir of soul, song, and the power of perseverance is David’s whole life story, from times before he was born, up until now. But it’s not just your basic memoir. Chords of Strength is an uplifting and motivating book, written to inspire everyone to go out and achieve their goals in life. That was one of David’s goals with the book, and he definitely achieved it.

The first line of the book is: “I have no idea why I’m doing this, but I know I need to be doing it for some reason.” That was also David’s last entry in his journal before he went off to Idol. It applied then, and it still applies now. David makes it very clear in this book that the only reason he auditioned for Idol in the first place, was because of his strong faith in the Lord. Most books that discuss religion are to convert. Not this one. David innocently speaks from the heart about how He has always been with him all through his life, through the good and the bad, and how He still influences him today. It’s not pushy, it’s plain pureness.

Not only does David get into the big topic, but he discusses the lighter ones, such as how he was raised to become the person he is today. Though his faith was a big part of it, another big influence on who he is has been his family. David explains both of his parents’ and even grandparents’ backgrounds, and how their musical history influenced his love for music. Which leads into another big part of this book…

The music. Some might think the chapter “School of American Idol” is all about David’s journey on the reality show. Really, it captures life changing moments David experienced while watching the reality show in it’s past seasons, from the performance by Tamyra Gray that changed his life, to singing in front of Kelly Clarkson at just the age of 11.

The title Chords of Strength has two meanings. The first, the obvious, the strength that is in each chord of music, for David, and for everyone. The second, being sort of a pun, David’s past vocal paralysis. The chapter “Bumps In The Road is mostly about David’s time on another reality show, Star Search, when he was 12 years old. During that time, David had fell ill with bronchitis, the flu, and even appendicitis. Having to sing while being so sick, it eventually wore out of his vocal cords to the point where one became paralyzed. David says in the book “When you’re someone who loves to sing, “vocal paralysis” are not words you ever want to hear.” Throughout the chapter David confides about his feelings when he was diagnosed, and how his faith and spirituality helped him through the hard times, including a time where he felt like he would never sing again, and how a part of him was missing.

While this book explains in various detail David’s upbringing and the challenges he’s faced in his life, the most inspiring part is when David explains how he gets through the hard times, how to stay positive, true, and how to always keep the faith. The beginning of the book was all about how David achieved his dream, and at the end he tells you how to achieve yours, and this book is perfect if you’re willing to take what David says to heart and act on it. It could be as big as becoming a singer, or as easy as planting a tree, one of the comparisons David makes in the book. This book is a motivating and enjoyable read for anyone who wants to start making positive changes in their life, and succeed at their goals, while learning a thing or two about David Archuleta in the process.

He's Back and Better than Ever!

Hey all you “Arch Angels” (David Archuleta fans self given title,) Archuleta is back with his new single “Something ‘Bout Love” and it’s pretty safe to say this American Idol Alum is back and better than ever.

Archuleta’s new single is extremely easy to dance to, but has a sweet and romantic meaning.

Archuleta has an extremely easy going voice, that is sure to make girls hearts beat faster all across the world.

The song, comes off of Archuleta’s new album The Other Side Of Down that came out on Oct. 5.

If this track is any sign of how the rest of Archuleta’s newest album this one is sure to be a hit much like his other albums.

After coming in second on the seventh cycle of American Ido,l Archuleta debuted with his first self-titled album, which was released in November of 2008, creating hits such as Crush and Take My Hand.

Archuleta, being one of the youngest American Idol contestants ever has appeared on television shows such as Hannah Montana and ICarly.

Be sure to pick up your copy of Archuleta’s newest album The Other Side Of Down, in stores now.

Moon Valley High School's Rocket Reporter

David's Taking a Big Step Forward All the Way to The Other Side of Down

My review of TOSOD has been posted on Teen Ink:

It was back in September 2009, just days after his wisdom teeth removal, when David Archuleta headed to Nashville to start the writing process for his second pop album. Now, over a year later, the new music has finally been released. David's new album, titled The Other Side of Down, in which he co-wrote 10 of the 12 tracks, came out on October 5th, 2010. For most artists, the second album is the most crucial. Either a big step forward, or a big step backward in a singer's career. In my opinion, David's taking a big step forward all the way to the other side of down.

Just by looking at the CD cover, you can tell David went a completely different direction with this album. Going from almost a death glare on his face, to a smiling David leaning back on a chair, it’s pretty obvious that this album fits his personality better. He has said that he wanted this album to introduce people to David Archuleta, and I think he did just that.

The fun, quirky "Elevator" and the deep ballad "My Kind Of Perfect" are only two examples of how this album is more "David". "Elevator" was apparently written in 30 minutes, and is about a dream David had, where he didn‘t know which floor to get off on. Though many different opinions flew around about this song, I'd have to agree with the ones who gave it a thumbs up. Even if the song is very simple, there's still so much hidden meaning to it. It’s not necessarily about elevators going up and down, it’s about life. How it’s an endless ride and things are always changing. A dream become reality, and it’s a creative song when you really pay attention to what David’s really saying.
"My Kind Of Perfect" is a cute ballad, which David described to be about his future "perfect". David's sensitive and soothing voice will just captivate in this song, and the piano just adds to the adorableness.

In other tracks, such as "The Other Side Of Down" and "Who I Am", David talks about himself, and all of his doubts and concerns with life. Though a complicated title, "The Other Side Of Down" is a really meaningful song when you understand it. Basically what he's saying is that he needs to stop worrying in order to get to the other side of down, which is up, which is another way of saying he needs to think of the positive side. It's almost grammatically incorrect, like his old single "A Little Too Not Over You", yet it really makes you think.
For "Who I Am", David explained that on his way to that day's writing session, he got stuck in a cab for 2 hours, which gave him time to get his creative juices flowing. "Been two hours in a taxi cab, I'm just driving around and I'm running a tab, But it doesn't really matter, no I'm not getting mad, It's ok cause I know where I'm going". This is one of the realest songs on the album, where he's just trying to figure out who he really is as a person and as an artist.

Then there's the more inspirational tracks, like "Complain" and "Things Are Gonna Get Better". "Complain" is one of the two (the other being the ballad “Falling Stars", written by two of the writers who wrote David‘s hit “Crush”) that David didn't pen, but it definitely sounds like David could have written it. The song talks about how even if you don't think things are going too well, you still can't complain, because look at all you that have. David has said those exact words numerous times, and now it's been put into song.
"Things Are Gonna Get Better", the most inspirational song on the album in my opinion, has a gospel feel to it, and in it David mentions numerous situations that everyone is in at some point in their life. Feeling hurt, making mistakes, losing a loved one, etc. But the most important thing is that you need to move on, because, according to the song, things will get better. Though it may not always be easy to believe, I think the song really makes you think about your life and the way you may be looking at it. For the time you're listening, it really makes you want to keep thinking "things ARE gonna get better".

Other popular tracks on the album are "Parachutes And Airplanes" and "Stomping The Roses", two very well written songs. "Parachutes And Airplanes" (my personal favorite) is a song that really makes you wonder, with it's playful beat and random lyrics. "Thinking about parachutes and airplanes". Just take a second and think about parachutes and airplanes... Does it make you happy? It makes me happy. If it didn't make you happy then you should listen to the song, because it's one of the most creative, uplifting songs on the album that really makes you think.
"Stomping The Roses", written by Bryce Avery, then touched up by David himself, is a fun and catchy, yet very realistic song. It talks about someone in your life who just continuously hurts you, therefore, they're stomping the roses. It's very relatable, especially the line "One of those complicated soap operas, I almost felt like I was watching myself", at least to me anyway.

So all in all, if you add in "Good Place", the song written about David's career, and the upbeat “Look Around”, about how you should always look around and realize everything you have in life, David's new album really shows you the way David looks at life, with fun, motivating, and different songs. This is something David’s first album didn’t quite accomplish, but I think he’s in for major success with this one.

Let me know what you think!