David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.
Why am I grinning? Because David just followed ZZ Ward on twitter. I was unfamiliar with her work but it is so deliciously Adele-ish. Bluesly, soulful, and with just a touch of sedge. I just made that word up to denote a combination of sexy and edgy, but it’s also an actual word that means a plant that grows in wet ground. And this here is wet ground for dem dry bones to do some serious growth. As much as I like his uncovered work on the red CD and TOSOD, pop music is less adapted for him than the rich environment of this earthy medium. I think his voice was created, breathy vocal paralysis be praised, for this type of music. How many of our greatest singers have roots deeply planted in the soulful, spiritually rich soil of hymns? He is growing. He is a growing force that, I predict if he goes this direction, will be unstoppable.
In the article “David Archuleta and the Blues,” I mentioned the bare bones, soulful artistry of Son House.
“Most blues artists play the guitar but not all. Whether on guitar, or like Ray Charles on piano, the blues is limited only by the soul that can hold it, like Son House, in just his hands.”
Here is Son House singing, “Grinning in Your Face.”
After watching a few of ZZ’s videos I spied this gem. Her cover of Son House’s “Grinning in Your Face.” I hollered so loud at so many places in this, I’m surprised all of cyberspace didn’t hear me.
If the fledgling, sedgling David Archuleta nutures growth in this direction, y’all ain’t even begun to hear me holla.
I wonder how many writers have typed those exact words.
My own thoughts lately have been about reflecting on where the last six years have taken me as I follow the career of David Archuleta. From being completely off my radar, to being the most talented singer I have heard in decades. Here I am so many years later, still a big fan as well as helping to run a fan site. He is so worth it. I surely did not know that watching a TV show would change my life in so many ways. It’s all due to the joy that I discovered in a young man’s voice.
At times it has been exciting as well as confusing to follow the career of a celebrity from his first big break on “American Idol.” We want the best for him, yet it gets frustrating when the forward career movement seems to go so slowly. Every singer has to start out someplace. Having the opportunity for national exposure is about the best jump start a young singer can have. Yes, it takes talent to get noticed, but it take more than that to succeed in a very hard business. I do miss the excitement of appearances, radio station interviews, red carpet events. I learned that no one can sing patriotic songs better than David. How I loved to bash (on fan sites) the DJ’s who try to trap David into some crazy responses. I always felt that he would have a successful career and that it would most likely be a slow progression for him as he found his way with developing a style, as well as find his inner voice.
After Idol it was a frenzied existence trying to record a freshman album in the midst of a hectic tour. I often wondered where he found the energy to fit in so much work in so few hours in a day. I just had to be present for all the shows, in spirit. Fond memories of late night crappy cell casts from a fan’s cell phone over a web cam are now a thing of the past. Video has improved so much and cell phone audio is very good now. So, things do get better! It’s truly the fans who have brought David’s performances to us more than any other means. Many thanks to those who watch a concert with one eye on the lens!
What I wasn’t prepared for was a two-year break for a mission for his church. There are now less than sixty days until Elder Archuleta’s mission is complete. I began to think about the possibilities that await him. I wonder about what he put on hold back in 2012 and what he will be doing once he has readjusted to his new life back home. He may face a few social changes such as remembering to speak in English or realizing that he no longer has a companion to shadow his every move. It has to be a culture shock to return to his old life, just as it was when he first arrived in Chile. I try not to project my wants and wishes for the career direction he may take, but one thing I do know is that he is ready to sing on stage again. I saw this with my own eyes. He can hardly contain the desire to move and perform. The search for a sound is something he has expressed in video blogs. Where does one find their sound? Maybe it is something you discover by trial and error. David has shown his ability to interpret a song and deliver a refreshing new twist. From watching videos released by the LDS Church, we have seen only Spanish versions of some classic songs. What I noticed as well is the diverse style that David brought to the songs he sang, even though they were classics that I have heard sung in a certain way. As an example, he sang “Little Drummer Boy” in a whole new way from how he performed it in his own My Kind Of Christmas Tour. Jaws dropped as he raised the drum mallets and declared his ownership of the song. Equally effective was the recent version of “Little Drummer Boy” starting with snare drums and his voice front and center, then adding in flute and violin as the song builds to a crescendo. That’s what I like, always a surprise or twist to a song.
It was a pleasant surprise recently to see some activity on David’s official site. A simple thing such as a contest to win a scrap of his MKOC stage backdrop has given fans a spark of excitement that we needed. It is a confirmation that they are gearing up for his return in the spring. Most anticipated is the music. Spanish artist Enrique Iglesias has expressed a desire to work with David. This would be an opportunity for introducing David to international audiences that may not be as familiar with his music. I have seen tweets from Victoria Horn, who has been a collaborator, mentioning that she will see David soon. Knowing it will take time, maybe a year or more to have some original songs, I am fine with that.
Singing aside, if he has some contracts that were set in motion before he left, so be it. David has proven his ability to step outside of the music. He has what it takes to be an actor or a model, as well as a great singer. One has to balance the artistic with the practical when it comes to a professional career. Nothing worth waiting for can be rushed, especially something that has to flow from within your heart and soul.
Take your time David Archuleta. I will be here, there and everywhere as your fan.
Abrra,Very sorry to intrude but you know I–had-to-do-this after that last sentence of yours. Especially with the celebration of their 50th anniversary this week. Angelica.
For it seems that missionaries who left for their missions on the day he did are scheduled to return on 2/10/14 or 3/24/14.
And then there is this tweet from Lady V a few days ago.
This is all speculation of course. I have no idea where in the world David Archuleta is right now. But I hope he’s in the air somewhere flying home at this very moment.
Because that thought makes me smile a very happy smile.
Let me start by admitting that I know as close to nothing as you can get about the technical terms in music. I just know what I like and this song falls into the category of, David songs I really love. It makes me want to take a course in music just so I could talk about it in the proper terms. But since there’s no time for that, I’ll say it as simply as I can and hope you get what I mean because as far as I’m concerned, this song deserves special mention. It is beautiful and sweet and light and airy. It gives me chills and makes me want to dance.
From the first notes, “Heart Falls Out” makes me smile. It begins with a fuller sound rather than with the simpler, acoustic type beginnings in some of David’s songs. I love the way they used synthesized sounds, adding techno effects and drums that almost feel like a heart beat. Somehow, that drum beat forms a connection to my own heartbeat and makes the music feel like it moves through me.
The first notes he sings are just ‘ohhhhhh, ohhhh noooo.” Oh, boy! When he’s just making sounds, with no words, it feels like it’s pure emotion. Right there, he has me hooked and the rest of the song just keep pulling me along. As he begins singing the lyrics, you hear his beautiful, pure, clear voice, then the auto tuned part kicks in and seems to duet with him.
I was actually a little surprised at first by the auto-tuning effects on his voice. Some may not like it but I personally love it. I think the mix of auto-tune with his normal voice gives a wonderful mix of textures to the vocals. I think it actually makes his natural, organic voice stand out more and I seem to react stronger to his voice in those places where it appears in the song, like at 2:03 and 2:15-2:25. (Would you just listen to the rich velvety tone of his voice! Gahhh, gorgeous!)
The rhythm: Maybe it’s because I’m a dancer at heart that the rhythm appeals to me so much. This song has such a beautifully smooth, silky sound, a slightly faster tempo, and an almost sensuous dance rhythm to it. Even when I’m sitting in a chair or sitting in the car listening, I can imagine how I would move to it on the dance floor. The feeling is heady, almost intoxicating. I want to just breath in the music. *sigh*
One more thing I need to make note of is the background vocal track. I’ve always been a fan of his background vocals because they seem less “rehearsed,” more raw and emotional, and I think this is where David truly shines. I am a big fan of the riffs and runs David adds to live performances and the background vocals sound like the same thing. They feel spontaneous and real. If I could change one thing on this song, it would be during the last 1:30 of song. The volume on the background vocal is too low for me and I find myself straining to hear it. I would love to hear what it would sound like if the volume on that part was turned up enough to sound like a duet because those vocals are what capture my attention and reach out to me.
The combination of all these things, along with so many others that I don’t have the expertise to even try to describe, makes this an outstanding song for me. If I have time to listen to anything these days when I’ve been so busy, it’s this song. It’s been on repeat since it downloaded from iTunes.
I love this song. And when I say I love this song, I really mean it. Love, Love Love. It’s a keeper and will probably remain at the top of my playlist for a very long time. Kudos to David, LadyV, and the producers for doing an amazing job on this song.
By the way, if anyone reading this has any control over the contents of the vault this came out of and find more like it, please feel free to share. 🙂
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The Voice David Archuleta 