David Archuleta's future revenge: Grammys galore?
Take heart, David Archuleta fans. Just shrug off the ridicule and insults being heaped on your hero by cynical music journalists now that Archuleta's debut CD is out. You knew it was coming. It doesn't mean they're right — or that David Archuleta will not get ultimate revenge.
Music journos tend to be guys with a desperate, inexplicable need to prove their masculinity by trying to assassinate anybody who croons great schmaltz. Remember how they tried to lynch James Blunt just for the audacity of singing "You're Beautiful" so well — and meaning it? These are the same dudes who have to go into loud gagging fits whenever they hear a Celine Dion song.
Well, Celine has won five Grammys, including best record ("My Heart Will Go On") and album of the year ("Falling Into You"). Blunt ended up getting five Grammy nominations, including best record and song ("You're Beautiful") and new artist of the year. He hasn't won yet, but he'll be back. Blunt and Archuleta sing the same kind of fiercely romantic music that earned Grammys in the male pop vocal category for others who've taken beatings through the years too: John Mayer, Michael Bolton, Barry Manilow, even Justin Timberlake (at first).
All of those chaps don't whine in their songs about "me, me, me," but they enthusiastically sell their adoration for "you, you, you." As the Vulture blog at New York Magazine points out, 11 of the 12 songs on David Archuleta's debut CD are addressed to "you." Smart.
Also, the songs are truly smart, as musical compositions go. "Crush" — the CD's first single spinoff — is a terrific, well-crafted tune, like other winners on the disc, such as "A Little Too Not Over You" and "Barriers."
The point is this: David Archuleta's debut CD proves that he's got the right song formula plus the perfect vocal chops to sell his broken heart. Even some music journalists think so. Happily, one of them wrote the review of Archuleta's CD for the music industry trade bible Billboard: "Most teen Disney heroes have got nothing on David Archuleta. The 17-year-old who was one of the most exciting 'American Idol' contenders has one of those once-in-a-decade pop voices: A silky tenor with a natural melancholy that makes him a heartbreaker by default. His charming debut exploits that very quality with some strokes of pop genius."
Photos: Fox TV
David,
When are you going to have a show in Las Vegas? Can't wait to see you here in Vegas.
Posted by: emil | March 22, 2009 at 10:43 PM
I'm so glad that you like the CD!! Some of those other critics really have been harsh. Finally, someone thinks David's CD is good!! I agree with you, he's great and he will go far. I never even considered Grammys, but now....... I really hope he wins one!!!!!!
Posted by: Chelsey | November 15, 2008 at 03:53 PM
I just spent the last hour reading all the postings about that wonderful review by Mr. O'Neill - thank you for that, you are a man of integrity - and, of course, listening to David's CD which I bought the day it came out and have listened to over and over again every day since. It is amazing that his voice has affected so many other people the way it has me. I mean, the urge to smile and also to cry on some of the songs. I am not a young girl and thought it was sillly of me to feel that way but now know others feel like that too. I wish my daughter would meet a young man as honest and genuine as David instead of all the rocker losers she keeps ending up with. I agree with gg (november 13th posting) I feel David Cook used his brothers illness to get votes. The tears and this brothers initials on his guitar appealed to many to vote for him over the obviously more talented Archuleta. I can see a bright future ahead for Arch and I am a dedicated fan for life.
Posted by: barbi | November 15, 2008 at 02:25 PM
It has really pained me to read the personal assaults that have been aimed at David. David is such a loving, caring, forgiving, strong, hard working young man with values that is rare in people today. This is a seventeen year old child who has shown more class than the adults who call themselves critics. I have never read such trash in all my life. David deserves better. He is truly talented, but does not brag nor is he egotistical. He remains humble and thankful for the blessings he is receiving. He is great to his fans, always acknowledging them every chance he gets. Because David is difference in a good way, he has been targeted by the media who would rather heap praise on stars who are drug addicts, sexually inappropriate, engage in crude language and behavior, and are the worst role models for our youth. Why not give something positive a chance for a change = David Archuleta. We love David and will have his back always. Thanks so much for this positive review for a very deserving young man. An avid David Archuleta fan...
Posted by: Lady Bug | November 14, 2008 at 04:03 PM
David has voice that makes my heart warm and brings me to tears of joy. A gift from God and kudos to his parents for raising such a wonderful boy. May he always
stay the same, sweet and unaffected.
It is a pleasure to have him on earth. He touches a feeling deep inside that is hard to explain.
I wish all good things that come his way in life.
Posted by: dorothy e rhodes | November 14, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Love the CD...songs are catchy and David A's voice is amazing and smooth. Can't wait to see and hear more of him. Tour? It's hard to imagine that he will ever die out.
David A. 4ever!
Posted by: Gloria | November 14, 2008 at 07:16 AM
hello Archie,, how are you???
I hope your always fine.....
Posted by: usman natanael | November 13, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Thank you for the wonderfully positive review. David is a stellar talent that will stand the test of time. His fans know that he is more than just a pretty face; his physical attributes are just a way to get the ones who are clueless to notice. He has the talent to keep their attention once they take a look! WOW! This is the best CD I've EVER had, and I'm not young! It makes me want more, and I have a feeling I'll be wanting more the rest of my life. Great music! Genuis song writer too!
Posted by: Amy (in VA) | November 13, 2008 at 07:20 PM
david archuleta's album in stores go and buy it,keep your support on david archuleta, the real american idol.
Posted by: librado | November 13, 2008 at 06:15 PM
It is great to see that music critics and those in the music industry appreciate David Archuleta's immense talent. I truly believe he possesses more talent and vocal ability than most "singers" nowadays. I can honestly say everyone of the songs on his debut album is great. And it doesn't even show everything he is capable of. That leads listeners and fans wanting for more and he'll deliver, I guarantee it! I can see awards being showered upon him for Crush, Barriers and A Little Too Not Over You. Musical artists better line up quick and fast to sing duets with Archuleta. This kid as a newcomer would be enough to revitalize or start their careers.
Posted by: Victor | November 13, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Thank You for the NICE review of David's CD...It is indeed a Pop Genius...and one of the BEST out there...and with a VOICE like his...PERFECT!!!
Love all the songs...But my favorite is "Somewhere Out There" it is a bonus track from itunes..
Posted by: MJ | November 13, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Mr. Tom O'Neil, It is so nice to read your comments re: David Archuleta. You have great credentials and it was a pleasure to see an honest and sincere critique. Thank you for recognizing David's fantastic abilities. His self titled CD is a "Vocal Masterpiece". Thank you!!!
Posted by: Judie | November 13, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Hey Fans, please buy and gift David's album if you love him. Success is the best revenge!! I am 21 and tired of today's so called music and the dudes who dudettes who like it. I wish more guys were like David HOT, talented and a decent human being! Congratulations on your first album David! You ROCK!!
Posted by: Tired of Today's Music | November 13, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Mr. O'Neil thank you for your genuine and affectionate reveiw of David. True, other critics have been extrememely harsh in their review of our David and that is their right to express themselves. However, it is ashame that their musical insularity attaches them to a specific genre and nothing else. The way David speaks to the musical souls of a worlwide audience is all that matters. A handful of petty remarks will certainly not keep the masses from buying David's album and supporting him for years to come. I'm sure David's career will shine on long after these mercenary bloggers and critics have their day jobs. Stand proud David for you are Grammy material!!
Posted by: LoneStar Fan | November 13, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Tom ONeil, I'd have to say that I was sort of critical about his CD. Only for the reason that I know how far David can go with his voice
and talent. However, after buying his CD, I am totally enthralled with this music. My bad! Those critics will do the same and regret their comments. If they have'nt already.
I love it! I can't go a day without hearing "The Sounds of David" Hey pretty catchy there. Maybe that should be his next title
ha ha. Anyway, it so appears how the music industry has failed in their selected talent. Why? David fans who have responded including me
have hungered for so, so
long wonderful, beautiful
music from someone such as David Archuleta. Yes, It has taken that long
for someone being sent into this world for this assignment to relieve a musical hunger from real talent. These days there is
twisted music and it makes it difficult to listen to. Thank you for your insight in this major talent
of David Archuleta. AI literally did him wrong and to handle the title to someone who was and is not truly worthy of AI title
is shameful. On the AI producers, judges and Cook. How could cook live with himself, knowing that
this title never belonged to
him. Only because he promoted his brother to gain pity votes and of course his hard core fans
found a wicked way to gain those votes along with the help of AI producers manipulating
the system. Shame, Shame on them. Now,
David will be justified for
the true talent that was to
be selected. He is also
absolutely one to look up
to. Cook, is your typical hard rocker without morals and integrity no matter how he has fooled
the world to thinking he
truly cares for others. It's
all an act. My point. David
IS the TRUE American Idol
and the world knows this.
Oh, and those critics are
more than likely Cook fans.
Seriously.
Posted by: gg | November 13, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Yes I agree this album is terrific! I enjoy every single song on there, and it is great to read this article beacuse I think David has many Grammy's coming his way!
Posted by: Francisco | November 13, 2008 at 07:17 AM
OMGOSH, a positive critique of David and his music from the L.A. Times and also a positive critique from Billboard Magazine, what more could David and we fans ask for. These journalists that seem to verbally attack him probably after hearing 32 beats of one song should quit their day job. Having lost my own son 8 years ago this Christmas, I thought my spirit and excitement for life had gone with him. Then I turned on Season 7 of AI, Week 1, heard the voice of an angel, such that I have never heard before and I have been excited ever since. My son died at age 26 and I am 67 y/o. David could be my grandchild and I couldn't be more proud of him if he were.
Posted by: Linda Weaver-Pettingell | November 13, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Thank you for the great write up on our very talented, heart melting David. I'm glad there are more people out there that are finally getting it. He is incredible and he is here to stay!!!!
Posted by: Mary | November 13, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Dear Tom,
Thanks a million for your positive review about David A. After being so tired with negative review from other reviewers from EW; Boston Herald etc., reading your review is like enjoying a cool fresh breeze. You are very true with your review. Give David some more years, he doesn't have to be 25 years old to be huge because right now he is soaring already. His CD is quite amazing for 17 years old guy, with no experience in recording, with such a sort time period, who never work with a band before (except during AI of course). I listen again and again his songs and I'm getting more and more admiring him. Stay humble David!!! Once again thanks Tom for your understanding and nice review!!!!!!
Posted by: asma08 | November 13, 2008 at 07:02 AM
If talent and artistic interpretation wins Grammys then David Archuleta should get ready! His voice is a gift and he already has a master-class ability to use it! When he sang Imagine on AI I knew he had something I wanted to hear for years to come. I hope the entire music community will open their hearts to David and that he will continue to share his amazing gift with us.
Thank you for the positive outlook. You are so right about everything you said and I applaud you!
Posted by: karenkid | November 13, 2008 at 05:23 AM
Did you see the reception he got a Virgin Records in NYC? David is a world-wide phenom.
Posted by: Gracie | November 13, 2008 at 05:17 AM
Wow!This is very true...David is a HUGE star!He's got fans from all over the world...I wish him all the success...Stay grounded David!Don't ever change...By the way, I LOVE his album:)
Posted by: JaneSA(Philippines) | November 13, 2008 at 05:14 AM
Thank you for getting / understanding what David Archuleta is all about. He is just amazing and his CD/album is awesome. I agree that I think men can't put their machoism aside to really sit back and enjoy David's music (and youth). I am an older David Archuleta fan and I lived through Beatlemania and Elvis ... and for me ... David Archuleta has touched me as no other artist has. He is even more amazing in person -- and is so good and appreciative of his fans. I know that I will be a fan 4ever and am enjoying the ride and having fun.
Posted by: ArcheyFan | November 13, 2008 at 04:53 AM
Be very careful going out tonight.. someone may try to assasinate you ,because you were so kind to our dear David. We just feel that David is something that we have been thirsting for.. for a long time now. He is so refreshing..and he wears his pants where they should be worn. He actually sings songs that young children can sing a long to and you don't have to cover their ears. Thanks for being a very brave soul and going against your constituents. Thank you for being on Davids side. Thank you for having great ears..Thank you for giving us hope,
By the way, I am also old enough to be his granny, how many other musical artist can say that their music is listened to (and enjoyed) by such a vast audience? thank you again.
Posted by: Sandra Guidry | November 12, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Thank You for such a positive review of David's new CD. As fans, we take it personally when negative reviews are written because we have taken him under our wings (angel wings. ha ha) . We are there with him in his journey because we believe that his music can change the world. It has changed so many lives from the young to the old from all over the world. We need more sweet music and you found it. Thanks
Posted by: CindyAZ | November 12, 2008 at 09:55 PM