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
Tom, in a few years from now you will be so glad, no, make that, PROUD that you wrote this review of David, because I guarantee you that this kid is going to be a phenomenon. Heck, he already is. As a former DJ, I can honestly tell you that this guy is like nothing I have ever seen or heard in the last 20-30 years... and I am dead serious. I don't know what it is about David. I can't quite put my finger on it. But I don't need to. I have always trusted my insticts and uncanny ability to predict which new voices on the music scene would go on to have successful careers. For me, this one is a no-brainer. Everyone: David Archuleta is headed for SUPERSTARDOM. And the thing that really blows me away? He is only getting started.
Posted by: Neil | November 12, 2008 at 08:25 PM
David has a wonderful voice, It makes me cry or smile, he is the only singer who can make me feel this way.. Thank you david
Posted by: rosie | November 12, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Congrats to David's parents for raising a young man with values and talent. I feel confident that these values will take him far into the music industry. He is just what this country needs in these trying times to prove to teenagers and upcoming artists that you don't need to sell sex, drugs, and violence to sell your talents. Tom, you are a winner as well!! KP
Posted by: KP | November 12, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Finally, there is someone who really understand whats music all about and critique the CD ALBUM constructively and not have their EGO take control over it - just bcoz they have a paid job as a "MUSIC JOURNO".
I NEVER EXPECTED DAVID CD ALBUM TO BE THIS GREAT ! ALL SONGS ARE REALLY BEAUTIFUL AND I WOULD SAY: THIS KID IS GIFTED AND HAS A GREAT VOICE AS A SINGER TO BE RECKONED WITH FOR THIS YOUNG GENERATION OF THE 21ST CENTURY - CONGRATS DAVID, YOU DID A FANTASTIC JOB!
Posted by: Sam Lim | November 12, 2008 at 07:33 PM
You made my day!!! I feel David Archuleta isn't getting his due. Thank you for your positive review and word of hope to us die hard fans :D
Posted by: virtue | November 12, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I am more than happy with David's first album. When I am not listening and singing along with him, I find myself humming one of his tunes. Thanks for recognizing and acknowledging his wonderful talent just as his fans of all ages who appreciate him, just as he is, and his gift.
Posted by: goboywonder | November 12, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Thank you for your great review. Finally someone who knows musical talent. David is so gifted. His music has brought much happiness to so many people and has also brought alot of people together who are now friends. David is not only a great artist but he is also a great person - one of the kindest, humblest and genuine person that I have ever met. David is a rare gem!
Posted by: gloie | November 12, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Tom, you have been added to the 'one who can hear' list. Great and honest review.
Take that world!
Posted by: panamom | November 12, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Yeah, I can see why the critics, like August Brown from the LA Times, would want to hack David Archuleta up in their reviews. Here is a extremely talented kid, with a great voice, who just may be one of the nicest and most sincere persons on the planet. Hell, the kid even has the audacity to put out a pretty darn good first CD. By all means, critics unite! Stop this kid now! There is just no place in the music business, or on the planet, for the likes of the talented and gracious David Archuleta.
Posted by: Brewster | November 12, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Hello everyone! I have read all the comments you have written here about this fantastic young singer named DAVID ARCHULETA. I am a Honduran guy and I am a Journalist, but I feel kinda angry when I read those critics coming from some colleagues. Maybe there is something behind of their words... something dark and stinking like their hearts (if they have). I have been following David's career since he was into the competition (AI), even publishing some articles about him since he's "Half Honduran". I am sure he will get success more than he already has gotten. Thanks for writing this article and for your kindness. GO DAVID, YOU ROCK!
Posted by: Joel | November 12, 2008 at 03:59 PM
thank you for the nice article. i love david archuleta. i got his deluxe album from itunes and buying his cd this weekend. hooray to the archies!
Posted by: fay | November 12, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Amen, Amen, and Amen to all of the positive comments on this site. David is one in a million and those of us who live in reality can see and appriciate that. Thank-you for your insight in this article.
Posted by: Ruby tuesday | November 12, 2008 at 02:05 PM
You are great, Mr. O'Neill! Bravo! Thanks to you and to the Billboard reviewer for recognizing the flashes of musical genius in this kid. Critics should leave him alone and let him try to become a pop singer. Why not? He has a great voice and impressive musical instincts. Plus, he's only 17; he's got plenty of time to grow.
Posted by: Charles | November 12, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Thank you for your nice article it was very nice. I my self am not a young teen . But I love David Archuleta and his singing makes me smile some times cry. David took over my heart and soul on AL.David is the perfect Idol in my book.He is humble, genuine, talented, fanatic. He would never say any thing bad about any one. He loves life and everyone. If all our children could be like David what a nice world we would live in.
Posted by: virginia | November 12, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Thank you! great review that sees david's album as it's meant to be.
Posted by: jess | November 12, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Your timing could not be better! (I guess I'll put the swords and arrows away for a bit!) I can't believe how hard some of the critics have been on David and you have made me feel SO much better by reminding me of the 'history of critics' and how often they reject anything they don't understand (which makes me question if those critics have a heart beating inside of them!)
I believe that David Archuleta will have a long and successful music career and has only begun to express all the music he has inside him.
Like so many others here, I have never cared so passionately for any other artist. I look forward to following his career (and tours) for years to come.
Posted by: Karen | November 12, 2008 at 12:45 PM
THANK YOU !!!! We love David , and is very dificult to explain why we feel 17 everytime we see and hear him sing ....
Posted by: MAsbonita | November 12, 2008 at 12:35 PM
DITTO!! Thank you for an intelligent review. David Archuleta is a gifted musical artist who can last the distance--because of his talent.
Awesome first album! Many awards to come!
Posted by: natasha | November 12, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Thanks for a great article! It was just what I needed. The cynical reviews were grating, especially when they attacked David personally. How could they? He's one of the sweetest, most endearing and gorgeous human beings God ever made. It irks and pains me when they hate on such a sweetheart.
And the album! I'm loving it! Have been listening to it 24/7. I enjoy all the songs. My favorites besides 'Crush' are 'You Can' and especially 'To Be With You'. He pours such emotion into that last song that I can't listen to it without crying, and I can't stop listening to it.
BTW, David has me listening to music again after a lapse of 20+ years. For me, that's profound.
David is fabulous. Hugely talented. I predict nothing but well-deserved success.
Posted by: Karen | November 12, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I guess the fact that this article makes no comparisons to Donny Osmond is a *good* thing. Donny had a hard time shaking his teeny-bopper image as he got older. I think Archie's first effort shows that his music will be able to mature along with his personality.
Posted by: BrentW | November 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM
After reading the snarky review in the W. Post this morning, I appreciate this review so much. I'm happy that you are a reviewer who appreciates a potentially great singer, and that you are also not afraid to write it. I'm afraid that most of the reviewers ARE too afraid to acknowledge that a 17-year-old might not just be "lil' David", and that he might also appeal to music lovers other than 10-15 year old girls. I'm a thirty-something rock fan who is now a proud Archuleta fan.
Posted by: Kelly | November 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I am an older fan...lets say 60 something!!! I have not enjoyed music for more years than I care to count!!
David's beautiful voice and endearing personality has brought my husband and I so much happiness!!! He is such a rare find( "gem" )in our music industry and in our world. Is it any wonder that the world is falling in love with this young man! We have been craving his musical artistry and wholesome character!! Those who would find satisfaction in attacking David's persona...are clearly heartless! If you can't like David A., I think you would find it hard to like anyone!
David is a role model for all ages.....and guess what...he is a musical genius as well!!!
Thank you so much for the thoughtful nature of your article!! Clearly you have written with much insight and appreciation of David's talent and appeal!
Posted by: GMAX4 | November 12, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Spot on review! This kid has got mad talent and we are all destined to see him up at the podium picking up grammies in the future that's for sure.
Posted by: Joner | November 12, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I am a middle-aged grandma of 5 who absolutely loves David Archuleta and like millions of other David-lovers I have been looking forward to 11 November for months. But I just knew the majority of so-called music critics would give David's CD a thumbs down. I don't believe their criticism has anything to do with David's vocal abilities--no one in their right mind can deny his talent--but the fact that David is only 17, gorgeous, clean-cut, gifted, shy, humble, polite, modest, unassuming, intelligent and deeply religious. How many teenage boys can you say that about--especially in the music industry? David refuses to compromise his values in order to "fit in" to the music world and the music world doesn't like it--and neither do the critics; artists such as David make them uncomfortable and they can't be honest to save their lives because it's "uncool" for a man to admit that he thinks David Archuleta is terrific. But it doesn't matter because the only opinions that count are those of his fans and we are completely devoted to him and will buy any CD he puts out, not just because we admire him as a person but also because his voice is emotive, soulful, beautiful and unique. There is only one David Archuleta! So, Tom, thanks for a positive, upbeat article--a refreshing change. I'm looking forward to David's future CDs when he has more of an input in the final product, I think he did pretty good in the short time that he had to record. The critics might as well get used to David Archuleta because he's here to stay. Once again, Tom, thanks for being objective and honest!
Posted by: lulu | November 12, 2008 at 12:01 PM
THANK YOU!! You understand, feel, appreciate David Archuleta's unique, amazing, incredible talent!!! I believe the other so called "music critics" didn't really listen to David's album. So much can be said about those people and their review, but it's not worth it. They will never change my mind about how I feel about David. David's first album is AMAZING! every single song is awesome! and to think he did it in such a short period of time, on his days off during the American Idol tour; that proves how amazing David Archuleta is!! and David suffered from vocal paralysis and he has such an amazing, powerful, beautiful voice....for me, that's a miracle! He is also an amazing human being. "GRAMMY GALORE"....definitely!!! I believe David Archuleta is a music legend in the making! (I'm 42 and I love, admire, and respect David Archuleta).
Posted by: sdb66 | November 12, 2008 at 11:55 AM