Like many people, I made my first acquaintance with David Archuleta’s new single, “Something ‘Bout Love,” almost two weeks ago. When I first heard the “snippet” that was initially made available, I thought that it was OK. After listening a couple more times, I liked it a little more, or perhaps subconsciously more than a little more, because while I was at work a day or so later, I became aware that I had a song stuck in my mind and then realized that it was the chorus of David’s new song! It kept coming back throughout the day, too, so I’d definitely have to say that the song succeeds in the catchiness department.

Once I saw that it was possible to hear the full song online, I gave it a listen. I guess that I was not prepared for what I heard or the reactions it would provoke from me, but by the time I had listened to the whole thing, I was left shaking my head in puzzlement, disappointment, and exasperation. As you can see, it has taken me quite a while to finally try to express my thoughts about the song, which may be unfortunate for all of us, because, in the intervening time, some ideas have changed a bit but many more have also presented themselves, so this article has become rather lengthy.

I will start by saying that I have no problem with the song itself. “Something ‘Bout Love” seems like a perfectly nice pop song to me. I like the fact that it has positive, encouraging lyrics and that it’s quite melodic. The chorus, in particular, is very memorable and, as I said before, “catchy,” and I’ve found myself mentally singing parts of the song quite a few times over the last couple of weeks. So, I would offer my congratulations to David and his co-writers for having created a good song in “Something ‘Bout Love.”

What I do not like, though, is the style in which the song is being presented. I just do not care at all for the heavy processing and production that were used. I am not a fan of electronic music sounds in general, and you won’t exactly find me listening to dance-club style music, so I wasn’t crazy about the driving beat of the song or the synthetic sounds in the background, but I could have probably accepted these things if they were limited to the accompanying instrumentation. However, I especially dislike the use of computers, “autotune,” and other technology to modify the human voice in songs. Apparently, this has become quite common, as I’ve heard it fairly often from guest performers on American Idol and elsewhere, but I’ve never understood it’s appeal. If everyone wants to hear that type of sound, why not just load the words and notes into some program and let the computer do the singing on it’s own? While it strikes me as odd to do this at all, to me, altering David’s beautiful and distinctive voice in this way is absolutely ridiculous and borders on musically criminal. (Sorry — you’ll just have to allow me a little hyperbole on this occasion.) I realize that it’s only heard in some parts of the song, and it didn’t actually stand out as obviously to me after the first time I listened, but I have to wonder why on earth it would be done at all. Why do anything to make such a warm and vibrant voice capable of conveying such emotion sound more cool, mechanical, and distant?

I don’t know if the electronic/synthetic background accompanying the vocals influences the way that I hear them, but, especially as a first impression, the delivery of the verses almost sounded a little emotionally detached. The contrast in this regard once the chorus begins is quite striking. Actually, even in “Crush,” I thought that there was too much processing, etc., although not to the extent of this new song. My favorite part of that whole song was the “See, it’s a chance we’ve gotta take…” section, because it seemed like a much more sincere, real, and natural moment breaking through all of the (to me) heavy production of the rest of the song. And, while I did like “A Little Too Not Over You” from the last album quite a lot, I was not a fan of the sound of the introduction, which I recall reading had been added to make the song more “radio-friendly.” I mention those things in an attempt to provide a little context for my view of the current song, as I guess that I’m reacting to the single not just on its own terms as one song, but out of concern for what it might indicate about the future direction of David’s music and career. As I mentioned, I thought that there was too much of an overprocessed sound on David’s first album. While I had no expectations, I was hoping that the next (and any future) albums might move away from this toward a more acoustic and natural style of music. Instead, the new single struck me as a big leap in the other direction, filled with synthesized, artificial sounds. I did take note of the fact that David said in one of his pre-July 4 interviews that the single might not particularly represent the rest of the album, so there’s still a glimmer of hope that the album as a whole will be something (in my opinion) better, but who knows?

Even if that would turn out to be the case, though, it seems to me that the single is the vehicle for David and/or his label to present to the world the kind of artist that David is and will be. Is he going to be a synth/dance-pop performer, or more of an acoustic singer-songwriter of meaningful songs, or something else entirely? I really don’t know that someone can truly find long-term success trying to jump around among vastly different styles of music. Rather than pleasing everyone and impressing them with the singer’s versatility, I think it’s more likely to make people, even though they may enjoy some of a person’s songs, think that the singer doesn’t really have a musical identity or at least doesn’t really know what it is. (I realize that I just probably sounded somewhat like Kara and the other American Idol judges, and I’ve usually not particularly cared for it when they’ve lectured contestants about the need to “show who they are as artists” when the singers are on a show where they have to sing cover songs from assigned themes/genres/artists. However, at some point, especially when a performer is making his or her own music, I think that their point does have some merit.)

I understand that David has chosen to pursue pop music, while I personally wouldn’t mind hearing what he could do with some nice art songs by Schubert or Brahms. Still, aren’t there varied styles of “pop” music, including some that are acoustic, and hasn’t David at times said that most of his favorite artists are in that category? Or, does “pop” music, at least today, have to consist of a more manufactured product, with more natural sounds and “real” instruments being found only in other genres? Hmm… David does seem to like Nashville a lot. Maybe he’d like to give country a try. (Yes, I am joking about that. Although…)

All of that being said, after getting used to the song a little and hearing David earnestly explaining its message on multiple occasions, my feelings about the song have evolved and mellowed somewhat. I have tried to look at the song on its own merit as it is instead of focussing on the things I’d prefer were different about it so that it would (in my view) better showcase David’s voice and singing. I have also tried to listen past the off-putting electronic edges to listen to David’s vocals with a more sympathetic ear, and I was able to hear some more “heartfelt” expression, especially in the second verse (as well as the chorus, which I always felt was the best part of the song and which, not coincidentally, seems to be much less processed-sounding.) I can also appreciate that there is actually good singing going on underneath all the other layers of noise. If I look at “Something ‘Bout Love” just as a song, rather than as David Archuleta’s new song and the first single from his upcoming album, I can acknowledge that I like it much better than a lot of the other current pop songs that I’ve heard (which, admittedly, isn’t actually that big of a group of songs…) However, since it is David’s new song, as a fan of his voice and singing, I still can’t say that I’m happy with the single’s sound.

Also, while I’m trying to look at “Something ‘Bout Love” as positively as I can, I’ll try to do a little something on its behalf by writing about something else that also concerns me. As I’ve already mentioned, when David has talked about his new single in interviews and in his video blog, in addition to mentioning that it is a more up-tempo, “radio-friendly” song, he has spent a lot of time talking about what the song is about. He has explained that it concerns the fact that, although people can go through frustrations and tough times due to love, they still should not give up on it, because there is something about love that really is worth it. Communicating the message of the song to people seems to be important to David. However, I’m not sure how much attention listeners are giving or will give to it. I wonder if perhaps the style and sound of the single might actually hinder it’s meaning from being heard. I could very well be completely mistaken, but it seems to me that a lot of people listened to “Something ‘Bout Love” and just heard a fun dance song, and might not be paying attention to the words very much at all while they bop around to the heavy dance beat. Shortly after the song debuted online, someone sent a tweet to David asking for a dance video, and David replied that the song isn’t about dancing, but is more “heartfelt.” There are really some pretty serious lyrics in the song referring to people experiencing some very difficult times (with broken hearts and being torn apart, etc.) So, while “Something ‘Bout Love” may be an uptempo song that ultimately has a positive message, as a whole it is not a totally carefree, happy-go-lucky dance party song, but I think that that that may be all that many people get out of it. (I’m also wondering how a group of young people having a good time skateboarding at a park is connected to the song, but I guess that I’ll have to wait to see the video to find out…) I have no idea whether the finished product of the single is exactly the way David and his co-writers always envisioned the song or not, but I do think that the whole song, musically and lyrically, would be better served with a different presentation. After all, a song can be uptempo while utilizing guitars and drums rather than synthesizers, and I’d think that people could still move along to a song without needing a driving superimposed beat to “tell” them to do so. And again, most importantly, especially if one considers the lyrics to be an important part of a song, I think that the voice conveying those words should be allowed to come through as clearly and authentically as possible.

Now, as I know, I’m far from the most appropriate person to give opinions about David’s songs. I’ve never been a “pop” music devotee, and after reacting the way I did to my first hearing of “Something ‘Bout Love” a couple of weeks ago, I wondered if perhaps it was time to just be quiet, leave it to those of you who do like this style to listen to and judge David’s music, and stick to listening to country and classical and other such styles. That notion didn’t really last too long, though. How could it when the last two weeks have been filled with so many nice interviews with David, a couple of great video blogs, and David’s lovely performances at the Capitol Fourth concert and the Tejano Music Awards? So, while something about this song’s sound and style and what I fear they might portend does rather break my (musical) heart, there are still so many things about following this fine young man’s career that are encouraging and worthwhile that I won’t be giving it up any time soon and will just keep hoping for the best for the future.

The quotation opening chapter four is “Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure”–Napoleon Hill.

Two months after “The Magical Weekend,” David returned to L.A. for a “Star Search” audition. Sadly, he didn’t receive a call back.

David did, however, get chosen for the second season. He won his division to become the Junior Vocal Champion. Later he went back to the show for the “Battle of the Champions,” but he didn’t win.

Before returning to Utah, David recorded a demo song called “Dream Sky High.” He and his father talked to some producers and lawyers about the music business. Despite success on “Star Search,” it was still a little too early for a record deal.

During the year David had many health problems: bronchitis, appendicitis, and a chronic cold. When the chronic cold worsened, David saw a specialist who informed him that he had a partially paralyzed vocal cord. Basically only one vocal cord was moving, and that was why David had been struggling with singing, talking, and breathing.

The two options to help were surgery or vocal therapy. Since the surgery could have caused him to lose his singing ability, David chose the therapy.

Occasionally David sang a little at events, but mainly he worked on getting good grades. He also thought about college.

On page 85 he says, “Though I was having fun at school with my friends, it was also kind of depressing because I felt like I had somehow lost a little piece of my identity.” David thought that maybe his vocal condition “…was a test from God.” “With that in mind, I tried as hard as I could to see the bright side of things by being grateful for the fact that at least both of my vocal cords were not damaged, and that thankfully, I could still speak and sing a song or two now and again” (page 86).

Commentary:

In chapter three David said that he went to the “school of ‘American Idol.’” I’d say that he also went to the “school of ‘Star Search’” because the show influenced his life in several ways.

“Star Search” was the perfect training ground for David’s later experience on “American Idol.” There were three judges watching his performances and scoring him. The audience at home could rate him and have a say in the results too. The show also gave David personal experience in dealing with the emotional aspects of competition–fear, excitement, discomfort, and guilt.

I noticed that some more interesting coincidences appear at this time.

While on “Star Search” he competed against two other singers who would go far on “American Idol.”

David’s first demo song was “Dream Sky High,” a song about angels. He would eventually record two other songs about them, “Angels” (by Robbie Williams) and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

David got to perform “Dream Sky High” for Pioneer Day at Abravenal Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah. Five years and two albums later, he would open his Christmas tour in that venue.

For me it was very difficult to read about David’s vocal paralysis. I empathized with his vivid descriptions of the whole experience, and I’m grateful that David let us in on that painful time. Not only did his revelations explain more about what happened, but they also remind us that there was no guarantee that David would recover. The outcome could have been different. Although I’m sure that he would have made a powerful impact with another talent, it’s somber to think that the world would have missed out on David’s special gift of song.

This chapter shows that David is in many ways the same person he was in his earlier years. He allows the joy of music and song to overcome the stress and fear of performing. He compliments fellow competitors and feels bad when they’re eliminated. He focuses more on his own performances than the competition itself. He feels like the people who win over him deserve it, and he’s just happy to advance as far as he can. He makes the most out of all his experiences and tries to learn from them. He appreciates the opportunities he’s given, and he tries to find the positive side to everything that seems negative.

Have you had similar experiences in overcoming a medical condition? What are your views on competition and life? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Continue to follow the Chords of Strength book discussion.

Chapter three starts with this quotation: “The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings”–Ralph Blum.

Following David’s win at the Utah Talent Competition, the Archuletas and the rest of the world were introduced to a new TV show called “American Idol.”

David discusses many things that he learned from watching the show. He discovered the power of singers’ performances. He researched the different songs he heard on the show and got some musical history in the process.

During season one, he heard Tamyra Gray sing “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical “Dreamgirls.” Her soulful, emotional performance impressed David and inspired him to learn the song, which he later peformed on “The Jenny Jones Show.”

“The Jenny Jones Show” was his first big break on national television. There his next brush with “American Idol” occurred when he met AJ Gil, one of the first season’s top eight contestants.

After that, Jeff, David’s dad, took him on a trip to L.A. for a lesson and evaluation with vocal coach Seth Riggs.

On this trip David met the “American Idol” season one contestants, courtesy of Aunt Lauri. David sang for them in a hotel lobby. Thanks to a surprise from Jeff, David was able to watch them sing at the show’s finale.

Next came some revelations for David. He and Jeff made a few trips to L.A. and New York to see what could be accomplished musically. Executives and publicists thought that David was talented but still a little young. (Remember he was only eleven years old at this time.) “Learn how to play some instruments and learn how to write” (page 67) were the suggestions they gave.

So David followed their advice and tried to process everything that had happened to him. He says on page 68, “I couldn’t understand how or why this was happening and how I got to experience it all. It’s just me, just David.”

Commentary:

I was very interested in David’s stories about meeting his musical mentors like Natalie Cole and Tamyra Gray. When meeting Natalie Cole, he described himself as “being totally awestruck, starstruck, and freezing” (page 52). Upon meeting Tamyra Gray and the other “American Idol” contestants, he says, “My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, and in that moment I felt that I was very possibly the most nervous kid in the world” (page 60).

David’s descriptions amused me because they reminded me of many similar ones told by fans who have met him. He has said that he’s surprised by some fans’ reactions when they meet him. I guess David hasn’t yet realized that for some of us meeting him is like him meeting his idols.

David certainly absorbed as much as he could from “American Idol” and “The Magical Weekend.” Studying the show and singers like he did was the best preparation he could have had for his time on the show. He already had ideas of what he liked musically and in a performance.

I enjoyed hearing about David’s adventures after the “American Idol” season one finale. What are the odds of him crossing paths with Randy, Simon, and Paula and her commenting on the last line of his song? If only they all knew they would be interacting again in a few years!

David closes this chapter talking about belief and faith. On page 68 he says, “But at the same time I knew I also had to start believing that it was all happening for a reason.” This sentiment echoes his first sentence of the book: “I have no idea why I’m doing this, but I know I need to be doing it for some reason.”

I believe that David has learned so much from “American Idol,” his soon to be three albums, and the writing of this book that he has gained a better understanding and perspective of why he is doing the work he is doing.

Have you gotten to meet one of your idols? Have you been through times where you weren’t sure why you had to do something? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Continue to follow the Chords of Strength book discussion.

PS. If you haven’t gone out to buy Chords Of Strength, uhm, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Last Day in Washington D.C.!

Sadly, this was the last day of our trip. First, I got to have an interview with none other than David Archuleta from American Idol. He was super nice and so cute! I even got to meet his aunt. She was wonderful. I was feeling her ring because I love to feel jewelry. She gave it to me!! I cried! They said that we would keep in touch!! Then, I met Senator Sessions; he was so nice and even gave me a coin with the state capital on it. He even let me hold the National Championship helmet of Alabama’s victory. I even got to meet Mrs. Sessions. After this, we got to visit the White House. We got to tour all around. Of course, we had to go through lots of security but it was worth it. The house was gorgeous. They had different colored rooms!! Then came the most exciting thing of all. We got to meet President Obama himself. I even carried on a conversation with him and he knelt in front of me and shook my hand! Finally, we got to go to the Nationals game. To our surprise, we walked in on a red carpet and got trophies and a backpack full of National things. . . . Go here for the full story and to leave comments.

Thanks to John from Archuleta Avenue

As will be the case with each chapter, David begins with a quotation. Chapter one opens with “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”–J.K. Rowling.

“Pure Beginnings” describes David’s background and childhood. As he has said in interviews before, his family has shaped the person he is today. He goes into detail about his parents and grandparents and how they have influenced him. David discusses how much he has learned from them.

What David says on page thirteen summarizes his feelings about family. “To me, family is the center of everything. The people on both sides of my family have been really important in my life. They’ve taught me so much about what matters in life [,] and they’ve been my strength throughout mine.”

Then David describes his family’s many moves throughout Florida before relocating to Utah. He talks about being close to his parents, siblings, and two cats.

He mentions the activities he enjoyed. David spent a lot of time in the library learning about various subjects. He also liked rollerblading and watching the National Geographic channel.

Commentary:

This chapter illustrates the normal life that David had growing up. He paints a family portrait of his early years with his parents, older sister Claudia, younger brother Daniel, and then younger sister Jazzy. Sadly, a younger brother before Daniel was stillborn.

David was not born into a celebrity family, and he did not live in a gated mansion. Instead, he was born into a close-knit family who had love and music wherever they went.

I was struck by how many members of both sides of his family were involved with music. Whether it was his dad’s father who performed in a barbershop quartet or his mom who was a singer and dancer, music was prevalent throughout the generations. Maybe some of their singing abilities were inherited by David. Inevitably, music was going to be a part of David Archuleta’s life!

David has always stressed the importance of family, and he continues to do so in his memoir. Obviously he receives a tremendous amount of support and strength from them.

I was surprised by how much performing he did as a child. Although it wasn’t in a professional capacity, he did family talent shows and church events, went Christmas caroling, and visited hospitals and nursing homes.

David says on page 21, “Given our family’s love of music, my mom always treated our opportunities to perform seriously, working on teaching us harmonies for the songs and original choreography for each occasion.”

Seeing how early he began detailed performances in public, I would not have expected David to be as nervous and still as he once was on stage.

I think that the musical performances helped bond his family from the start. Everyone participated in something they enjoyed and had in common.

Even in David’s first few years, there was some foreshadowing of what he would do later in his life. At about four years old, he learned how to play the piano a little and then created some melodies on his own. Working on playing an instrument and composing music at four!

At the end of the chapter, David talks about the Boy Scout program at his church. He did not think he would make it to the Eagle Scout (highest) level. On page 26 he says, “I just never really saw myself as a leader.” Another obstacle overcome. Now look at him! David is working on leading his career and next album!

What are your views on family life? Can you relate to what David shared? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Continue to follow the Chords of Strength book discussion.

After finishing the book my overarching reaction is similar to what I feel after having spent deeply enriching, treasured time at a festive gathering with family and friends….a greatly anticipated time when I get to know them better, a shared sense of celebration counter balanced with the ups and downs of real life, an extended understanding of what has been going on in their lives resulting in a closer connection due to that one-on-one sharing.

I have a sense of what has been an irresistibly intriguing conundrum from the beginning of this fan journey, is now solved…and, a heartfelt appreciation of finally understanding the enigma of David Archuleta.

Not so much in terms of a lot of surprises, but in terms of having the ultimate luxury of reading his thoughts, ideas and conclusions rather than my own musings or others. Oh, yes, this high octane autobiography surpasses my expectations in terms of key to lock, “a-ha” style discoveries as David reveals in depth who he is and why.

Chords of Strength is decidedly the definitive look, primary source at that, at what David is about: his thought processes, his faith, his youthful zest, his values, his motivations, his challenges. Confirming, irrefutably, that David’s nature at its core is characterized primarily by the quality of true altruism in its purest form. And, all this is set out for our perusal in his own coherent yet uniquely rambling interpersonal style.

He shares generously with an authenticity, strength and a vulnerability that is both admirable and, at times, stunning in its honesty. There are also obvious boundaries of privacy he has determined and safeguarded.

His use of the words “love,” “soul,” and expressions of a myriad of tender emotions and deep fears is simply brilliant in its clarity, magnificent in its candor, and spectacular in its understanding of humanity for one who has graced this earth for 19 years.

And if anyone has been speculating otherwise, speculate no more…David is most definitely in charge, he has not only embraced fully who he is, but, also with complete 360◦ awareness that he is, indeed, the master of his own destiny.

The primary takeaway, for me, is a deep insight into David’s ever spinning balance wheel of spirituality partnered in perfect synchronicity with his well spring of eternal youthful optimism.

A happy, purposeful spirit whose constitution is comprised of vibrant, esoteric threads…threads woven from a rare understanding of the human condition intertwined with the elusive essentials of the Universe, the One, the Divine, which he voices with ardent yet sensitive certitude through his song and now his memoir.

Yes, this unique blend of qualities and artistry has captured the attention of my mind, heart and soul as no other artist before. And, what he expresses in his song, he has also now expressed in his memoir. And that written word is the keystone, for me, to understanding the often puzzling David Archuleta.

That mystery David discussed in having fans that don’t “know” him and are yet such dedicated fans was also a daily enigma for me too, just reversed. How could I be such a die hard fan of someone so young, someone I didn’t know and would never know as I do my family, friends and neighbors? Especially since this was not a path I had ever traveled and truth be told was not personally enamored to do so in any way, shape or form. Well, after this comfy chat, albeit in a one way autobiographical context, it is a mystery no more.

David’s words, his own narrative, says it all.

And as a fan, I wait, with enthusiastic anticipation, as David experiences more of life’s offerings, and forges with his music, what are in essence, exquisitely subliminal artistic keys…keys that unlock myriad new vistas and landscapes, that give entry to the universe of connection, brimming with what it is to live, to love, and to embrace all that life offers.

Bravo, David. BRAVO!

Associated Content has a very nice article about David Archuleta and his winning the recent Billboard.com poll.

DAVID ARCHULETA VOTED BILLBOARD’S BEST AMERICAN IDOL EVER

David Archuleta has been named Billboard’s Best American Idol Ever, beating Carrie Underwood 92 to 8 percent.

Archuleta considers this a particular honor because Billboard is “not just some teen website.” Archuleta checks Billboard regularly and reads the magazine. And given Underwood’s success, he was surprised and flattered to have received more votes.

“It’s crazy,” he says. “Carrie’s just so successful. She’s sold millions and millions of albums and she has a great voice and a great personality.”

David Archuleta Named Billboard’s Best American Idol Ever: Objective vs. Subjective

From an objective standpoint, Archuleta doesn’t have the record sales of Underwood or Chris Daughtry, an Oscar like Jennifer Hudson, or the time-tested longevity of Kelly Clarkson. Yet that may just be a matter of time. David is still very young.

And in a way, Billboard actually makes the distinction between established success vs. subjective appeal. In another Billboard poll that measured album sales, individual song sales, and radio play, Kelly Clarkson came in first place followed by Carrie Underwood.

David Archuleta Named Billboard’s Best American Idol Ever: Vocal and Musical Appeal

Still, it’s easy to understand why Billboard’s fans voted in droves for David Archuleta. While it may be tempting to write him off as a Disney teen, his appeal extends across all age groups. Teenagers, senior citizens, and adult contemporary audiences appreciate his sweet voice and genuinely humble demeanor.

Archuleta’s voice, talent, and versatility will contribute to his ultimately longevity as an artist. His radio-friendly voice suits pop, adult contemporary, and even R&B. And he appeals to Spanish-speaking markets as well, as seen in Somos El Mundo (We are the World). And having seen him perform at last year’s US Open finale, I can vouch that he sounds even more impressive live.

According to Billboard, David Archuleta’s record sales are nearing the one million mark (as of April 2010) and his ticket sales have hit 3 million.

David Archuleta Named Billboard’s Best American Idol Ever: Personal Appeal

And to top it off, Archuleta is a genuinely nice guy, and it comes across not only in his interviews, but also in his charitable work. Archuleta is a spokesperson for Do Something.org, an organization
helping teens who want to contribute to disaster relief.

And in January, he participated in a weekend-long to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti. He also provided MTV News with a soulful rendition of Kurt Bestor’s Prayer for the Children, illustrating how much this cause meant to him.

With his talent, enormous potential, and sweet nature, it’s no wonder Billboard fans named David Archuleta Best American Idol Ever.

Who agrees?

His experience was not easy, and I have often thought that David did not receive enough credit for everything that he accomplished.

Each contestant must learn to deal with the stress and pressure of selecting songs, performing on national television, receiving the judges’ feedback, being scrutinized by millions of people, and being covered by the media.

However, upon examining all the circumstances, David faced an additional challenge. Due to his age, he had the extra task of keeping up with schoolwork each week. David should be praised for managing everything he had to do for the whole season.

Some critics thought that David was not strong enough to do the show. They claimed that because he was young and shy that he would be unable to last.

Clearly, David proved them wrong. He bravely stood there alone on that stage to sing every week. He was responsible for his performance, one that was in front of a full studio audience. This was a performance that was also being broadcast live to millions of people.

Credit should be given where credit is due. David deserves all the credit in the world for coming back so strongly after his top 12 performance of “We Can Work It Out.” He courageously followed up the next week with a great performance of “The Long and Winding Road” that earned him praise from the judges.

David worked hard on improving each week, and he was never voted off the show. He made it to the finale and was named runner up.

The ultimate proof of David’s strength has been his enduring success. His popularity has grown since May 2008, and he has become one of the most popular “American Idol” contestants ever. Those are probably two huge reasons why David has been invited back to perform on the show every year since his season ended.

Then there’s his next big accomplishment. On June 1, David’s book will be released–a book entitled, most appropriately, “Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance.” That title is perfect for someone so strong in vocals and character.

Most of all, we hope to touch you with the soaring spiritual high that comes from grasping science’s central revelation – our oneness with the cosmos. ~ Carl Sagan

I watched the movie Contact based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 novel of the same name, AGAIN, a couple of weekends ago with the family.

For those not familiar, Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, astrophysicist and author who passed away in 1996. He was a Pulitzer Prize winner and author of many bestsellers, including Cosmos, which became the bestselling science book ever published in English.

The accompanying Emmy and Peabody award-winning PBS television series has been seen by a billion people in sixty countries. His ability to capture the imagination of billions and to explain difficult concepts in understandable terms was and continues to be a magnificent achievement.

Last year, as I was watching Contact I wrote about the movie and the “a-ha” moment it created for me, and, I have, in part, quoted some of that below. This time around it was just as powerful a moment when I watched it again this year especially in light of the upcoming release of “Chords of Strength.”

It was near the end of the movie that I was jolted into one of those super aware moments .… you know the kind where time stands still and your senses are on high alert, where you say “A-Ha” because you have just had a blinding flash of clarity.

What jolted me was the point in the movie when an explanation of an experience that had no concrete evidence that it occurred was made by the protagonist, Eleanor (Ellie) Arroway. She says at a Congressional hearing:

I was given something wonderful, something that changed me forever. A vision of the universe that tells us undeniably…how rare and precious we are. A vision that tells us we belong to something that is greater than ourselves, that we are not, that none of us are alone.

I had an experience. I can’t prove it. I can’t even explain it. But everything I know as a human being, that I am, tells me that it was real.

I wish I could share that. I wish that everyone, if even for one moment, could feel that awe…and hope. That continues to be my wish.

Ellie’s explanation of her non-empirical experience fleshes out metaphorically in a relatively few sentences the experience of this David fan journey.

And, as Ellie leaves the Congressional hearing she sees supporters with handmade signs. Signs that say: “Open Our Minds, Open Our Universe.” A-Ha…Open Our Minds, Open Our Universe—simple truth.

So, too, when I listen to the pure and beautiful voice of David Archuleta. David the-master-artist. That voice brimming with the subtleties of what it is to be alive. That voice that catapults one instantaneously to plumb the depths of so many emotions, so many vistas and landscapes that one didn’t expect to experience in a song. That voice that relentlessly draws one’s aesthetic sensibilities to the sublime.

Artists give and the art appreciator takes. So, we take, we take. We take away an awe, a heightened awareness of connection and of the joy of the human experience and of the universe, of being a part of something rare and precious.

And to meet fellow fans in that universe that we cannot prove empirically, that universe of connection, is an unexpected joy. The conduit is, of course, the music and the voice of David Archuleta.

And, now, I anticipate another jolt of super awareness, of connection, of a non-empirical, metaphysical experience, with the upcoming release of “Chords of Strength.” The excitement in the cyber fan community is palpable.

Imagine: “It’s just you and me.”

In his May 1 vlog, David said that he is excited and can’t wait for us to hear the new songs. He told us that we would feel him in the songs, that his ideas and feelings were included in them.

Obviously he is putting more and more of himself into his work. I can easily imagine him writing each word from his heart and putting some of his soul into every song.

The big question is: will any of David’s songs be selected for the new album?

I certainly hope so because David has spent countless hours working hard on all these songs. Plus, in reviewing the previously released songs that David co-wrote, they prove that he has talent in songwriting.

“A Little Too Not Over You” was the second single from the debut album. I think that it’s quite an honor that one of David’s songs was the second song chosen to be released. The song was a hit and got a video.

“Don’t Let Go” and “Somebody Out There” reflect David’s caring nature and emphasize supporting people in need.

“Falling” describes facing tough times and pushing ahead to get through them. The idea of the power of perseverance appears again. (If you are unfamiliar with this song, it was only available on the deluxe version of the debut album.)

“Works For Me” is an upbeat song about being yourself and following your heart. More wise and positive messages from David Archuleta! You could really feel and see his connection to the song when David performed it during the tours. When a singer truly bonds with a song, it’s obvious, and that bond improves performing abilities.

“Zero Gravity” turned out to be a very popular song and one that David really enjoys performing. The song was a fan favorite from the beginning, and I still don’t understand why it wasn’t selected for his debut album. Here’s another example of a song that David wrote, connected with, and performed extremely well. “Zero Gravity,” more than any other, enabled him to become more comfortable moving all over the stage. (Jump around, jump, jump, jump around!)

Credit: GenGen

David has already written seven songs and had at least one of them on each album. I hope the trend continues. I would like to see that number go to eight (but hopefully higher) with the next album.

to something as simple as trail mix:

.

I think that David is quite brave. Writing a book means a lot of soul searching, thought, determination, and strength. There’s a commitment made to words put on paper. Once they are printed, they are indelible. Once they are released, they are ubiquitous.

For a minute, contemplate what it takes to be a participant in the AFS community. A certain amount of bravery is necessary to be active. You must be willing to give of yourself and put yourself “out there”–whether it be writing an original piece as a staff member or leaving a comment as a reader. When your words are published, they are on record.

Now imagine that scenario on a global scale. Instead of your words being printed on one website, they are everywhere. You could walk into any bookstore or multipurpose store that carries books, and you would find your words on a shelf. Online stores would carry your words.

Numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites spanning genres and age groups would review your words and critique them (some more harshly than others).

Reporters and interviewers would ask you all sorts of questions about what you wrote, why you wrote it, how you wrote it, when you wrote it, etc.

Looking at published writing from that perspective makes you think, doesn’t it? David Archuleta is a brave young man to be releasing a memoir!

I do not take his endeavor for granted. I appreciate the hard work–both personal and public–associated with the book. I am thankful that David feels comfortable sharing more of himself with us because learning more about him is always a pleasure.

I have a feeling that when I reach the end of “Chords of Strength” and close the back cover, I will think of David as being even braver, more mature, and stronger than I do now.

This was written a year ago in May 2009.  It is the crux of this experience for me, and, I think, for many fans, either on a conscious or subconscious level:

As David creates his art,

it paints a part of

our own life’s portrait.

What a gift!

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The first time one truly “gets” a David Archuleta performance, there is an immediate recognition of original, authentic artistry from the raw to the refined, and, the in between…the developing elements…of a rare talent.

Recognition of the potential of such a talent…the yet to be finished canvas of a new artist…also gifts one with a crystal clear glimpse, in their mind’s eye, into the future.

This is a most powerful moment. It seizes and holds one in rapt attention as they are able to visualize with perfect clarity those raw elements and rare talent, in its final rendition.

We certainly do not experience that many moments of blinding clarity and certainty of the future in this information-overload, infinite-options, all-too-human life of ours.

Those that “get” David’s artistry are, in general, perplexed as to why everyone cannot see what is as obvious as the sun, mountains, wind, stars, and seas. That David Archuleta is the voice of a generation.

And our reasons for admiring and supporting him as an artist continue to be varied and multi-layered.

First and foremost, David’s artistry is not only brilliant but also a work in progress. We are privileged to experience his developing artistic journey from its early days. Our time spent delving into David’s work is painted with a fresh and ever increasing level of awareness of the joy of music, expanding our minds and emotions to new vistas.

For some, he also represents a catalyst that has recalibrated their outlook on life, inspiring personal transformation—a champion of how to be true to one’s self, make things happen, deal with adversity, and move forward in life with confidence.

David journeyed through AI as one of the youngest contestants to make it to the final, who wanted to simply sing, and had the vocal skills and musical potential the likes of which we, collectively, had not encountered.

Comparisons were made with the greats in the music industry, from Frank Sinatra to Elvis to Michael Jackson, among others. On AI he was painted as the “ballad boy.” David, himself, appears to be experimenting with the music genre(s) on which he wishes to hang his artistic destiny.

Yes, quite amazingly, his artistic canvas is being painted right before our very eyes as we support, watch, listen, and enjoy his evolving body of work.

On his first virtually sold out U.S. solo tour, David in 32 days turned the stage into his playground.

His Asia promotional tour was highlighted by screaming fans meeting him in the wee hours of the morning at the airport, packed to the rafters’ venues, a performance of Don’t Let Go that was powerful and passionate, in-depth media interviews, and warmth and appreciation by the fans for not only David’s artistry but also as an individual.

The purposeful and intense UK tour was where we heard descriptions of a magical voice, of gutted & gobsmacked fans, and of audiences singing in force to Angels.

The Philippines—the news, videos, pictures poured in, and updates were literally moment to moment from the fans.

Yes, we have seen radiant colors infused into his singing and performing resulting in the addition of bold and defining brush strokes to his artistic canvas…

the bold, bright or soft, delicate pigments and innovative, authentic brush strokes of his song

the striking tints and sweeps and swirls of his performances where art and magic are pleated with vulnerability and strength

the radiant hues and whirls and twirls of his ever evolving melodic choices

…that have and will continue to add the gorgeous colors and textures of art, the deeper dimensions of living, and the celebration of the human experience to our own life’s unfinished canvas.

Mini Gallery of the latest radiant brush strokes:

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AARON KELLY
This season’s David Archuleta, the 17-year-old has the aww-factor, pleasing teen girls and their moms alike.

Click HERE to check out who the rest of the Season 9 contestants’ look-alikes are.