Lemonade
These theme nights are for the most part perfectly awful. Since when is the test of a contemporary American pop star that they can perform Neil Diamond songs? This format takes what is already a limited and contrived arrangement and makes it considerably more likely to reveal weaknesses rather than strengths. In this regard, David Cook must be singled out and commended for making stellar lemonade out of thematic lemons in almost every case. Whether that ability is really the one that ought to be used exclusively to determine a performer’s artistic viability, however, is another question entirely.
David Archuleta’s selections were smart, all things considered, and indicative of his growth as a competitor, if not entirely as an artist. I take David at his word when he says that he chooses to view the proceedings not as a competition but as an opportunity to perform and hone his skills, but the fact remains that it is, after all, a competition. Even if one wants only to continue to perform, one must at some level determine how to stay in. And so for what may be the first time, David made more strategic choices, particularly with America. A far more obvious (and powerful) choice might have been He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, but almost certainly would have triggered merciless criticism for being too far inside his comfort zone. His lemonade was a tad sweet, and the cheese factor nearly impossible to reduce when working with such material, but he made the best out of a bad situation.
The one truly gratifying aspect of the America performance for me was the increasing presence of David’s maturing vocal strength. An extremely exciting power is beginning to emerge from behind his already well-known control and dexterity, in yet another indication of an enormous musical versatility that may still be in its early stages. It is unfortunate, perhaps, that this contest has so far emphasized genre and arrangement capability, skills that are in most cases well beyond the scope of the performer. Would we really have as deep an admiration for Frank Sinatra without Nelson Riddle? Or an entire generation of artists without Baby Face?
It’s great to be able to see David Archuleta in performance every week, frustrating as it might be to endure the shackles of such narrow parameters. One can only hope that such restrictions will serve to highlight for David those musical directions that are truly his own to pursue. That will be exciting indeed.
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I actually think if David doesn’t win Idol due to Nigel Lythgoe’s nefarious designs, David can be better off like Elliot Yamin, who got signed with an Indi recording company, became successful in his own right, and showcased himself as the artist he really is without the meddling/clutches of commercial/profit-oriented producers such as those of AI’s.
If David actually doesn’t win AI, I think he is all the more a winner. He shall be spared of the media glare and his artistry [or at least his journey to defining the artist he truly is] being defiled into a commercial product.
And for us fans, we can then continue to show our support to him, and enjoy/relish/appreciate the wonderfully pristine and unbridled music he shall offer us (and yes, we can still rave over his wonderful attributes — ticklishness, positivity, cuteness etc.).
With that said, I don’t think we should worry about Cook winning.
But I think he truly deserves to be in the finale.
[as well as the fact that more TV face time by staying in the show equals more recognition equals more benefits for jump starting his post-idol career].
So guys, don’t stop voting.
Don’t stop VOTING!!!!
Postscript:
Don’t think I am being fatalistic here on being content with DA not winning. I actually want him to win so badly. I just put things in perspective — take note of the first sentence catchphrase: “due to Nigel Lythgoe’s nefarious designs.”
David deserves to win, fairly and squarely, and for the sake of being a true musical gem who touched all of our hearts.
There was, of course, that tiny break in his voice during the chorus, but that was understandable. David is at a peculiar disadvantage at this point of the competition, in that he may be the only one still undergoing development of his vocal abilities (as you stated in another one of your columns). But the power notes--! Amazing. When David does commit some blunder during one of his songs he never fails to jump right back in and nail the rest with double the resolve. Don’t you think though that “Sweet Caroline” had a tad bit too many runs? Maybe David was aching to break away from the heavy, karaoke-ish arrangement.
I’m started to get really miffed and cynical over Idol, now. The themes were fun for a while but… Neil Diamond? Come on. Needless to be said, there was the AWFUL Paula gaffe. And the contestants all seem to be so rushed! It’s depressing. I hate how much they have to deal with. They’ve got so many things producers are throwing their way besides preparing for the next week’s performance; add to that all the chaos going on with the crew (not disincluding the judges) come Tuesday night.
David is far beyond Idol material. He needed the exposure and confidence boost, but now I simply can’t wait until he’s able to break away and be the artist he truly is.
Thank you rascal, for once again putting everything into perspective.
First of all let me say how much I love reading all the entries in this blog. I have been on other blogs and sites that write about David Archuleta, but this is the first place that doesn’t objectify him, or see him only in the contesxt of the win.
I enjoyed him last night because I love to hear him sing, and I love seeing his smile return. It wasn’t his best night, but then considering the trainwreck the show was last night, it didn’t have to be.
I must say at this point it is obvious that David Cook is the front runner of the moment, but it’s not insurmountable, as a matter of fact David A is perfectly capable of being a giant slayer. The next week hopefully has a contemporary theme, and then he will have the opportunity to show what kind of music will will be getting from him in the future. I am not worried about him winniing anymore though, he doesnt have to.
I always enjoy reading your column rascal and I always enjoy hearing David sing. Even these cheesy songs sound new and modern coming from him. We love you David..Close your eyes and sing from the heart as always.. You are already an idol in my eyes.
Neil Diamond’s voice is more like a cowboy than a prince, Have you ever heard the end of his live recording when his voice is wasted from screaming. Neil’s songs are not designed for a voice as refined as Davids, It’s like Ella Fitzgerald sining death metal or some kind of heavy rap song. I agree this theme stuff is for the birds.
I also think David would do better signing with Sony or RCA, both want them and probably a dozen more are in line behind them. At least he won’t be stuck singing everything someone else wants, he will be able to do what he wants.
Thanks again rascal for your reviews, I just love them, This is one of the first places to go.
The entire night felt like a trainwreck artistically.
Remember when, during the earliest days of AI7, David would sing “Waiting on the World to Change”, Gnarls Barkley, Brian Adams , etc? He naturally chose songs that were relevant to his musical talent & age, that expressed who he was as an artist. Outside of a karaoke bar, I can’t see any of the contestants ever choosing to sing the songs they sang last night!
Lately it seems that Simon is unable to compliment Archuleta without taking on a snide/cynical tone. He seems dismissive, while at the same time somewhat intimidated and confused by David’s capabilities. Simon just had a #1 song in Britain with “When You Believe” by a singer that pales miserably in comparison to David A (& clearly Simon knows it!).
However, it also seems clear that David Cook is the more “average”/commercial talent and therefore considered more marketable (which is , after all, the entire purpose of the show).
I find this site so refreshing. It’s nice to hear an objective and constructive point of view from a true fan of David’s gifts. Thanks Rascal!
Your heading sums up my feelings about last night. David did what he could. He’s in a tough spot -- a “Shop Around”, “Waiting on the World” vibe was long overdue (his fans understandably want to see his versatility and know he can deliver). But his songs last night were the best the ND songbook had to offer for the occasion. For me, I’m mostly saddened that we have not experienced the full extent of what he’s capable of delivering, due in large part to the difficult themes, and perhaps some of the pressure that naturally comes with being on the show. I have to confess, I miss the enjoyment I saw in the auditions and Shop Around and the carefree passion I saw in Imagine. I hope to see that soon.
It’s true that Cook has the advantage of having had more experience performing on stage. I read somewhere that over a period of about 10 years he and his band have performed at least 400 songs. Not to mention the confidence that naturally comes with age. (Good Lord -- did I even know who I was at 17?) But I still believe David A has far more potential as well as the unique gifts and soul of a true musician.
Great review. David did a good job last night and had the energy and essence of Neil Diamond’s music. I could not imagine how he would do Diamond’s songs and I thought he performed extremely well with the assignment he had been given.
I am grateful for this site and your insights. AI is a competition and winning is, as always, sweet. David has nothing left to prove to his fans. His future is wide open with endless possibilities. Good Luck, Best of Luck and All the Luck In the World to him!
While I loved last night’s performances, especially “America,” I can’t help but feel bittersweet when I think of the impact the AI experience might have on our young artist. Grateful always, for introducing David to the world, and concern too, that the the endless task of pleasing everyone might take it’s toll on the creative process. I can’t wait for David to step away from Idol . I eagerly await to see what’s next for him, and for us.
Great Review. I loved David’s Sweet Caroline and America. I have been humming Sweet Caroline every minute, from home to work. David Archuleta has proven to us who he is and how passionate he is with music. He has won the heart and soul of the many and enough reason for us to continue to support him not only on this reality show. David has been real to all and receiving the title now is in the hands of his fan. We have to FOCUS and VOTE. David is not only the American Idol but the GLOBAL IDOL. The luck is already in David’s palm and definitely he will last for another century. Again, VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
Great blog! The studio version is really great. Just listen carefully to 1:23-1:53 or so. David rises above the arrangement--even the song, itself! His level of sophistication and musicality is astonishing for a 17 year old. Bravo.
I love the premise of this entry….I foresaw a trainwreck with Neil Diamond’s songbook. ND’s songs are suited perfectly for his own voice…something that David Cook could easily emulate but not for many of the other contestants. I had doubts about what DA could do. I agree that he did what he could do with what he had. I think he performed solidly and I am glad to add his 2 live performances and his studio version to my ever growing DA collection. (As side point -- I kinda wish he mentioned that he did America for his mom who immigrated from Honduras and not to tug on the heartstrings of the American voting public.)
I am a huge DA fan and have downloaded most of his videos and all of his studio recordings… until this week. Granted, I am not a Neil Diamond fan. Know a lot of his music, but just don’t care for much of it. And usually I love anything David puts his voice to.. but this week… I am sorry… with that full band and the song choices, it really sounded like a bit of Lawrence Welk. Does anyone remember that show? I hope next week he is back on track and he has GOT to move away from the Lawrence Welk sound if he wants to make it to the finals.
I have always thought that *America* was a song that no one, including Neil DIamond, should EVER sing.
Then David sang it and I wanted to grab a flag and run up and down the streets of West Philadelphia where I live screaming *let freeedommm ring! YES!!!! FREEEDOMMMMMMM!!!*.
He was just incredible.