Sorry Rascal, I too must say I find this rendition powerful and incredibly effective.

I simply love this song, in all of it’s different dressing, it’s still spot on.

rascal, I’m more in your camp than not. Where the heck is the bridge – the voice is completely covered? Yes, less is more! My favorite moments of David’s singing are with his voice and a guitar or his voice and piano. Then you have the luxury of hearing every nuance. This is an opportunity lost.

One thing you could try in iTunes is open up the equalizer and play around with those setting some. I put mine on base reducer and I can hear his voice better now.

Lise, I adjusted my iTunes to reduce the bass as well, and it does help. I have to disagree with Rascal here and say that I love this version of Angels. There’s a lot in this track…I hear the purity of his lower register sultry vocals in the verses while the harmonies in the chorus with the soft bass really lets the song take off and soar. ‘Angels’ now actually kind of rocks out. And I love the falsetto in the bridge with the guitar riff…adding to the slight rock vibe. David’s vocals are still really strong to my ears and not ‘processed’.

The Tulsa performance of Angels will always be special, and I don’t think anything will ever compare to the emotion and impact of David singing that song live for his last tour performance, so I’m glad that this version has a slightly different drive from the way he sang it on tour. It’s also a change in vibe from how he sang it on the show during the Top8 week, which is also a plus in my books. If the hints we’ve been given about some of ballads on the album turn out to be accurate, then I think there will be some beautiful vocal tracks on it that will satisfy our desire to hear David’s voice singing out pure and simple.

As it’s arranged now, I think Angels has huge potential to be another hit single and in all likelihood, surely at least one of the ballads will be too. So it might be a good thing that the ballads type songs also have some variety to them. At any rate, this version passed my litmus test…I used at least three tissues while listening to it the first time…

I love the placement of Angels at the end of the album. After an impressive and diverse set of tracks comes this soulful cry.

And the casual buyer shall listen and say to himself:

“DAYUM.”

Rascal, I may not have your discerning ear but I love this version of Angels. I will listen to it all day. Juliebug, you have it right on. David must play the game until he is so big that he can make the game.

He amazes me with his talent. He put together an album in a few short months. It has been ablast waiting for this album. Fan sites have kept it interesting and this blog is always tops. I especially enjoyed the Seton trip. It was so much fun watching him have fun. He is working so hard and surrounded by adults too much. He needs to be able to have fun with his peers. Those girls squeals and screams just make me grin ear to ear. What a charmer he is!

Sorry Rascal but I disagree – there is nothing ridulous or bubble gum about this version of Angels. I think it is beautiful. A little more positivity would be nice.

Album is #17 at 7:26 am on iTunes!

Good morning! Oh yeah..I was already here this morning..just wanted to say that as I’m driving in to work every morning, I listen to our POP stations til they play Crush..so anyway I’m listening to all these popular song that are out now by all the popular singers, I can’t call them “artists”, and I tried not to compare them to David or be biased..but MY GOSH, there is NOT ONE who I heard this morning that can even come close to David’s VOICE and song delivery. NOT ONE! I was sitting here trying to come up with a singer who has a song or album on the charts and sorry, but I can’t come up with anyone who can compare with David, not even HIS favorites! I mean, is there must be a couple of singers who can at least come close? I really like Josh Groben’s and Clay Aiken’s voices but now even they are second to David. How can he NOT be THE VOICE, the ONLY VOICE! I know we all LOVE David, but I am trying to be open-minded here. Trying not to let my bias cloud my judgement, trying to follow rascal’s lead..and I can’t come up with anyone who compares. This ANGELS is suberb, but I KNOW when he sings it in concert, and I hope he does at every concert, it will be POWERFUL every time. It just MAY become his “Signature” song, like in my dream, but then again I can only dream.
Now I gotta get some work done!

rascal..the final mix of ANGELS, with all the instrumentals “drowning out” David’s voice was beyond David’s control..remember him saying just that? I do buh-lieve with the success of this album, he WILL have more control on the next album, then finally he will have FULL control..so I’m not worried..just terribly anxious for that day when he produces his own music..**sigh**

Look..I have to get some work done! But I just had to say I have my headphones on listening to my downloaded cd of ANGELS and I get CHILLS when David does his oooooo at the end if the bridge. I don’t think he’s done that before, has he?? Did I say CHILLS?
It’s like WARM CHILLS ( is that possible? ) flowing through my entire body! Oh my heck..how can I get any work done??

Good morning everyone! I had a peaceful night (yes, “Angels” was my lullaby just before I drifted off to sleep). I now understand why David, I once read, used to be the “healer” in his family (I once read that, whenever anyone in his family was sick and lying in hospital, he would go visit and sing them to sleep – can you imagine? My heart melts thinking about this).

Rascal, I think we should all set the bar high when it comes to David’s music. Not only does he deserve it, he’s beyond capable of reaching it.

And while I love this version, I can understand the criticism you have about the arrangement here. I also understand why David’s producers created this mix – they made it out to be a “pop” song (which it is – as a matter of fact, it’s very similar to the original Robbie Williams version). We’ve just been spoiled because we’ve heard it in its organic phase, and the organic will always be superior to the artificial mixing that occurred here.

I also understand your concerns that Jive is reducing (yes, I said it) they are REDUCING his musical vision to the commercial world of pop. Unfortunately, while he’s 17/18, David will not be taken more seriously beyond being a “pop star.” He’s going to have to get to Cookie’s age (and by then, let’s hope AI is but a distant memory and that David will be in an independent position to hook up with some really visionary producers and make the album he is destined to make, the kind that lands him immediately in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame).

So, I’m predicting, around age 25, when he’s surpassed Enrique Iglesias and Gabriel Garcia Bernal in the hot Latin looks department, we’ll get David at his prime – looks wise, music wise, etc. Age 25, the same age Michael Jackson was when he put out his monster album, Thriller.

Let’s be patient. David’s Archudomination is imminent. We can’t assume he’ll do it all with a debut album.

Furthermore, let me just add another point about David currently functioning as a “pop teen star.” As I had already pointed out in a previous discussion, this label eventually cost him the AI title this year.

Curiously enough, while reading through many of the Jennifer Hudson forums last night – while following the tragic news involving her family – I was reminded more and more about the season when she was voted off amidst controversy. One of the reasons why people were so outraged and willing to use the R-word is because Jennifer got booted while a weaker contestant, the cute little 16-year-old redhead, John Stevens, lasted longer. In fact, I’ve always believed the popular belief that Jennifer Hudson was voted off too early is what galvanized her Dreamgirls success and her eventual Oscar win (think about it: Academy members watch Idol too – her role as Effie White was a manifestation of all that had happened to her on AI: it resonated, and people were all too eager to reward her and promote the belief that, in the face of injustice, “true talent” will prevail).

The fallout of all this is poor John Stevens immediately became the focus of some really ugly media stories that season (and subsequently labeled all cute teenagers, most notoriously Sanjaya Malakar during Season 6, as popular but untalented contestants), so it wasn’t a surprise that the following week, he was voted off.

So, when I say AI carried a lot of baggage into Season 7, this is part of it. The previous season, a 17-year-old Jordin Sparks won the AI title, amidst more outrage that the stronger singer, 29-year-old Melinda Doolittle, was voted off during Top 3 week.

The bottom line is: many of the cute teenaged contestants, with competent yet weak voices, would have fit right into today’s market – all they need are auto-tuners to get their voices sounding decent on over-processed music.

Because of this prevailing representation of the “teen pop star,” it’s going to take a while for David’s organic “true talent” to really shine through. People have to discard the superficial trappings – the teen pop star image, the cute-as-a-button persona – to dig through and discover the true gem that his amazing voice represents.

I’m at least grateful that there’s a dedicated segment of his fanbase that already knows this (not necessarily the tween branch, and even then, their overwhelmed screaming is a manifestation of the knowledge that David surpasses).

But, this does mean that we’ll have to wait out the commercial pop teen years that mark David’s debut before we get to the real core of who he will be musically.

Just one more two cents from me..Even though I should be working..well who can work while listening to David anyway? Anyway, I just listened to MY HANDS, TOUCH MY HANDS, A LITTLE TOO NOT OVER YOU and the final ANGELS..and just as I thought, and it may just be me..but ANGELS wins “hands” down…so how do you think the writers & producers of the other songs would have felt if David had “been allowed” to record the “TULSA” rendition w/o all the instrumentals, just the piano and his amazing voice like at Seton? I dunno, I’m jus’ sayin’ cuz as it is, ANGELS is my fav so far…JMO though, so don’t go throwing anything at me!!

#21 rascal – thanks for the welcome – I do get the point you are making but the tone of the post is negative to me which gets me on the defensive cuz I am like a momma bear protecting her baby cub ya know? I try to be objective about David but it is hard. We all won’t like every note, track, mix, song on the CD, but I think as fanbase we need to be as positive as possible. I prefer the live, soulful version of Angels from the tour, but I’ll take this version too, and I’ll marvel at his voice everytime I hear it. I know nothing about marketing, mixing, or the music biz, I just know that I love David Archuleta, and I will buy anything he does, until the day that I die. I do wish him the commercial successes – #1 hits, #1 Albums, Grammies, etc, but that stuff doesn’t determine success to me, even though I know it does in the industry, and David will make more money that way, etc. I just know that my heart tells me that David will be a megastar, a few pop songs notwithstanding. I love you David!

I am quite comfortable loving all things David, but having a critical ear for the musical arrangements. I see no loss of love for David when it is pointed out that the mix is not ideal.

rascal, thanks for setting the bar high.

I’m going to try out that idea of reducing the bass – thanks for that.

Rascal
I agree with you on this one…sometimes “less is more”.
We all know and believe in David’s potential.We have the bar set so high and expect better from him than most artists out there. With all of the intrumentations, it does cover up his voice more than I would like for it to. You just can’t capure the essesce of David in a “sterile” recording environment. He feeds off the audience and is better live than in a studio with the slower meaningful songs. You loose the emotion he puts into the song when you do not see and hear him live. I also realize that he said he had no control over the final production of the songs…so…with that being said…we know its not his fault, but Jives. I do like the falsetto he puts into Angels with this version…something different than on the tour. He still amazes me at how he changes songs all the time…the sign of a true artist. Please don’t ban me for agreeing with Rascal LOL!!!

Hi everyone! Since my last post, I was suddenly overcome with agonizing pain – residual effects from my tooth extraction yesterday.

Thank Goodness “Angels” was released when it was. I quickly went back to bed, dosed up on some Ibuprofen, antibiotics, and David’s “Angels,” and that seemed to do the trick!

I’m feeling much better now (and just in time to get ready to go teach this afternoon).

I can’t say it enough: David’s voice is magical, and no amount of over-processed music would ever be able to cover up that simple and glorious fact.

I’ve already placed “Angels” on a nice, soothing playlist I call “Soul Balm.” He’s nicely nestled between Peter Gabriel and Enya, with Sade and Zap Mama providing the heavy-bassed bookends. I know, I’m eclectically “weird” like that (I hope David would be proud).

Until next time!

So… The mix does sound different on different systems and when played on one where the vocal is not as buried it is much more successful and enjoyable. I still abhor the harmonies. So cheesy.

David’s work is magnificent, but I have to confess to a sense that it is just the slightest bit studied. There’s a constructivist aspect to it (as opposed to organic), one which may also be a result of the production process (editing ‘the best’ of different takes).

Rascal, I won’t get a chance to listen to Angels till tonight but just wanted to say how much I love your writing.

Your phrase “the vocal is swallowed into the mix like powdered sugar in batter” describes so many of today’s overproduced pop songs (which can be a blessing, depending on the singer).

It’s funny — how many concertgoers are disappointed when they hear their superstar sing live because it doesn’t sound “like it did on the record.” As we all know, David will get the opposite reaction!

And how rare it is to get MORE than you bargained for. (It’s only happened to me a few times – Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Linda Ronstadt, in my limited experience.) And thanks for the tip about iTunes, everyone, my order is in! (With all these different CD permutations, it’ll be tough to know which ones to gift!)

Joner, haha…when you said “prefer David in a dark room…” I have to confess that my mind went to other places!

Talk with you soon about C-town!

That’s weird – He’s number 9 on iTunes homepage but No. 14 when you click through.

Oh and I think No. 1 might be tough with HSM3 at No. 1.

But he ain’t called the Crusher for nothing!

So nice to see him moving up! Would love to see him at #1 within a day.

Joner..David said that? Really? He said he wants to perform in smaller more intimate settings??? Oh my gosh! With all his Original Angels there?? Like in my dream!! But dang, where would we park if its too small?
Did he really sing CRUSH a capella?? I can’t access anything here (blocked). oh my heck!!

I have listened to ANGELS over & over, and I just can’t see why this is considered a “pop” song..It’s sooo much more than that. The way David sings it, it just doesn’t sound like pop to me, not at all like the other pop songs on the radio now, but more like “easy listening” even with what everyone thinks is an over-produced mix. I really think it will be played on the adult contemporary stations who don’t play pop at all. Am I CRA-ZEH??

SF – Yes, he sang a bit of Crush after much prodding! He said “I have morning voice… I never sing in the morning”. He proceeded to blow the roof off the studio. The winner of the apple bobbing contest (dumb idea) was personally seranaded to by David. He commented that it was the first time he ever sang that song to a girl, or words to that effect.
He also very quietly asked that we keep jennifer hudson in our prayers.
I love his quiet caring ways.

The fact that he refused to give out any personal info from his I-phone about his celebrity friends after being asked a few times by the dj’s tells me he is pretty loyal.
Bravo to sticking to your convictions, David.

I wish “Angels” sounded a bit less produced, but I bet so does David. He likes that organic feel. So do I.
That said, I still love it. I cannot help it. His voice soothes my soul.

My favorite tour versions was when he picked up the beat on the song and just went with it…however he was feeling at the time. There were certain times when he went higher and then naturally knew when to lower his voice to get the effect of the song. I love his phrasing of words during the tour…more emphasis on certain words make a stronger impact of the song. I like the tour version of the bridge…there was more of the yeah…yeaaahhhh…ohhhhhhh…than on the album version, but do enjoy the falsetto…so haunting!

#52/Inspired, yes the bridge during tour was longer. I miss that longer version too.

Guh! Every time I refresh this page it brings me up to that ADORABLE picture of David. He looks like a little elf in that pic. Could he get ANY CUTER????

We need to clone this kid. Can you imagine the duets we could have?

Speaking of pictures of David..I have to say I DO NOT like the photo of David sitting on the grass. I just don’t think it captures his beauty like the other photos that were taken that day..again, JMO. And of course everyone knows I love the stylish jeans & buckle on one of the photos..that’s the one they should be using on iTunes…becuz of his beautiful face!

#55/silverfoxe, do you really? maybe if i listen a few more times, I will like it too. the only prob. I had was that it didn’t seem to FLOW with the other notes. It just sort of happened, the high falsetto. cause, I’m with you. this is my favorite David song and it’s always been soo perfect to me. change never did come easy to me!

Everyone, help! where is the interview of David kind of brushing off the interviewer with some of his questions. i thought i saw a link here earlier, but can’t find it now. and thanks…………

#58/silverfoxe, i LOVED a video of yours recently of all the head shots of David. EVERY single one of them was gorgeous. the hair, the smile, just everything. don’t remember which video it was though. they were all sort of an older more mature looking David.

Oh Stella, Stella…What? What is it then that I am hearing that you are not, or vice-versa? It’s not TULSA, no..but it could not be. This is a cover song on the album, not an original, even though to US, David completely owns it. A cover song, no matter how good it is, shouldn’t over-power the other original songs on a first album. But even so..this rendition sung by David would be hard to beat any anyone..David still owns it.

Chickee..I was pleasantly surprised at the falsetto..very much so! Like at the end of ALTNOY! be still my heart!!And I hope he uses it often!

Uh-oh, I’m not likin’ this dream, especially in light of rascal’s morning post. In this dream….

I had a large gym-like room in my home, and an acrobat friend had been there practicing the night before. David came over the next morning to visit. He wanted to to try out his gymnastic skills. He put a huge basket in the middle of the floor, and was going to do a running flip, putting his hands down in the basket and continue the flip out of the basket, landing on his feet on the other side of it. But when he put his hands down in the basket, his whole body was engulfed in it and he did not reappear for a minute. Then he stood up–he’d slipped and landed on his right shoulder and he was in pain. I ran and got a towel and ice and made an ice pack, ran back, leaned around his poor hurting body in order to reach his shoulder blade, and held the ice pack on it. It seemed to comfort him.

I had no clue what that meant when I woke up. But on reading of rascal’s impression of Angels (which I’d listened to last night before going to bed), and his fears about the production, well, I can see a clear interpretation. (Getting engulfed in the huge basket! Not able to lift himself out of it in the way he had intended?) Oddly, I had gone to sleep having thrilled to hearing Angels–but apparently my subconscious agrees with rascal!

Oh, Lise, thanks–I’ll check out the iTunes equalizer.

I am continually in awe of how David is able to bring a newness to a song he has sang over and over… this version indeed has a different flavour. I like the pop feel…. it kind of reminds me of Robbie Williams original and yes, it is different from what we have heard from David. Perhaps more radio friendly… I know what David can do with this song (oh my Tulsa and Ford Day….wow) But that being said I am cool with a bit of a change up.

I have been trying to listen to the song like someone who has never heard David sing this before and I think new fans will be really impressed. He sounds great… the song is catchy, it can be played on the radio……..
Now just think once David gets these new fans to a concert he can BLOW the roof off singing “Angels” (a la Tulsa) and the new fans will be picking themselves off the floor and saying ” what the heck?! We liked the radio version but this live version is AWESOME…INCREDIBLE.. this boy can siiiiiing!”

BIg smiles….Don’t we know it!!! Aaaaaaaah David you sly dog !

This new version is not Tulsa, and it is not Seton. At first I think I was just tolerating it. But now I’ve replayed it about 20 times, so I must be falling in love with it. How else could I have tolerated so many replays in such a short period of time?

This morning when I looked at my digital clock and saw 11:01, I thought to myself, “It’s November already!” Oops! Maybe I’m getting a little too eager.

#63/chickee—it gets me everytime.(his soulful cry)
His God Bless America and StarSpangled Banner
are absolutley Beautiful and full of pure magic and class..all froim a 17 yr old…puts many others to shame..Can only pray we hear David at the SuperBowl singing SSB…He is truly magical …

Cool, THANKS for the equalizer tip! Treble Reducer helps on my system. OH! **Vocal Booster**, YES!!!

awestruck/#71–thanks,it worked– sounds great either way david could sing under water and it would sound magical!!! I am starting to believe I will not listen to anyone but David sing aything…Is that wrong??

oops–typo–I will not listen to anyone but David sing ANYTHING..but I am sure you knew that!!

So many thoughts…where to begin. I prefer the raw (live!) version of the song, however I am surprised that it wasn’t dressed up MORE than it was. All things considered–we know who they are marketing to, we know how much his career hinges on the success of this album and with that in mind–I am extremely pleased with what I’m hearing. I am thrilled that David has gone from amazing to MORE amazing. How is that possible? I think the whole “Less is More” concept is legit in most cases but I feel like we should feel lucky for what Jive has given us. Hey, I’m just glad it made it to the album. Now THAT many more people can be exposed to his unparalleled talent in a song that before David, was relatively unknown in the United States.

#80/—David going from amazing to MORE amazing-How is that possible??? Well…that is what makes david David-
He does it everytime he opens his mouth and his amazing beautiful music comes out!! It is just what he does and exactly what makes david David..Gotta love him..a natural beautiful soul……at 17 …THUD ! ! A gift to humanity…..

djb–that’s true! What was I thinking? Obviously I wasn’t! Not to be disrespectful here…but Robbie who and Williams what? Other artists should be hoping that David doesn’t start singing one of THEIR songs. He has special powers–this David.

Special Powers indeed!!! I would love to hear Davids reaction to that!!
I can honestly say I have never heard a better original version of any song David has sung…and I used to like the original of some of the songs but nothing compares to HIS versions!! I am sure more than a few artists are on the alert—watch out for this kid!!! hey- he silenced an entire stadium in Tampa with GBA and their fans say that has never happened before!!

David should release a CD of his “did not make it to CD” songs.. It would be a best seller for sure..
My Christmas wish is for david to release his version of —hold on ………………………..
LIL DRUMMER BOY
There Goes My Heart Again..Breath In Breath Out..haha

djb…Have you ever heard David sing “Nature Boy” when he was young? His father said this is his favorite, I can see why…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ7tdmQWcus

Well I am pretty much done in… I really need the album now….
It’s not just when he sings… it’ s for also how grounded he is. He knows so well at just 17, what music is and what it can do for people. That’s the gift he gives to the world and we are so blessed to have gotten “It” first… we can enjoy every part of this trip as it unfolds…
Well, as long as we can keep breathing… I think I need the defibralator again

Awestruck- thanks for the equalizer tips…

Not sure if the news has made it here yet, but David will be on Ellen on the day his album drops.

Hope she apologizes and has a big slice of humble pie for the unkind words she said about him right before the finale. I believe that Simon’s interviews those crucial days partially led to David’s AI loss.

Ellen will either pretend it never happened, or confess that he liked David Cook more during AI but now loves loves Archie.

Fact is, Archie’s got a hit song and his star is undeniable. David’s in the driver’s seat now.

David may have songs that are almost all his “organic” voice on this album, if it’s true that one or two of the songs are mainly acoustic guitar and/or piano. I’d imagine it’s hard to get away with adding “pop layers” to his voice, when there’s a subdued, acoustic instrumentation behind him. Here’s hoping.

Oh sorry, forgot to add that the more “organic” David voice will probably front and center of a Christmas album if and when he does one. Jive will not feel as confined to the “pop sound” once his debut album establishes his success.

And the Christmas classics are not to be toyed with, either.

Has anyone seen the video of the song “Desperate”? David chose this song from an European group (Stanfour) for its deep content and changed a few words to fit his style. So Rascal…our shining star is still staying true to himself as much as he can, even in the poppy music industry. Trust the Archulater as we say!! He has still managed to sneak a few tidbits of himself in the album ha ha!!

ronaldsf#99-I don’t think I can handle an entire Xmas album right now…not to be demanding…but all I NEED ok .WANT..there I said it..haha..is my LiL Drummer Boy.
I promise not to beg anymore…

I love your tour vidios/audio by the way if you are the same ronaldsf..I have may downloads..many thanks

P.S. people–he is 18 now!

djasgirl – #101 — For as much as it is possible to get information on what David doesn’t like (as we all know, he tends to be very circumspect about negativity), there have been intimations that he does not, in fact, like some of the album production. No certainty on which songs or what aspects, but I for one have no doubt that David’s ear is far superior to the majority of producers and engineers he was assigned, and I would be very surprised if her were truly happy with this production.

Oh wow–they said he was 18 on one of their interviews and he agreed–he was probably just playing along b/c he wouldn’t want to rock the boat. I should have known to ask the almighty rascal before just posting that!

I am sure David is taking this first CD as part of the learning process of this journey -he has mentioned this many times before .
He has said he is a perfectionist which is fine but I truly belive he does not fully understand how good he really is.His concern is making the connection with the song and his fans..Well David -Connection Made.
WELL DONE ..you should be very proud of yourself…

Could use a hint as how to get a pic by my user name?
I like it here..

djab- 88 Little Drummer Boy is one of if not my favorite Christmas song. O Holy Night is right up there as well.

refnaf – 92 – that tip initially came from… I think Lise???, but it works. hibervibe said that the Treble Reducer worked best for her system.

djb..to get a pic over your blog name, go to Gravatar.com, follow the instructions. It’s easy!
I go a little cra-zeh with it..but it’s David’s fault..If he would stop taking all the amazing photos…except for the one iTunes is using, him sitting on the grass..I just don’t like that one. maybe cuz I like another one betta..

Joner…Finally..someone who agrees with me about that photo..It’s just not one of my favorites, especially when there were so many others they could have used..why that one? David is a gorgeous specimen..I know cuz I work with “specimens” all day! haha! never mind, don’t ask..

It was a stunning opening, as noted by Rascal.

For me, it perfectly established a “meditative” mood intended by David to reflect (onto us) his “spiritual awareness” and to guide us to a similar understanding (i.e. “I’m going to make them understand what this song means”).

The opening arrangement allows us to utterly focus our attention on David’s voice…his expressing of the story…a deep understanding of that story.

The chorus provides the “mantra” that is repeated for the purpose of reaching that heightened level of “spiritual awareness”.

Throughout this song, the arrangement and David’s vocals flow in almost perfect synchronicity (for me, the bridge merges the vocals in a way that is ONE with the arrangement – in a manner that does not take away from the other, but sublimates each other) and guides the listener to an almost magical sense of being in the apprpriate place at the appropriate time – and it’s not Tulsa.

So, for me, the first verse is beautifully meditative and establishes the first facet of spiritual awareness – flow, the first chorus, the second facet – unconditional love (whether I’m right or wrong), the balance of the story fulfills the remaining facets of spiritual awareness – abundance, intuitive insight, creativity, wisdom, and raising spiritual consciousness.

Read more here: http://www.infinitebeing.com/0608/awareness.htm

and here:
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Cosmos-Harmony-Music-Universe.htm

Back to the ether…

pensive..that was bee-u-tee-ful!

I liked the idea of trying to listen to this as though it were the first time. This was hard since I’ve listened to a number of different versions dozens and dozens of times. BUT, when I put on fresh ears, I found that I actually liked this version. If I wasn’t expecting the strong vocals on the bridge, then I didn’t miss them. It doesn’t have the spiritual power of the version from the Regis and Kelly show ages ago, or the over-the-top magic of the Tulsa version, but I can live with it.

Also, my two cents for a Xmas single (I think a Xmas album is not in the cards) is “Mary did you know?” I love that song!

that sweet face at the top is thinking..
Yupp …life is good…….

Would love to know the story behind the pic at Latham on SnarkiyArchie site…It is very un-David-like..hopefully he did not need saving..The people up in Latham are actually very nice folks…

Perpetual lurker here, just checking in to catch up and very late to the discussion. Gosh, it’s feeling like a bit of a downer. Just what was the expectation for “Angels” anyway? How spoiled are we? David has been telling us for weeks that his CD:
• has a little something for everyone (not everything for everyone)
• will definitely have a pop feel to it
• does not limit him to a particular flavor of music because he is just 17 and intends to “shop around”
• contains some things over which he had no control

I’m a Platinum Plus Archie, meaning older than any of you who were willing to disclose your age in a previous discussion, so old my ODD requires medication. I have seen/heard David’s every public move/sound since I discovered him in January. It has been 40+ years since I listened to pop radio, but I do now, partly to hear “Crush” and partly out of curiosity. Thank goodness rascal issued a warning about the state of pop music these days. The electronically layered noise that serves to accompany the vocals drives me cra-zeh, as SF would say. David’s voice, which is simultaneously warm and soaring to me, is so much better than what I hear from other artists; and “Angels” is so much better than similarly produced songs because of David’s voice. Maybe some of the disappointment that has been expressed here today is really impatience. We know what David can do and will do, but that will be a process, not a single song, or even a single CD. I know that critical feedback has its place and I am probably too protective—it’s a grandma thing—but I guess I just want all of David’s fans to joyfully bask in one more milestone moment of his unstoppable success.

ok- I must be technologically challenged..did the avatar work?

GranFan- I’m with you…his voice is “simultaneously warm and soaring to me”…but I might up the temperature from warm to molton, hotttt, laaavvvvaaaa

Yipee! Deluxe ed already in iTunes for pre-ordering — gaaah!!!!!

With 1.5 threads to catch up, so of course the 1st thing any true-blue archie would do is hit the player. listening now

Done listening.
m.a.d. n.o.w.

I better hit the bike to let off steam.

Granfan, welcome!! Please keep posting!!

Also, about the Christmas album idea, I said right off the bat that I see him doing it NEXT year, not this year. Just clearing things up…

djasgirl..OK..for you I will start watching Ellen again..and I’ll tell you a secret..I missed her, I was just really upset at her. I’m really looking forward to see David draw her in..she gonna say..”WHAT JUST HAPPENED??” WHAT WAS I THINKING?” hahaha! She’s not gonna know what hit her!

GranFan…Welcome..please stay! We’re a friendly bunch.. CRA-ZEH, but friendly! I used to be “freaky” too but I’ve been really well behaved lately and I am so proud of myself! I know I should be a better example for these young fellow ODD’ers, but you obviously KNOW me, so you know we need you here!

djb…veryyyy CUTE!!

happy…HOT!!

jackryan..please don’t tell me you don’t like ANGELS!! cuz I love it..not as much as the tour version, but still…

Now I have to go lurk around & see what David was up to today..

djb #82: ‘David has gone from amazing to MORE amazing – How is that possible??’
Leave it up to David to do just that again and again and again, and oh! again.
Loving Angels, love the Tulsa version, love the AI version, love the album version, love them all.
Yeap ODD in overdrive.

Wow! So many different reactions! What’s going on? And why are some of you disappointed? And, djasgirl, I’m soooo going to pretend that you did not call this production “freakin whack.”

NO, YOU DIDN’T!

But, obviously, we’re entitled to our opinions, and I’ll pretend that we are all in love with this version of “Angels.”

This version that lulled me to a peaceful sleep after an unrestful day. This version that took the pain away from a toothache I had this morning. THIS VERSION that had me falling in love all over again with David’s velvet voice! Sigh.

You called it *whack.*

Dayum!

panamom: David’s performances of “Angels” come in all shapes and sizes. I was trying to think the last time I heard an artist sing a song with variations as many times as David sang “Angels.” Couldn’t come up with one–the best thing is we have such a menu of “Angels” to select from that one of his performances is bound to be our personal favorite. How lucky can we be?

Did anyone listen to the 92.3 Fly interview David did this morning? He elaborates more on AI, closing his eyes, says “abusive father” is an oxymoron and more. One of my favorite interviews to date. SnarkyArchies has the video and FOD has the audio.

granfan, #134: as a loooong time lurker myself, i was glad to see your post. Particularly ”I know that critical feedback has its place and I am probably too protective—it’s a grandma thing—but I guess I just want all of David’s fans to joyfully bask in one more milestone moment of his unstoppable success.”

that struck me as i feel that sometimes david’s fans are espicially critical. sometimes the line between opinion and feedback carries over to just plain negative and unecessary.

i’m with you in that i want to bask in in each milestone….let the basking begin!

****silverfoxe & hello gorgeous: you two have made me LOL on many days when i needed a lift – thank you

panamom- i am right there with ya-LOVE em all !!
Have you listened to “Nature Boy”
betta sit down for that one….
If he ever sang Nature Boy now- with his mature voice- it surely be the end to at least a few of us..

djb #153, oh you mean “the way he caresses” those velvety notes in Angels? Yes, mm…

I can’t wait for David to “caress” the notes on a Spanish song. I wrote this over on IDF:

He got us with his lip-licking. Then he killed us with chapstick. Can you imagine what will happen to us when he puts that tongue on some soft Spanish consonants?

I know, I know… I’m cruel!

THUD…………………………………..

Rascal, I really do agree with what you have said about the over kill on this . I’ve listened to it over and over and now, it’s really growing on me. I think because we’ve all heard David sing Angels just simply, and of course beautifuly. Wow, he’s sure come a long way from when he first sang this on AI.

First, I LOVE the new version of Angels. I see David’s soulful vocal and interpretive artistry as separate from the mix and arrangement.

As for the arrangement, I am also a big fan of the first verse. It seems like there was an effort to have a bigger contrast between sections – a softer, more meditative start that leads to a harder, rockier conclusion. Only thing is, once it hit the 2nd chorus the arrangement doesn’t “build up” much higher. Instead, the instruments get louder starting in the bridge, and his voice gets drowned out a bit. Still, David manages to create an emotional peak for the song with his vocal choices in the bridge and 3rd chorus.

I’ll try to write something in the Artist thread later and on SnarkyArchies (I got invited to be a blogger there! Yay!), but I just want to say for now that I LOVE the note at around 3:04 during the bridge. He hit this same note in Tulsa and in some other performances: it is the 4th note on the scale. Why I like it so much, and why I find it so interesting, is that is dissonant in that it doesn’t fit the harmonic structure (the chord) in the backing instruments. But here he isolates it and makes it stand out even more.

Eva Cassidy “found” notes like these a lot and this made for some interesting melodic choices. David likes to do this, too. Musical yumminess!

djb…are you ok? Dayum!! (I LOVE THAT..ronaldsf!) You are sooo creative with the quirky words..you & David! Got any more?

Kizzi..Hi! i just came back from listening to the 92.3 interview. Very enjoyable..David is getting to be a real PRO! He talks with his HANDS! They were going a mile a minute! haha! And he again mentioned HIS OWN TOUR is being planned for early next year!! woo-hoo!! Not only are his dreams coming true, but ours too!

I reread my comment above and didn’t say clearly enough that I do NOT like how the arrangement worked out in the 2nd half of the song. LOL

Also, I find that there is a real difference depending on how you listen to it. When I listen to it on my headphones, it sounds pretty good. But when I play it out of my laptop’s speaker, I really do see Rascal’s image of poor David getting stirred up and lost in a bowl of pancake batter. LOL

djb!?!

Everyone, everybody step aside!

CLEAR!!

lol

davidfanLIZ and SF: That is my absolute favorite interview to date. Love how he talks about his Dad. And a band, OMGosh, can you imagine! His first tour–I am there–I will have to retire and just follow the tour. Want to join me? I can’t wait to see him interview on The Bonnie (freakin’) Hunt Show; I’ll have to take that day off just to savor and enjoy.

ronaldsf – this version doesn’t do well on laptop speakers–however, if you boost the vocals on iTunes it is clearer and his voice isn’t lost; best is out of Bose speakers/surround sound–you are immersed in the vocals and the music fades.

happy #169-very funny–

happy #169, You should wear a soft, velvety “th” for Halloween! LOL

every time I submit a comment ..the photo at the top of this page appears and the look on davids face is as if he can hear everything we say and is thinking…..hhmmm…really guys…
I know I am crah-zee…oh well

djb – “Merengue” is lethal. If he sings a Spanish song and it has the cadence and tone of “merengue”, well, just forget defibrillators, I will just have to go on life support!

ronaldsf – he hits a fascinating dissonant note when he did SBM on “The View” during a run. I have found it riveting and I loved the look the pianist gave him after that run.

TOfan: I really enjoyed that interview. He was relaxed and happy. He enjoys being around people his age and he seems to be embracing this radio interviews with glee. Isn’t it a joy to see him happy and doing what he dreamt of doing?

ronaldsf..on that video David also says “que queres”
translation..”what do you want?” or “what would you like?” I would have told him exactly what!! Then I would have been arrested!

David always pronounces Spanish words correctly..he can really RRROOOLLLL his R’s..Very sensuous, and he doesn’t even know how it comes across! haha! WHEW!

que queres..!!…viva Puerto Rico….happy happy…where are you when I need you.!!……THUD………….

#7 and it hasn’t even been 24 hours!

momofteens/silverfoxe-
David is a real natural “people person “and it shows in these candid moments and I think he is starting to GET how he comes across but does think it is wierd that the fans eat up every moment they can get of him..that is the 17 year old in him…he does not GET just how SPECIAL he is…and that is just david being david….

djb #79 “Mr Hotchuleta” ROTFL (yet not)

Kizzi #80: You’re right, JOY is definitely the word. Sometimes I smile at random times during the day just thinking about that. Strange, huh?

Can’t quite picture David signing a petition, but when it comes to music, I guess. Check this out (his name’s at the end):
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6609220.html

happy #187: Rascal’s probably ordering extra paddles right about now…

ronaldsf started it…what with the Spanish and all…, me? I’m just trying to keep SF out of jail and the rest of the gang healthy while sewing my Halloween costume…now where can I get some velvet…?

silverfoxe —#7 and climbing in less than 24 hours…and it has not even been released yet!!!!YYEEAAHH
no kidding..GO BIG D!!!!!!!

djb – SF is silverfoxe

happy #192..uummm..Puerto Rico??

No. 6!

Thanks for the update caseydog

All I can say is WOW

rrbwade- Sorry -meant ..God Bless Her

djb…WHO IS SF?? haha! That’s funny! no one else knows either! ha!

Bulletin…ALERT, ALERT!!
ITUNES UPDATE AS OF 10:30 PM EST

TOP ALBUMS:

DAVID ARCHULETA # 6

see i can not even spell anymore
or do housework for that matter HAHA

SF- someone was having an attack and I had to pass the defib on…don’t know who has it now, we’ve got people dropping like flies though…weak, we are weak!!!

May I suggest that we all get in shape for 11/11? I think we need a little training to strengthen the heart, improve the lung capacity, and ready ourselves for the endurance that will be required. No one can be expected to run such a marathon of love without training. We must build our stamina. Prepare, prepare- only 2 weeks remain and then…..you take your life in your hands.

Let’s make emergency plans, shall we?

#210 happy–LOL.

woo hoo!!! Go LittleCrusher go!!!!!!!

OMG – this has made my night.

Also – I love the new “Angels” – don’t know what the hubbub is about really, but to each his own I suppose…

And ugh, ELLEN??? Sorry, out of all people she does not deserve to bask in the Archuglow :\

Go LittleCrusher Go !!!!!
I LOVE IT…..really made me laugh

let the preparation begin..I will powerclean my house tomorrow and then Power Iron and then Power pumpkin pick and and then power Blog and all while POWER IPod-ing Davids music to build my Stamina…
Thanks happy

heehee, thanks djb!

RV65….especially David’s suprise falsetto on the bridge…right? Bee-u-tee-ful!!

It’s that time again..oh my heck..wish I could stay up all night monitoring iTunes! Dang! Oh well..g’nite all! And

To David..Sweet dreams..be safe & secure in our love for you always! CONTIGO SIEMPRE CON AMOR!
Hope you feel all the love flowing your way, wherever you are tonight!! What a day you gave us..again!

Good Night silverfoxe..sweet dreams!

about Angles- I love the note at 3:30…

Goodnight all, thanks for the fun.

#225
now you go to the top of this page and look david in that sweet face and read #225 to him and look at his reaction….ROTFL…really

i do think wierd might come to mind..however you spell it..

OK gnite all…..it was fun..

Legal ethics……..kind of late for that but tomorrow is a new day……gnite

Hi all, This is a first for me. I just could not resist. When I first read your post Rascal I kind of held my breath not wanting to be disappointed. Not that I believe that was your intent, but still that was my honest reaction, I actually went to his concert in DC with alot of friends. Angels hands down was my favorite. I loved how he sang it! It was amazing!

Isn’t it amazing how we all hear music and react to it uniquely. As I have listened to this new versian my first thought was what a genious David is. David has so many layers. This to me was another David layer. I totally felt him feeling it. To me it was another way to express what I think to him he could express many ways. I was feeling it and I don’t want to make the mistake of boxing him in to fit my personal expectations which in the end would probably be very limiting. Yes it was a liittle different, but I have to say I loved them both for different reasons and I am totally ok with that. One does not have to be better than the other. I love that I have been able to hear his interpretation in a dffierent way. It’s all good.

Rascal,
I too normally would agree with everything that you say, but this time not so much. We all know that the experience of hearing David in person and listening to a recording is different. A recording can be tweaked so that everything sounds perfect,but maybe not as pure as you might like. Yes and sometimes it can seem as though the instruments are overpowering the voice. I think that we are just so use to the AI sound that now as we are getting a taste of what the pros have done, some of us are not quite ready for it all and it’s a little hard to absorb it. I love it and I think that it will appeal to all that hears it! I can’t wait to hear the rest of how the album turned out…also keep in mind David is still 17 and so he is going to gear his sound to the younger generation.

grammytara – On the contrary, I pretty much despised the AI studio recordings as well, but for different reasons.

Look, I’ve said from the very beginning that I am, at the end of the day, much more interested in what David will be doing five years or so from now than what he is likely to do today. Because he is so young (in so many ways), it will take time for him to evolve into an artist who is truly at one with his instrument and his work. There will be a great deal of experimentation until then. Some of it will be magnificent. Some of it will misfire. A lot of it will be just fine, but perhaps unremarkable (for him).

This first album has already been characterized by David himself as something of an experiment. It is not intended to be cohesive or even necessarily consistent. I have a great affection and appreciation for David’s talents, but, as I have said quite often, I would be doing him a disservice if I wasn’t completely honest in my criticism.

I will leave it to others to gush and coo over every morsel. I happen to think I have an idea of what Mr. Archuleta is capable of, and no one will be happier than I to fetter the man with rapturous exaltation when he achieves it.

Wow – I love that phrase “rapturous exaltation”!! I just smiled reading it in anticipation of that time and I am not kidding.

Check out this video. David is the cutest ever. They said he didn’t know he was being taped.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYL9_QoU35w&NR=1

Ha! All the talk of soft consonants inspired me to download “Contigo En La Distencia” finally (what took me so long?) so I can play it anytime, anywhere now. OMGosh, the rolls and riffs and runs and….. and he’s a KID!!!… oh geesh. The wonder that is David. Sorry I digress, I know the topic is David’s CURRENT music!

And now, pretty much totally off-topic—on the iTunes banner at the top, right there next to David’s CD advert (#6!! GO DAVID ! ! mmwahhh!!), is an ad for a free Sheryl Crow vid that is a ROCKIN’ **great** poster-child-of-a-song for peace, you might want to check it out. I’m off to leave David a message on his myspace phone#—I bet he’d love it too!

Crush is #7 in Top Pop Songs

Angels is # #11 in Top Pop Songs

to our dear, wise granfan (who admits to lurkin’),

please, lurk no more. i just love love love your post and sharings! you simply got it!
big cheers to our granfan!

Oh..It’s NOT my leg..it’s YOURS! Whew! that was close!

Good morning everyone!

Juliebug#245, yep! That pretty much sums it all up! Great job! Thanks!

Oh goodie! More radio interviews. Thanks for that info, SF.

I had the pleasure of drifting off to sleep last night, just listening to David’s speaking voice. It’s getting deeper while maintaining such a distinct sound. I’d recognize him anywhere.

Now, those new numbers on itunes say it all! We are a devout fanbase, who are helping to launch our boy out into the world.

Great job, everyone!

This link takes you to Parts I and II of David’s interview:
http://kiss108.com/cc-common/podcast.html

FROM MJ Blog this morning (had breakfast with David)

Holy Cr*ap!!!
So, here is what we know from MJ’s talk with David and Jeff this morning:

** Co-wrote “Don’t Let Go” with JC from NSYNC

** Co-wrote “A Little Too Not Over You” with Matt Girard and Robie Neville

** Co-wrote the WalMart bonus track with Daniel Bedingfield (it is acoustic and the heaviest song on the album)

** Wrote “Falling” when he was just 14 years old (music and lyrics)

** Wrote 8 songs in the last two weeks of the deadline and 4 are on the albums

Joner..Everyone…HELLOOOOO! What Have I been saying!! David SEES music & Lyrics everywhere! This is why he starts singing at random, out of nowhere..He thinks & breaths MUSIC & LYRICS!
David is a musical GENIUS of the highest order..WE AIN”T SEEN NOTHIN’ YET!

SF – #257 I appreciate your explanation, but I have a question.

I pre-ordered David’s album from iTunes and I’ll be at Walmart on Nov. 11th; however, I also pre-ordered from Amazon. How does that fit into this?

Thanks so much!

As far as Amazon..I’m cancelling my orders from them..BUT that’s just me! Instead I’m going to BUY the
CDs at stores on 11/11..Walmart, Target, Circuit City, etc. And I also preordered the DELUXE CD! If you can’t buy the CD on 11/11, that’s ok..as long as you DO BUY IT AT A STORE! We want David to hit the BILLBOARD
CHARTS! YEAH!

archiesfan4life..I want to clarify again that I am NOT saying you should Cancel your order from Amazon. I am only because buying it from a store is better for David.

If you all think we’ve been on a great ride with so far!
Well.. HOLD ON! he’s gettin ready to BLAST us to OUTER SPACE to a place where no one’s been before!
And I’m on board and READY TO GO!!

omgosh! david wrote ‘falling”!!!!!
coo & gush……coo & gush ………coo & gush

that will be the 1st song i listen to, can’t wait.

did you hear about the solo tour ? it’s on snarkies. OMDA! i’m there – wherever THERE is!

get ready to Power Shop Davids CD in stores…the best stocking stuffer..Secret Santa….etc out there!!!
He needs those numbers and he has it in US!!!!
.Spread the word….
….
!!!!!!Go LittleCrusher Go!!!!!!
Angels # 23 and Soaring!!!

Loved the Tulsa angels but I love this too! I mean, come on, it’s David Archuleta! How can we go wrong??!!

SF: Okay, now I’m confused. How does buying the physical CD from a store help David more than ordering it from Amazon (or, for that matter, downloading it from iTunes)?

Josie, everyone!! just saying the words..David’s SOLO tour..it’s just TOO much to bear! I want to dance in the streets like the cra-zeh nut I am!! I am sooo spaced out right now..and I don’t even do caffeine !! David is my drug of choice..I’ve been on a HIGH since “Heaven” can’t come down, don’t wanna come down! What a feelin’ this is..almost too much for words..
Ya’ll think the stampede the other nite was somthin’, wait til the tickets go on sale for David’s SOLO tour!. We’re gonna CRASH the net tryin’ to get tickets online! It’s gonna be a cyberspace STAMPEDE! hahaha!

I read on FOD that there are four songs on the album that he wrote and had done a lot of writing in the last two weeks before the deadline…because there was not enough good songs on the album…OMG…Jive is a major label!! You would think they could find great songs for David…they do for other artists! Why have they not made other good songs available to him?

Hi Chickee and SF! David’s interview with Kiss 108 was pretty darn awesome. I’m really happy that Matty was so good to him. Chickee – did you hear it?

silverfoxe- you are 100% correct and in case anyone did not notice 11/11 is Veterans Day and there is no mail delivery.So anyone waiting for the CD to be delivered on 11/11 ..it is not coming on that day…and I am sure it won’t come earlier…

#281/chickee-
I know what you mean- we were so used to the magnificant yeah yeah yeahs all summer long that not hearing it is well..different …but 2:59-3;04 is simply outstanding for me and just imagine what he will do with it on his SOLO tour…Can’t wait

djb/solo tour. oh boy, get your medications up to date, oxygen tanks, paramedics……………

and add the helmut to prevent any further cranial damage from all the THUD’S
I have decided it would be best to be lying down when I hear the album for the first time..haha

I love it! Hey Rascal, run around the block then give it another listen! I know you’ll change your mind….you’ve done it before!!!!!

Hi

I have been a lurker here since about AI Top 6 when I discovered this site (and what a refreshing change it was to read well thought out posts that I almost always find myself going YES!)

As someone from about as far away as you can get (try New Zealand) I was truly in awe of David when he sung this on idol. To me it showed he sings songs he loves and what GUTS to sing a song that a good 90% of viewers had never heard of (OK maybe I’m being a little harsh on the music loving population of the States – but you get my drift) But Angels was HUGE over here for Robbie Williams and so I was like WOW!

Then came the tour and rendition after rendition came out on youtube and I was WOWing even more – this guy is simply astounding

Now we have the album version and I have just heard it for the first time. As others have stated we/I am not the target demographic so while I prefer David’s natural arrangements I still find myself speechless (although not by the look of this post) at the skill and style that still finds its way through this over produced version

Now when I hear the original version I WISH it was David

BTW Great site Rascal

Rachel
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND

Masterclass Lady’s review of new Angels after a fan (Janey79) sent it to her:

“………………. absolutely exquisite. The arrangement of this song is extremely well-formulated. The orchestration is luxurious and evokes all the passion and fervor that is at the core of this beautiful song.

However, never is David’s stellar voice obliterated by the lush score. His voice is truly transcendent and he adds some new and exciting vocal flourishes to this version of this song classic. I particularly loved the head voice component during the orchestral interlude, followed by the vocal gymnastics he displayed during his final take of the refrain.

And, yet, the expressive element in his voice is ubiquitous -he truly communicates the emotional core of this song with authenticity and sensitivity.”