Archie’s Christmas From The Heart

At this early in the Philippines, it is already the Christmas Season (I bet we have the longest in the world and the most festive!). And beginning September 1, we could already hear Christmas songs being aired on radio. Having said that, one of the most-anticipated Christmas albums this year is David Archuleta’s Christmas From The Heart. This is technically his second album post American Idol (while his sophomore pop album will be released early 2010?).

Practically, there are only three songs I am not familiar with in the 13-track album, specifically, I haven’t heard of the song Riu Riu which is rather interesting. The rest of the tracks are traditional Christmas songs, including Ave Maria. Hmnnn…I wonder which version? Haha!

Nevertheless, one notable track here is a duet of I’ll Be Home For Christmas with Charice Pempengco. Yes, you read it right – it’s Charice. Well, we all know that Archie is a self-confessed ‘fan’ of Charice and this duet will definitely be a hit here in the Philippines not only because of the latter but because he himself is well-loved here.

Pre-order the album which will be released on October 13, 2009  via Amazon.

David Cook and David Archuleta LIVE in Manila!

The Vlogs speak it all! David Cook and David Archuleta of American Idol 7 will have a one night concert LIVE and together in SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds on May 16, 2009.

David C. and David A. IN MANILA?!

In his PhilsStar column (FUNFARE) today, February 25, 2009, Ricky Lo posted a ‘flash buzz’ that AI7 winner David Cook and his runner-up David Archuleta will be coming to Manila first week of May for a concert.  He also speculated that it will be held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Open Ground.

IS THIS TRUE? David Cook was previously rumored to be holding his first major concert ever here in the Philippines after winning Idol last year.  But nothing happened and the rumor just died.  Maybe there were no takers (read:  sponsors).

I am inclined to believe about the two Davids holding a concert together here.  But I guess I could only vouch for one of them, most probably earlier.  GUESS WHO?! hehe  Clue: somebody I know will be elated to know who that David is.

David Cook

It’s my declaration
To anyone who’s listening
You’re my inspiration
As I stand alone against the world
['Cause you love...]

Released today and a week after David Archuleta’s debut album, David Cook’s first track Declaration is definitely heralding that his own debut album has finally come. And it is worth listening to. Promise. Well, I am not really a fanatic of rock songs and rock singers but Cook is one certified rocker whose songs I would not think twice to listen to. There is a lot of growling but they are tuneful. After his unique and affective interpretations of the weekly songs in the AI7 finals early this year, I became an admirer. Who would think he could pull through with Hello and Always Be My Baby? We saw him. We heard him. There’s no question about his talent and genius in ‘re-creating’ a song and make it soar even more. I am not disappointed at all.

I think the whole album is well-thought of and each and every song is cookin’ hot Cook. Very. If you’ve listened to his Analog Heart (pre-Idol solo album), this one is miles better. With very impressive vocals and anthemic arrangements beginning with Declaration until the A Daily AntheM (notice how the title of the song is spelled – is his brother’s name in it?), I’m sure Daughtry (another American Idol alumnus) should brace himself for a worthy challenger. In another note, Cook showed his sensitive side and bared his soul with the song Permanent.

It would be futile to compare his album and his songs with that of David Archuleta (his runner-up in AI7) since they are in completely different genres. Nevertheless, they would still be compared on how well they score in the charts and how long will they last in the mainstream.

Track listing:

1. Declaration
2. Heroes
3. Light On
4. Come Back To Me
5. Life on the Moon
6. Bar-ba-sol
7. Mr. Sensitive
8. Lie
9. I Did It For You
10. Avalanche
11. Permanent
12. A Daily AntheM
13. The Time of My Life (bonus track)

And there are still two tracks as bonus somewhere?!

[iTunes store]

David Archuleta

AI7 runner-up David Archuleta’s debut album is already out today. As expected, the whole album sounds expectedly like his first single Crush: over-synthesized. With David’s prodigious and fresh talent, I was not impressed with what the producers got for him as much as I don’t understand the way they are packaging him for the market. Obviously, his album has to sell but most of the tracks included in the album are a little bit over-worked, at least for someone like David. Maybe I was just used to listening and watching him perform during his AI stint.

With the standard album (12 tracks, 4 were added for the deluxe edition), at least three songs got my attention. For one, Touch My Hand could prove to be another hit single for David. Though the rhythm reminds me of JHud’s Spotlight especially the first part of the song, I certainly believe that it is very singable at the level of his tweeny fans and projects good tune recall. His voice is restrained but I admire his delicate but unwavering and on pitch falsettos. Secondly, the mid-tempo ballad A Little Too Not Over You definitely brought out the real voice of David and comes close to the David that I cheered on in AI7; I really like how he belted out in the chorus. And Desperate! It’s not desperate in terms of singing since the powerful rock ballad surely challenged Archie’s voice and he was successful in taking on the demands of the song. This song is my favorite so far.

Overall, the album is nice. Yes, just nice since all the tracks sounds almost the same to me. I was actually expecting more challenging songs, a little variety but cohesive enough for David whose mature voice (for a 17-year old unassuming boy) will surely deliver. His new recording for the maiden cover Angels is the only song that fits my expectation besides the more notable songs I mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, still a good job for David!

Tracks:

1. Crush
2. Touch My Hand
3. Barriers
4. My Hands
5. A Little Too Not Over You
6. You Can
7. Running
8. Desperate
9. To Be With You
10. Don’t Let Go
11. Your Eyes Don’t Lie
12. Angels
13. Waiting for Yesterday (Deluxe only)
14. Falling (Deluxe only)
15. Let Me Go (Deluxe only)
16. Somebody Out There (Deluxe only)
17. Works For Me – bonus track (Walmart edition of the standard album)

Listen to samples here.
Itunes store.

Listen to David Cook’s Debut Single: Light On

David Cook released his debut single Light On exclusive on AOL; iTunes release on September 30.

Listen here.

David Cook’s Debut Album on Nov. 18th

DC, the reigning American Idol, will finally release his debut album on November 18, 2008 about six months after he won over DA (David Archuleta) by around 12 million votes.

His debut album has been highly anticipated by his solid fans and AI followers alike. For the album, DC collaborated with the Grammy-award winning producer Rod Cavallo whose credentials include producing albums for Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Kid Rock, Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne and Eric Clapton. DC also collaborated with some of the most notable rock personalities including Jason Wade (Lifehouse) and Ed Roland (Collective Soul) which makes the upcoming album more interesting. And of course, Time of My Life will be featured in the album.

The album is under 19 Recordings/RCA Records.

Here’s the official site of David Cook: www.davidcookofficial.com

From Metromix: Matinee ‘Idols’

I just found a link to this collage of pictures of American Idol alumni who made it to the movies, even with just a cameo role. Of course, we won’t forget that scene-stealer act of Jennifer Hudson in the Dreamgirls which earned her an Oscar and another role in the blockbuster Sex And The City.

American Idol is the foremost and most popular venue for those who want it big in the entertainment industry. But even though you got to win the competition, only a few were lucky enough to fully realize that dream. Well, sometimes ‘reality’ can bite you.

I just wonder if David Archuleta would figure in a Disney musical….hmnnn.

Anyway, enjoy the Idol trail.