CD spotlight: David Archuleta delivers ‘Christmas from the Heart’
David Archuleta
Christmas From the Heart
1. Joy to the World
2. Angels We Have Heard on High
3. O Come All Ye Faithful
4. Silent Night
5. The First Noel
6. O Holy Night
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
8. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
9. Pat-a-pan
10. What Child Is This
11. Riu Riu Chiu
12. Ave Maria
13. Melodies of Christmas
When I first heard that David Archuleta’s Christmas album would be released Oct. 13, I thought surely he’s jumping the gun to beat the other holiday releases.
Then I checked the list of new music releases for last Tuesday. A bluegrass Christmas CD from Charlie Daniels. A new Christmas CD from Neil Diamond. A CD entitled “Christmas in the Heart” from Bob Dylan … yes, Bob Dylan.
Now, ask yourself who from that list seems perfectly suited to release a holiday album.
David Archuleta has to be on the list.
Anyone who watched him on Idol had to know two things as soon as David’s Christmas CD was announced. He has the vocal ability to do justice to the songs of the season, even if it isn’t here yet. And he’d give those songs the respect they deserve.
Even with those lofty expectations heading in, fans will be impressed by young David’s “Christmas From the Heart.”
The CD features a splendid duet on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with Charice Pempengco, another teen with a wonderful voice. For those who wanted to hear more of David singing in Spanish, there’s “Riu Riu Chiu.”
And I’m not much for listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but David’s vocals on “Pat-a-pan” and “What Child Is This” might change by mind.
The only track that made me wince a little was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and that was more because of the arrangement, especially the overdone ending, than anything David did or didn’t do vocally.
David even has a co-writing credit on the one original song on the album, “Melodies of Christmas,” which is pleasant enough, even if it’s unlikely to become as classic as the other songs he tackles on this CD.
So, one question remains. When Billboard releases its updated charts on Thursday, who will do better with their Christmas release, young David or Bob Dylan?
My money’s on David.
October 18th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I love David Archuleta’s “Christmas from the Heart” album. I don’t have favorites; each song is very special. David’s heavenly voice, the arrangements, the harmonies make this album an exquisite, beautiful work of art. I could listen to this album all year long! David Archuleta is simply THE BEST!
October 18th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Thank you so much for that wonderful review of Christmas From The Heart. I haven’t heard any of the other albums you mentioned, and I’m not likely to. But I have heard Christmas From The Heart and it is absolutely beautiful. I agree with you re I’ll Be Home For Christmas, but David’s voice is still so beautiful it makes the song worthwhile to listen to. I’ve listened to this album well over 50 times already and it still amazes me every time I hear it. David’s version of Ave Maria is a masterpiece. Just stunning. And Pat-A-Pan is so much fun to listen to. It should be played on the radio during the holiday season, because I believe it could become a classic to be played every year.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
My heart is with David’s cd -it’s pure bliss to hear David’s sweet passionate vocals here. However, the Dylan cd is getting huge press and as usual, David’s not so much. (if only David had his own radio show to promote on…) Therefore, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if Dylan outsells David (even if Dylan sounds like he’s choking on sand).
I’ll spend my Christmas with David’s cd!!
October 18th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
my money’s on david as well… i’ve heard the album, and it is a stunner. the must have christmas cd this season. he is also going to be touring to promote the cd, which also has the fans super excited to hear him sing these songs tailor made for him, live. david, live in concert, is an experience not to be missed.
i look forward to seeing more of this fantastic christmas cd fly off the shelves, and looking forward to catching him on tour.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
You put your money in the right choice. Is a little special to see David in the list of Christmas release albums along with legends like B Dylan, N Diamond and Barry Manilow, but you right, when i heard David gonna do a christmas album, i was sure it gonna be Great!, Christmas and David deserve each other. I’m glad JIVE took the risk to release so early in his career this kind of album, thats is what i call confidence in their artist. About the album the most special thing is that you can hear the classics with very specials arrangements that suit Davids voice pecfectly, then even with the new and fresh arrangements they keep the classical and traditional songs. Love Pat-a-Pan, Riu Riu Chiu and Joy to the World the most, I agree with you about IBHFC and i gonna add Silent night?. Anyway i hope David has the budget or sponsors (please Work management)to make many stops in his next tours(in US and Intern. too)and i hope too they gonna find the way to do a decent promotion for this beautiful album.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Christmas from the Heart is a wonderful album. i’m very happy with it.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
thanks for the review, i’ve also been waiting to hear david sing Christmas music, his voice is so suited for this and it is a fabulous cd.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I love Christmas music and always buy at least one Xmas cd every year. I swear this is the best one ever, not kidding! Pat a Pan is just wonderful and I can’t stop listening/singing to it, except the French part for singing!
Also love Melodies of Christmas! Thanks for the review.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
David Archuleta’s Christmas from the heart is heven. The best album ever. I love it so much I am buying them up and giving them out to people I meet. All for the love of David.
October 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
You’re spot on with the tracks you highlighted. Riu Riu Chiu and What Child Is This are simply beautiful.
October 18th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
David Archuleta’s Christmas from the Heart album is just amazing. David’s voice just soars throughout the album…and you feel like you are in a concert hall listening to the most amazing voice. I can’t wait to hear David sing some of these songs live in concert when he goes out on tour in Nov & Dec. His concerts are amazing and so much fun! Thanks for you nice review to someone who is deserving of praise for all the hard work he put into making this album for his fans.
October 18th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I just love this album from the beginning till the end…bring so much xmas spirit althought it is just in October.
October 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I love love love David Archuleta’s Christmas album! The arrangements are inventive and David’s voice and pop/soul touches blend with the Prague Symphonic to make a gorgeous sound. The audio quality is clear and crisp too. I find the album uplifting and soothing. I’m not Christian but I can feel David’s own strong spirit and faith and it’s beautiful. BTW at teamarchie, needy fans can be gifted with a legal copy of the album purchased using cash and album donations from other fans and auction proceeds from onsite auctions of rare David items. Just look down the left for their Gifting Campaign to donate or request. I donated. I am happy to make another fan’s Christmas brighter.
October 18th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I was impressed by this new artist’s take on traditional Christmas songs that have been on years. Considering he is a contemporary pop artist, his vocal ability is rare to find in today’s music world that is full of autotune and lip syncing. His voice is pure and warm and yet still mature enough to interpret the meaning of each song with his own way. I am going to buy more for gifts when holidays are approaching.
October 18th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I have been listening to Christmas from the Heart non stop since I got it. His voice is magnificent and he truly captures the spirit of these traditional songs. I will be buying many additional copies so that I can help family and friends experience such a wonderful gift he has given us.
October 18th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I”m not from the US and I am eagerly waiting for my cd to arrive next week. My nephew bought them for me as well for some of my friends.
I have listened to some tracks on youtube and I love all of them. He is only 18 but his voice is so well suited to these kind of songs.
I hope someday I will be able to see him live on stage.
More power to you Mark Franklin. Your review is so positive and encouraging for young David.
October 18th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I find David’s voice amazing. The album is permeated with gentleness and peace. I love, love, love it. You can listen to the full album on AOL Listening Party. I am sure you will find it a real treat.
October 18th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
thanks for a great review. i have listened to this amazing album a countless times and continue to get chills with david’s heartfelt and soulful voice. i am looking forward to hear david’s live performances at his Xmas concert in my area.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:55 am
Safe bet, for sure! I knew that David Archuleta had a very nice, pure tone to his voice and thought that Christmas music and the like would be his niche. This album, though, is above and beyond my every expectation. After listening, I’m also now convinced that he should not be limited to power ballads and hymns, but found the lively, more contemporary tracks to be very nicely sung and wonderfully addictive.
It’s quite refreshing to read about a new artist who’s ability is actually something to write about.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:54 am
David Archuleta’s Christmas cd is exquisite. David’s tone, range and clear vocals make this cd a must have! His voice fits this type of music perfectly. I can’t believe I’m listening to Christmas music in October but I have listened to it repeatedly since I purchased it on October 13th. It is so nice to have a young artist who can actually sing. I love this cd and will be listening to it for years to come!!! My sister, niece & I will be attending his Christmas concert in SLC on 11/24/09. I haven’t heard Bob Dylan’s cd but I can’t imagine him singing Christmas songs. Bob Dylan and Christmas songs?
October 19th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Nice review. This album is a winner! Probably the best Holiday album of the year. Young Mr. Archuleta is an amazingly talented vocalist.
October 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I bought David’s album yesterday..and I super duper love it! Every songs on the album is special…he sang it all with passion. He’s truly an amazing and talented singer…
Happy Holidays everyone!
December 8th, 2009 at 5:10 am
I have bought several copies of David’s Christmas From the Heart and gifted it to family and friends. I listen to it over and over and never get tired of it. His voice is spot on and he has the ability to bring you into a spiritual relm of peace and tranquility. I’ll probably listen to it year round, it’s just one of those rare positive things in life to enjoy. He’s such a breath of fresh air!!!