Sunday 8 February 2009

The Star of the Pro Bowl



What amazes me about David, amongst other things, is his ability to perform when it matters. To lay it all on the line at the big occasion, to not crumble or fall apart under pressure but to rise above it and take control of the spectacle. The Idol finale, AI tour conclusion in Tulsa and now this. A collosal spectacle with David center stage with a flag rolling in behind him over the crowd, helecopters flying overhead and gunshots ringing into the air combined with thousands in the stadium and millions watching at home. Never has the stage been so big but David rises up, grasps it and takes it on like his life depends on it.

One of the things I like about the Star Spangled Banner is its patriotism inspiration and strong anthemic factor. Its a song with massive chill potential, even for a non-american. David imbues his take with subletey, soul and passion nailing every note with confidence in a situation where confidence could so easily be lacking. He hasnt got the sheer size and volume of Jennifer Hudsons equivelent from a week or 2 earlier, but Davids musical instinct and ability to 'chill' with melodic and tasteful twists and turns levels it up in my eyes. A huge chunk of credit has to be given to whoever got David this gig (AzOff im assuming), this is what will make people remember that name, David Archuleta.

So what we are left with, is the voice and the spectacle. Never has David sounded better and never have I heard a more satisfying rendition of one of the most recognisable tunes in history.

9 comments:

lyrix said...

David was amazing! I loved your write- up. Thanks. :)

Elgee said...

Chenson, I have never been on your site and never read you before. But what you said here about David laying it all on the line when it matters most is EXACTLY what I have been thinking of all day after the Pro Bowl. The finale, the Tulsa show, and now this. He delivers most when it matters most. He has seriously untapped potential we can't even imagine. Thanks for putting voice to my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

David Archuleta's voice is almost the male equivalent of a pre-1995 Whitney Houston. And so it is no wonder that, along with Jennifer Hudson's recent "Star Spangled Banner" performance at Super Bowl XLIII, David's Pro Bowl rendition is arguably the best since Ms. Houston's own 1991 bravura performance at Super Bowl XXV. Simply brilliant.

TOfan said...

Great post, Chenson. You're so right about the chills (and I'm Canadian!).

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post Chenson!

"What amazes me about David, amongst other things, is his ability to perform when it matters. To lay it all on the line at the big occasion, to not crumble or fall apart under pressure but to rise above it and take control of the spectacle."

I agree with this wholeheartedly! He is made of so much tougher stuff than he at first appears. Whenever I see David in one of these moments, I can't get over how young he is. To think guys don't reach their "singing prime" until their mid 30's floors me. He won't be at his "best" for another 17 years.

It is fun to compare this SSB rendition with the one at the Governors Inaugural. He sang them both so beautifully. I am guessing he intentionally toned down the Inauguration version (sung it soulfully but more straight) as it was a more solemn occasion (and very cold.) Today's was more showy. He definitely knows when to "bring it"!

"One of the things I like about the Star Spangled Banner is its patriotism inspiration and strong anthemic factor. Its a song with massive chill potential, even for a non-american. David imbues his take with subletey, soul and passion nailing every note with confidence in a situation where confidence could so easily be lacking."


For David, it is going to be all about the music. There is a lot of hand-wringing over marketing strategy, labels, tour venues etc. but all David really needs is great songs to sing.

Bookaholic said...

Chenson, love your comments and appreciation for David, as always.

I did want to throw out the fact that both Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill sang to their SSB song admissions. They lip-synched, did not sing live. They were advised to do this coz apparently a lot of things can go wrong. I knew in a heartbeat that David would sing live. No question. Singing equals euphoria to him. No way he would miss out on that, and I was right. And, he hit it out of the park. A stunning rendition!

I know what you mean about David always coming through in a pinch, in the really hard situations. I see it slightly different, though.

The more difficult the challenge, the more he ups his game. That I find truly awe-inspiring, truth be told.

Bookaholic said...

Oops. I should say Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson sang to their song admissions. They sang different songs, didn't both sing SSB. Still, the fact that they weren't confident enough to sing live is telling.

David is obviously in a class by himself. And, at age 18. Pretty amazing.

TOfan said...

Heard the news about David touring U.K. with McFly?

janey said...

chenson....would you please critique David's a capella Angels for me?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8VYQtauy20&feature=channel_page