David Archuleta Retospective Series Part Fourteen: Be Still My Soul

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

http://youtu.be/gAQOgzKgxXM

 

Pamela Pike’s Recollections

“Be Still My Soul” is a popular revival hymn written by Katharine von Schlegel (1697–1768) and translated into English by Jane L. Borthwick (1813–1897).  The music was composed by Jean Sibelius, from his music “Finlandia.” His music is characterized by a nationalistic spirit along with poetry, often evoking his homeland’s majestic charm. The scripture reference of this hymn is found in Psalm 46:10; “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

David has blessed us with this beautiful hymn on several occasions, at his concerts, firesides and also included in David’s album “Begin” released last August 7, 2012 which he again sends tingles down your spine as his genius is spotlighted with this song.

In my review of “Begin” I stated:

His “Be Still My Soul” comes deep from the depth of his spirituality, his voice shines and soars and drives straight to the center of your heart.  He sings with a conviction of his place in heaven, and perhaps his pace in singing history.  The emotions David arouses and masters with this song establish his connection to his music and his faith.

I’m always struck by the depth of his lyrics and the honesty of his sound.  One of the things that set certain singers apart from others is the distinctiveness of their voice.  They are just unique, that was the thought I had while listening to David Archuleta.  He has a tremendous talent and spirit and every note is perfect.

I still remember the first time I heard David sing this song.  I was immediately gripped with the beauty of his vocals and how he reveals his real heart of worship. His tone makes you feel every word he sings and while he is immersed in the music it gives you a glimpse of the sheer majesty of his voice.

There are other hymns that David has used to touch our hearts at different times, but Be Still My Soul is one shinning start at the top of the list.

This song is breathtakingly glorious, always lifts my spirits and gently places me in the presence of God.  It encourages us to trust God’s faithfulness and favor toward us, even in life’s darkest circumstances.

Singing is one of the great blessings of our worship together and the scriptures stress the importance of singing with “understanding.” 

David more than any one of us knows this simply must not be forgotten.

 http://youtu.be/p92fMgMt_Zw

 Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

The first time I heard David sing this gorgeous hymn, I truly felt that I was in Heaven. His voice caressed the simple but expansive vocal line in a deeply soulful manner and the words resonated with me long after the song was over.

I have since listened to the song many, many times and have been moved to tears each and every time.
The song is not a difficult song to learn - the melody is a simple one and repeats from verse to verse.
However, what makes this performance truly special is the expressive manner in which David delivers the message contained in each verse.

By doing so, one never gets the feeling that we are listening to the same melody from verse to verse. Rather, we are taken on a very spiritual, very emotional journey, one that only David and his God-given voice can create for us.

Featured as one of the tracks on David's luscious new album, "Begin", this song takes on new life with the addition of a lovely cello and piano accompaniment. 

How I love the sound of a cello - the plaintiff sound coming from this instrument just heightens the sense of tranquility and peace one feels while listening to this number.

And I was so taken with the soulful ad lib section, where David freely repeated "Be Still My Soul", using his vocal gift to heighten the quiet intensity of this song.

Which brings me to another point - David never, ever over sings. He sings, passionately -yes, but he always has respect for the lyrics and the music. He sings as he would speak, with sustained inflection and nuance. And always with heartwarming sincerity.

 As I write this article and listen to this song, all my worries and concerns just melted away.  Thank you David for bringing this song to my attention and for communicating it to your listeners in such a special and meaningful way.



 Rosanne Simunovic
 http://www.masterclasslady.com
 http://www.granniethegeek.com

To Begin You First Need Courage

An inability to step out of your comfort zone will profoundly limit your performance.  Within each one of us lays great potential.  The way you explore that great potential is to make changes and take risks. We stumble and fall in the learning process, but success can only be reached when we are prepared to take those steps.

Courage is making the decision to learn something new by testing and stretching your abilities and taking those risks.  David Archuleta has tremendous reservoirs of potential within him as he steps out and boldly pursues them.  The difference is his attitude; he greets the unknown with a sense of eager anticipation and welcomes it

David has the courage to step out in faith and change his life. He may not feel courageous at the onset or even through the journey, but it is still a courageous act.  He is gaining more self-esteem, confidence and a stronger sense of self. 

It seems he wants to take all he can out of life, and take advantage of every chance he gets.  Courage is about following your heart and growing.  His journey of self-discovery begins with a commitment without complete knowledge of the probable outcome.  David knows that God is the One who goes with you He will not leave you nor forsake you.

 

David has the courage to discover just how much music he can make when he returns.  How much will he do? How much joy can he share?  I’m convinced that the world, more than ever, needs the music only he can make. 

Every song in “Begin” seems to have a story and there is “newness” to them in terms of style and delivery, but there is also a timeless message that fits in what he is singing about.  These song choices reveal a self-awareness that comes with maturity and also shows a young man in continuous change.

David has that heart on your sleeve honesty that manages to keep listeners interested. With “Begin” these songs are just saying what’s in his heart. They represent a window into the place and time when David finds himself at the age of 21. 

 

I just finished watching his latest video “Everybody Hurts” and he knocked my socks off with his four minutes and fifty three seconds of passionate, soulful and penetrating vocals.  He is a storyteller that can open people up to their inner soul and is an artist of selfless giving that will shine bright forever. 

David seems to be emerging as an independent artist who may prefer to control his career and not be led by someone else’s opinion of how his career should unfold.  Courage is about choice and acting on what we know we should do and David seems to be making the right ones.

The lyrics to “Everybody Hurts”……Hang on, hold on, you’re not alone…..says it all!  

We are holding on for your return. 

David Archuleta's "BEGIN"

David Archuleta continues to be one of the most dynamic and versatile recording artist today.  His brilliant new album offers a mix of rearranged favorite covers as well as a new song musically penned by David himself. He has given us some mighty impressive stuff here

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Each time I play this album I enjoy it even more. I’m writing in a state of bliss after listening to these songs. He’s really so good, isn’t he? 

His “Be Still My Soul” comes deep from the depths of his spirituality, his voice shines and soars and drives straight to the center of your heart. He sings with a conviction of his place in heaven, and perhaps his place in singing history.  The emotions David’s arouses and masters with this song establish his connection to his music and his faith.

His voice is indescribable exciting, and forever a wonder to behold.  Does it get any better than this….I think not.  David’s vocals are exquisite and his renditions capture the intensity while keeping the integrity of the originals.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a favorite of mine and has always been associated with hard times and great emotional beauty.  David’s strikingly pure vocals put to shame every other singer attempting this song.  His fabulous version has depth, power and great sincerity. His voice soars and then pulls you back for the next flight of genius and after he is finished you are exhausted emotionally and in awe of his powerful performance.

With “Angel” he gives the song great respect.  This song is able to be interpreted by so many people in so many different ways.  It can mean that some people are somewhere that they don’t want to be in and don’t want to stay in.  It’s also about choices and the power of Angels. The quiet softness David adds to this song leaves you breathless.

“Broken” masterfully illustrates his musical gift writing.  I recall several months back him sitting at a piano playing with those ivory keys and saying he was just trying something out.  What a beautiful intense and hopeful song.

This next song “Everybody Hurts” just blew me away.  David’s vocal delicacy and tenderness conveys the theme of this song, that we are not alone.  He is amazing and evokes so much emotion, this is really great music. 

 

“True Colors” is true love, “Beautiful” is beautiful, “Pride” and “Don’t Give Up” succeeds in showing us the heart of David Archuleta, and “Somewhere Only We Know” busted out at the seams and revealed David as an outstanding great songster.

I challenge anyone who says David Archuleta can’t articulate his feelings.  He has emerged as a young man, an artist with purpose and a mission of determination and hope. 

Begin brought David an avalanche of publicity less than a month before its release.  Fans are enraptured by his new album.

David continues to demonstrate that he’s among the truest, brightest talent to come on the scene in quite a while.  He seamlessly flows between pop, R&B, and now inspirational without ever breaking a sweat and has given us an excellent selection of strong and passionate vocals.

Begin is an album that can be enjoyed and appreciated by listeners of all ages. This is good music, no this is great music.  Soak every bit of it up, remember it, enjoy it and share these great songs with many.

Thank you David for your beautiful music.

Always know David we feel your heart………….and always know you hold our hearts forever.

My Cover choices for David Archuleta's "Begin"

David Archuleta has a beautiful voice of pure sincerity that reaches straight to heaven.

His music helps people get to a special place bringing them hope and inspiration. Positive messages simply can’t be ignored and in celebrating the spirit of self-reliance it reminds each of us we are morally responsible to help the less fortunate among us.  Music is God’s perfect form of communication because what comes from the heart, soul and spirit touches and reaches everyone.

Life is the sum of individual experiences and on his mission he will be searching for new experiences from which to draw inspiration for his music, songs that motivate us and trigger us into action.  Songs that remind us the beauty of life and lifts us up when we’re down and remind us who we are.

David’s new album “Begin” is to be released August 7, 2012 which will consist of covers of songs we all know and have enjoyed.  Cover songs cover all the bases.  Some artists obliterate the original but David has always managed to put a new sheen on any song while remaining faithful to the original arrangements.  He inventively revives every original and “Begin” should be no exception.

  

Hearing a cover song done right can be goose bump-inducing, heart rate-spiking and soul feeding. With hundreds and thousands of great songs out there, it is challenging to narrow down the list.

David voice doesn’t only express expertise and style but also reflects the soul; it’s a sounding board for thoughts and feelings.  He sings the perfect sound, his inner voice singing our hearts desires.

When you start listening to him one of the most important things is he keeps you relaxed his voice has this kind of quality to it, it’s like some kind of magic spell is being cast.

I have compiled a few personal choices of covers that might fit in with David’s intension for his new album. My hope is that one day I will be fortunate enough to hear him sing one of these lovely choices.

August 7^th can you please hurry?

 Reach - Gloria Estefan

Music of My Heart - N'Sync & Gloria Estefan

I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly

A New Day Has Come - Celine Dion

The Prayer - Celine Dion & Josh Groban

I'm Alive - Celine Dion

"Begin" with David Archuleta

At any point in your experience of life, you can make a change, find a new direction, or take a new path. Each day can be a new beginning if we choose to make it so.  The toughest part is deciding exactly who we want to become, and having the courage to see it through. 

 

There is a spirit of newness in David’s heart at this time.  You cannot help but feel inspired and enthused by it, you cannot help being caught up in it.  To David’s fans his life may seem perfect and complete, but he may know places in his life and heart that call for light and upliftment.  His mission provides a time, for the changes, inner and outer, that he may have dreamed of making but had not yet dared to set into motion

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This is a blessed time in his life and he has the opportunity right now to make changes for himself and many others in our world.  He will affect change in every one who crosses his path.  If you’re having a “bad” day and feeling sad and frustrated, and David approaches you wearing a big smile and obviously in a place of joy, and says something nice to you or gives you a few words of encouragement, you immediately feel better and your vibration rises out of the hopeless despair into one of at least some hope and brightness.

 

David is aware the only way to bring into your life the desires of your heart is to believe it in your heart and live by that knowing.  He is continuing a path that honors God and draws him closer. 

 

David’s release of his new album “Begin” on August 7, 2012 is a much anticipated album.  As reported it will offer fans standout original and cover songs. Will it be music that inspires, encourages and lifts people spirits? Perhaps, as that would make sense in line with David’s mission. Whatever direction this album goes I am sure it will display the vocal, songwriting, and musical growth of this gifted and talented artist.

David will not be embarking on a regional promotional tour so it’s up to his fans to spread the word and promote this album. Let’s give him the support he deserves and show him just how remarkable his fans are and get his album to the top of the charts.