By Pamela Pike and
Rosanne Simunovic
Pamela Pike’s Recollections
“I’ll Be” is a song
written and sung by American singer Edwin McCain. The song was released
in January 1998 as the first single from his second album, Misguided Roses.
It peaked at #5 on the
Billboard Hot 100 and became a Top 10 hit.
Over the years is has
become a popular wedding song, but Edwin McCain revealed in an interview the
track was not intended as a love song but more of a kind of a Hail Mary prayer
for him at a time when he was struggling with some personal problems.
This is a perfect song
for David Archuleta to sing as he gives it a soulful, emotional, enduring
heartfelt interpretation. David is not just a singer/songwriter, he’s a
storyteller and his music appeals to us all with a down to earth charm.
David is super talented
and doesn’t use stage antics to bring his audience into the music; he uses the
music to bring into his audience. He also has this great ability to put
emotions into words that can reach out far beyond a single performance.
He keeps music simple and is able to wrap us around his finger. His
attitude of performing and his willingness to embrace and connect to his fans
is second to none.
No matter how many times
you hear David sing “I’ll Be” he is so good he raises goose bumps. David
opens his heart to the audience obviously loving this song as much as his fans.
David’s acoustical
emotion packed performance gives you a musical euphoria with his amazing
vocals. He presents his fans with what they want, his powerful voice and
contrasting emotion instinctively draws in his audience. What he does best and what he appears to
especially enjoy the most is expressing heartfelt passion through his songs.
David never over sings
and delivers vocals to suite the song, he speaks straight from his heart; this
gift explains why his music will endure and why his performances are so easy to
hear.
David’s one of a kind, a
rare and engaging talent with an impressive style and imagination. My heart is
bursting with anticipation and joy to see what he brings to music on his
return.
Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections
As always, I have relished the opportunity to read Pamela's background summary of the songs featured during this Retrospective Series.
However, her informative synopsis behind the birth of "I'll Be" really intrigued and resonated with me. Sometimes, when one listens to a song, one has to wonder: "What was the driving force behind the creation of this composition". So, thank you, Pamela, for sharing this information with us.
Who has not struggled with personal problems? It's something that we all have to live with and try to overcome in our day-to-day lives.
David understands this and uses his vocal power, sensitivity and musicality to create a strong, enduring bond between himself and his adoring fans.
This song has never sounded more believable, more passionate and sincere; David possesses all these characteristics in his daily life and these human elements are seamlessly carried over to his musical life.
His voice is a force - the purity, the shape of his phrases, the technical brilliance are second to none. None! And, when you add the human element, the spirituality that forms the root of every song David sings, then one is left with a flawless, heart-stopping musical experience.
David was only 16-years-old when he performed this song. Most 16-year-old male vocalists are still trying to find their voices. However, in David's case, it almost appears as if THE VOICE found him. For many, perhaps, can technically sing as well as David, but rarely can a singer move and stir souls like David is so capable of doing.
THE VOICE is a gift that David has cherished, nurtured and nourished with absolute reverence and respect. And the music world is a much better place because of David's devotion to his music.
Thank you, David, for your tender, earnest and gorgeous performance of this beautiful song.
Rosanne Simunovic
Grandmother to the best four grandchildren in the Universe because they are mine and I said so! Ha!
