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.
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