Album Review: David Archuleta - Forevermore

Just days before leaving on his LDS mission, David Archuleta has released his new OPM album in the Philippines titled Forevermore. This love ballad cover album is something David Archuleta fans have been waiting for since the second he stepped off the Idol stage, and finally it's here.

The album includes David's latest single "Forevermore," as well as the songs "Nandito Ako" and "Wherever You Are" from David's Filipino mini series Nandito Ako.

David also lends his silky-smooth voice to love ballads like "I'll Never Go" and "Maybe," while other songs are more upbeat, but still just as lovey dovey, such as "Reaching Out" and "You Are My Song."

Other songs on the album relate more to his mission, in a way. In "Hold On," David sings about having a reason to hold on to a love, even while that person is gone. Perfect, huh? But the most optimistic song on the OPM would have to be "Rainbow." David literally sings about rainbows and butterflies in this cute, upbeat song. You might think it'd be a cheesy song, but I assure you, the way David sings the lyrics, Life's full of challenges, Not all the time we get what we want, But don't despair my dear, You'll take each trial and you'll make it through the storm cause you're strong, My faith in you is clear... he'll have you believing it.

This new album is everything we love about David Archuleta, and more. So while he's gone on his 2-year mission, remember to hold on, because there's a rainbow always after the rain. 

David Archuleta's new video blog

Yesterday afternoon, David Archuleta posted a new video blog for his fans talking about the things he's been working on lately, as well as introducing everyone to his little sisters! Jazzy and Amber play some piano for everyone and the siblings bond and laugh throughout the entire video. "You're just as weird as us." one sister says, while David replies to the camera, "Well I'll let them be the judges." Such cute sibling moments!

David also informed everyone that this next week will be hectic as it's the last week before he embarks on his 2-year mission, but David promises to leave his fans with his new OPM album Forevermore, as well as a cover album he's currently working on.

Check out the video blog below:

Album Review: One Direction - Up All Night

UK boy band One Direction has taken the world by storm over the last year after releasing their debut album Up All Night in the UK. Now the guys are releasing the album in North America and have already gained quite the following. After hundreds of Directioners came out to see the guys on their opening gig on Big Time Rush's Better With U tour and their first appearance on the Today Show yesterday, I think it's safe to say this album is going to be brilliantly this week.

Harry, Zayn, Niall, Louis and Liam perform catchy pop-rock songs that you will not be able to get out of your head (and in this case, that's a good thing!). Their singles "What Makes You Beautiful" and "One Thing" are some of their best and more popular songs, so let's get into the rest of the new album. "More Than This" is a sweet and longing love ballad that would without a doubt make a great third single, while "Save You Tonight" expresses their urge to save a girl from another guy. The title track "Up All Night" is a party-rock anthem that will get you dancing and ready to stay up all night and jump around! "I Want" starts off with a fun piano tune then turns into pop-rock toward the chorus, with lyrics explaining that they can't stand when girls say 'I want' and "Everything About You" is another extremely catchy song that will leave your head bopping and heart thumping as the guys sing about a dream girl.

Between pop ballads like "I Wish" and dance-pop songs like "Stole My Heart" and "Tell Me A Lie," this album has the perfect combination of love, heartbreak and party - exactly what makes up a hit boy band album! Once you listen to these songs, you'll want to keep them on repeat and listen to those sweet notes from Liam, the awesome runs from Zayn and that charming voice of Harry's will definitely leave you wanting more.

David Archuleta's Forevermore album cover + track list

Before leaving on his LDS mission at the end of the month, David Archuleta will be releasing his first OPM album in the Philippines.

Forevermore will be filled with love ballads, something the singer does best, including his latest single and title track, "Forevermore."

Check out the full album track list below:

1. Forevermore
2. Rainbow
3. I’ll Never Go
4. You Are My Song
5. Hold On
6. Wherever You Are
7. Maybe
8. Tell Me
9. Reaching Out
10. Nandito Ako
11. Forevermore (minus-one)
12. I’ll Never Go (minus-one)
13. Rainbow (minus-one)

Album Review: Run On The Sun - New Empire

Today the band Run On The Sun is releasing their debut EP New Empire. The new 5-song album features original alternative rock songs, all fun and catchy, capturing the emotion and inspiration the band strives to give off, and leaving me pleasantly surprised.

The band sticks to inspiration in the title track "New Empire," while songs like "Disappear" and "My Name" come off as longing, with love-sick lyrics and captivating beats. But I must say my favorite track would have to be "Moonlight." Less is best, they say, and the toned-down feel of just a guitar strumming against the sweet, calming lyrics in this ballad is enough to make you really feel the meaning of the song. The lyrics, Forget diamond rings, we'll fly paper planes gets me every time. The creativity and just plain cute but clever lyrics in this song leave you with both inspired and love-struck. 

One thing I love about this album is that all of the songs are relatable in different ways, and whether you're looking for inspiration, romance, upbeat rock or captivating ballads, this album has it all. The more you listen to these songs, the more you like them. And I must say, this album has a sense of maturity that I was not expecting at the first listen. Congrats Run On The Sun for a great debut EP.

Be sure to check out my latest interview with the band HERE.

TV5 premieres David Archuleta's "Nandito Ako" music video

Last night, TV5 premiered the new music video for the Nandito Ako theme song, sung by the show's star David Archuleta. The video consists of scenes from the show as well as clips of David recording in the studio.
Watch the video below:



David Archuleta has had quite a start to his new year. After filming the mini series Nandito Ako, the singer announced his plans to release a new OPM album titled Forevermore, as well as become the newest endorser of Bench clothing in the Philippines, and all before he takes his two-year hiatus to go on his LDS mission. Looks like David will be leaving his fans with quite a lot to keep them busy while he's gone!

David Archuleta to release OPM album

David Archuleta took to twitter to confirm that he will be releasing an OPM album soon.

"It's true, as a side project while in the Philippines, I'm recording an OPM album. Already almost done recording it actually haha," he tweeted. "OPM is Original Pilipino Music. They're in English though so I still think everyone will like them haha. We're finishing fast!"

And as for the rest of his fans, they won't be left hanging either! "And for fans everywhere else, don't worry there's something for you coming too! Already working on the other projects!" David tweeted.


As his last project before he leaves next month to start his 2-year LDS mission, David promised to record as much music as he can to release while he's away. He recently said while in Singapore that he'd like to record a Spanish song and gospel songs, as they'd go along with what he'll be doing on his mission.

David also posted this compilation video of his trip to Singapore.

Blast from the past: Adele - 21

It's been a year since Adele's 21 album was released, and what a successful year it's been for her and the album. Named after the singer's age (at time of production), 21 sold 208,000 copies in it's first week in the UK and made made #1 in 18 countries. It also made #1 on numerous music charts, such as US Billboard 200, UK Albums Chart, Canadian Albums Chart, French Albums Chart, German Albums Chart and many more.

The album gave Adele success after success with hit singles like "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You" and "Set Fire to the Rain," all of which made #1 and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album received Grammy nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year, and won an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album.

Though Adele had a rough patch last year with having to cancel her tours to recover from a vocal cord hemorrhage, one bright spot was becoming the first artist in Nielsen SoundScan history to have the year's #1 album, along with #1 single with "Rolling in the Deep" and #1 music video. She also became the first artist to sell more than 3 million copies of an album in a year in the UK.

Now, Adele is on a break, still recovering from vocal surgery, but will soon start work on her third album. But only time will tell if she can top the success of 21.

Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day certified platinum

Scotty McCreery's debut album Clear As Day has just been certified platinum. After only 3 months of it's release, the album has sold over 1 million copies.

Scotty says in a press release, "It means the world to me. It’s one of the highest honors you can get with your album and it’s a huge testament to the loyalty of country music fans and how great they have been to me this year."

Clear As Day was certified gold last month, and reached #1 on the Billboard 200 in its' first week.

Congrats, Scotty!

Album Review: Dapo & Friends Christmas

Producer Dapo Torimiro has worked with numerous artists like David Archuleta, Stacy Barthe and Nikki Flores, to name a few. Now Dapo has gathered together all of them and more for his first Christmas release, Dapo & Friends Christmas. Putting spins on classic holiday tunes, this album features a collection of different voices with different arrangements as the artists make these Christmas songs their own. Max Schneider's more pop fusion feel on "Jingle Bells" and Stacy Barthe's soulful version of "Sleigh Ride" give the album a fun vibe, while songs like Gaby Ramirez's jazzy "Blue Christmas" and Nikki Flores' R&B "The Christmas Song" take it down a notch and bring a calmer feel to the album. Scotty Granger's R&B take on "All I Want For Christmas (Is You)" and TC's impassioned "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" ballad add another sense of calmness, as well as emotion to the album.

But the highlight of the album is, without a doubt, David Archuleta's "Little Drummer Boy." A song David kills live on his My Kind of Christmas Tour, with the rock rhythm as David gives it his all for the encore, though this version is a little different. This more R&B ballad showcases David's deeper register, with the soft drumming arrangement in the background, and isn't anything more or less than what the song should be.

This 10-song release makes for a different Christmas album, being more original than classic, but definitely doesn't disappoint. One thing this album is not, is boring. These arrangements will leave you wanting more, and the artists' voices are genuine and unique. You can download the album HERE.

Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day has been certified gold!

Announced in a press release today from Mercury Nashville was that Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day has been certified a gold record:

Scotty’s McCreery’s Debut Album, Clear As Day, Is Certified Gold

Album Sits at No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums Chart for Fifth Week

NASHVILLE, TN – Scotty McCreery’s debut album, Clear As Day, has been certified gold for sales of more than 500,000. The album currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a spot it has held for an impressive five weeks since its Oct. 4 release.

Scotty goes on in the press release to share his excitement thank his fans, “It’s huge! Every artist dreams of a gold album and works hard for it, so it’s a major accomplishment to have your debut album go gold. This is just incredible. I want to thank the fans. This is a testament to how great the fans are.”

Congrats Scotty!

Album Review: Big Time Rush - Elevate

Between BTR's first and second albums, there's an obvious big transition, and there's just one thing to say... they've ELEVATED! Their first album was full of bubble gum pop songs made for the show, and as much as I love those, a lot of these new songs show a more mature Big Time Rush. Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan helped pen eight of the twelve tracks on this album, and though the album doesn't have an initial theme or sound to it, there's definitely lots of catchy beat and great lyrics, not to mention their stronger voices. Not only does this album have songs that have been previous used on the show like "If I Ruled The World" and "Superstar," but it also has a great blend of new songs and sounds. The upbeat songs tunes "Music Sounds Better With U" and "Elevate" will definitely have you dancing, while BTR also takes it down with songs like "All Over Again," "You're Not Alone" and the funky "No Idea." This album also has some electronic pop songs like "Love Me, Love Me" and "Show Me."

But for me the highlights of the album are three specific songs: "Cover Girl," "Time of Our Life" and "Invisible." Three songs all different in sound, but all equally great songs that really show off the guys' voices and bring a warm feel to their album.
"Cover Girl" is a cute, acoustic pop song about a girl who doesn't know just how beautiful she is, but to them, she's their cover girl. An adorable concept for this sweet love song, with relatable lyrics and a very laid back, enjoyable feel to it.

"Time of Our Life" is a catchy, upbeat song that shows a bit more mature voices from the guys as they sing about having the time of their life with a girl. With an intriguing mix of fun, meaningful and love-struck lyrics, this dance song is, in my opinion, one of the best on the album.

"Invisible" was written about their fans, so already, how cute is that? Written in the true perspective of fans, how they may feel invisible amongst everything else going on in the guys' lives. But in the song, the guys emphasize that they don't want their fans to feel invisible, they want them to know that they're always thinking of them and appreciate all they do. Though there's one lyric that hits me every time I listen to the song, "Do you ever think of, what you're standing at the brink of?" That lyric can really get you thinking, do the Rushers realize what they're standing at the brink of? From the very beginning with Big Time Audition to the release of their second album, it's been a successful journey for Big Time Rush, and it's only going to get better from here, and being a fan makes you just as much part of the ride as they are.

How could you be anything but proud of these four boys? This album proves how much they've matured musically, but still has that lovable Big Time Rush feel to it. With a great mix of pop dance songs and sweet, love ballads, this album definitely shows just how much BTR has elevated their music, going from a tv boy band to real music artists.

Blast from the past: David Cook's debut album

Having just released his sophomore album not too long ago, it's hard to believe it's already been three years since American Idol winner David Cook released his debut album. David Cook was released on November 18, 2008, just a week after runner-up David Archuleta released his debut album. Cook's album made #3 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard Top Rock Albums. Not only on the album were hit singles "Light On" and "Come Back To Me"," but American Idol winner's single "Time of My Life," one of the most popular winner's singles, as well as all new original songs by the rocker. Between the upbeat songs like "Declaration" and "Life on the Moon," the inspirational tracks like "Heroes" and "Mr. Sensitive" and the soft but edgy "Permanent" ballad, Cook shows off his strong, endearing voice with meaningful lyrics in these captivating songs. Three years later and though he's found his sound and has changed things up with his music, this album  is what showcases everything you loved about Cook back in 2008.

‎5 days, 5 artists, 5 songs! Day 4: Top 5 - David Archuleta

As a big David Archuleta fan, I know second place is his sweet spot. Whether it's his sweet balladeer side or his fun pop side, whether it's the crooner in him or the enthusiastic belt-it-out-like-there's-no-tomorrow part of him, David is truly one of the most amazing performers I have ever seen. David's got a big voice and the heart to match, singing always about positivity and the good things in life. Here are, in my opinion, the Top 5 best songs by David Archuleta:

"Imagine"
If you asked anyone what song they remember most from David during American Idol, I'm pretty sure 99% would say "Imagine." His slower cover of the famous John Lennon song shows the best of David in every way; David's powerful voice singing this inspirational ballad as David truly believes in every word he's singing, that is the "magic" that is in this performance.

Credit to zzcali

"Crush"
There's just something about "Crush" that brings every David Archuleta fan right back to the summer of 2008 when it was a hit on the radio all over the country. Now, after hearing the song every day on the radio and David singing it at every concert, some may get tired of listening to it after a while. But even so, once that known piano melody starts playing, you can't help but listen to David sing and wonder, "Is it real or just another crush?"

Credit to DavidArchuletaVEVO

"Touch My Hand"
From the very first time I heard it, "Touch My Hand" has always been one of my favorites from David's debut album. The song is quite simple: David sings about being on stage and singing to his fans, and wanting to take in the moment and take their hands. When David performs this song live, he puts even more emotion into it and connects to his fans in a whole new way as everyone he's singing to also relates to the lyrics, "Can't let the music stop, Can't let this feeling end, Cause if I do it'll all be over, I'll never get the chance again"

Credit to DavidArchuletaVEVO

"O Holy Night"
I had to throw in a Christmas song, after all, David's Christmas album Christmas From The Heart is one of my favorites and David is sure to sing this song on his My Kind of Christmas Tour in December (at least I hope). I went back and forth between this song and David's original "Melodies of Christmas", as that song too is my real favorite from the album. But "O Holy Night", though bored me at first, now seems to have a deeper meaning to me, probably because I remember every second about seeing David perform this song live. David sang this as his encore during his Christmas tour in 2009, and as I stood there as the music began, him singing as his voice soared throughout the concert hall as he sang each note beautifully, I was awed. For the rest of the night, that was the song that was stuck in my head, making the night simply unforgettable, which is why I chose this concert video of David performing "O Holy Night" in Boston:

Credit to AnnAve47

"The Other Side of Down"
Though I have many favorites from David's sophomore album, the title track is definitely one of the best. With it's uplifting beat and David's captivating voice, "The Other Side of Down" goes through the ups and downs of life and puts you in a positive mindset, making you want to be 'on the other side of down'. One of my favorites performances of this song was when David sang it on FOX's New years Eve Live in 2010. The strong impact  of David's voice and these lyrics that shines through in this performance is fun and inspiring (not to mention he looks really cute!)

Credit to bumpaworm

Honorable mention: "God Bless America"
I've posted about David's amazing version of "God Bless America" before, which is why I made it an honorable mention. Even more so this year, I've noticed how absolutely stunning David is when he sings patriotic songs. He always kills it when he sings the National Anthem, and I guarantee he will blow you away with this version of "God Bless America":

Credit to 8throwcenter

‎5 days, 5 artists, 5 songs! Day 3: Top 5 - Demi Lovato

Not only does Demi have an awe-inspiring voice, but she herself has become an inspiration to so many people all over the world with her story, and her music. Between the pop rock love songs and the inspirational ballads, here are my all time favorite Demi Lovato songs:

"This Is Me"
Who hasn't felt what Demi sings in this song from Camp Rock? "This Is Me" gave you the first real glimpse of Demi's amazing voice back in 2008, ad not long after did her debut album come out. "This Is Me" may be a Disney bubble gum pop song, but the feeling Demi puts into the song makes it so much more than that.

Credit to tyronnarito

"Don't Forget"
An emotional ballad that turns into a rock anthem, "Don't Forget" pure genius in my opinion. It's my favorite song off of Demi's debut album, and really showcases how great Demi's voice is.

Credit to Credit to hollywoodrecords

"Here We Go Again"

The title track of her sophomore album, "Here We Go Again" was one of my songs of the summer of 2009. This catchy pop rock song is one of the best from Demi, with it's fun, summery beat and edgy heartbreak lyrics. 

Credit to Credit to hollywoodrecords

"Skyscraper"
The first single off of Demi's third album Unbroken, "Skyscraper" is emotional and uplifting as Demi sings about rising up like a skyscraper. Inspiring and powerful, "Skyscraper" is definitely one of my favorite songs of Demi's.

Credit to DemiLovatoVEVO

"Lightweight"
"Lightweight" is my favorite song off of Demi's Unbroken, for a lot of reasons. Not only is it a catchy and well written song, but the lyrics are completely relatable. If you consider yourself a 'lightweight' and have someone in your life you keeps you from falling apart, this song is probably your life story.

Credit to DevonneLovatoLive

Blast from the past: David Archuleta's debut album

Let's take a trip back to November 11, 2008. Just out of a summer full of American Idols Live tour concerts and longs days of writing and recording, on this day three years ago, the 17 year old American Idol runner-up was getting ready to release his self-titled debut album. Already having such a strong reaction from his first single "Crush," there was no doubt David's album was going to take off, and it becoming #2 on the Billboard Hot 200 proved that. Along with "Crush" was pop favorites like "A Little Too Not Over You", which David helped pen, and "Touch My Hand" mixed in with "You Can," the cute, guitar-based ballad and "To Be With You," the strong piano ballad that showcased some of David's best vocals on the album. Also included was a cover of the Robbie Williams hit "Angels," which David had performed previously on Idol, as well as the Idol tour. A good mix of pop and ballads, this album was young, fresh and full of catchy tunes - not to mention that voice.

Three years, three albums and a worldwide plethora of concerts and tours later, David is still going strong. Though David has grown up and matured with his music over the past three years, David Archuleta will always be the album that kicked off his solo career, and still to this day is a great album to blast.

Album Review: She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

Am I the last one to know that New Girl star Zooey Deschanel has a band? Upon hearing this, I just had to check it out, and saw that her band, She & Him, has a holiday release this year! A Very She & Him Christmas is full of the more jazz-pop Christmas classics like "The Christmas Waltz" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," making for a cheery and charming Christmas album. Zooey's unique voice perfects each of these holiday tunes while M. Ward's guitar playing adds an enjoyable folk vibe to it and gives the album a raw feel. Also included is the original "Christmas Day," a cute, folk holiday tune about, well, Christmas day!

In my opinion, the album's strong point is "Baby, It's Cold Outside." The cute and classy duet fits their voices perfectly and the whistling in the bridge adds to this already great song.

In sum, A Very She & Him Christmas showcases She & Him's take on popular Christmas songs in this delightful album that you should be sure to add to your Christmas playlist.

Album Review: Michael Bublé - Christmas

Christmas is coming early this year for Michael Bublé! The jazz-pop singer lent his voice to numerous holiday classics on his new album, Christmas, out today. This album features Christmas and holiday favorites with their own Bublé twist! Michael's take on these Christmas songs is intriguing yet delightful as his lovely voice is defined throughout this album. Some of the songs like "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Blue Christmas" showcase Michael at his best, while other songs like his slower version of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" show Michael's fun and daring side. The album also features Bublé's original song "Cold December Night", a cute, pop song about Michael wanting a girl to fall in love with him for Christmas. This album is full of Christmas spirit in these joyful holiday tunes. I think it'll be a very Bublé Christmas!

Album Review: Kelly Clarkson - Stronger

Kelly Clarkson's new album Stronger is officially out today, and it's definitely one of my favorites albums from her. Kelly gets deep and personal in these pop rock songs like "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" and "Dark Side", softens into ballads like "Standing In Front of You" and "Breaking Your Own Heart" and goes a little R&B in "Why Don't You Try."  With a voice full of power and emotion in these catchy and relatable songs, Kelly keeps her honesty and respected edge, and shows just how much stronger she's become.

You can read my review of Kelly single "Mr. Know It All" HERE.

Hot Chelle Rae and Demi Lovato collab!

During an interview on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live in Toronto, Hot Chelle Rae talked about their new album Whatever, saying, "[The album] is done. The artwork is finished, the track-listing is done. We've got the features in place and we're ready to launch it." The guys also revealed that there will be a collaboration with Demi Lovato on the new album, "We just got in a song called "Why Don't You Love Me?" that Demi Lovato's on. We just heard it and she killed it!"

Whatever will be available on November 29th! You can go HERE to read my small review of HRC's set at the Big Time Rush concert in Hampton Beach, NH back in August.