Incredible voices from TV shows

Begin by David Archuleta. It was nearly a year ago when I got to thinking. David had better come out with one superb album if he wants to save his career after that dud of a soap opera out here. Not that what happens in Manila could affect his career in a big way. But I wanted so much to like the American Idol (AI) runner-up again and find him in something truly outstanding. Thankfully, he did come out with something he can be very proud of and which his fans will really love.

This is Begin, David’s first-ever collection of covers and I must say that I have never heard his voice showcased as wonderfully as it is in the CD. David has a beautiful voice but his having to please a teenage market has kept him from using this asset to his advantage. OK, he did sound cute in some of his early recordings but bubble gum, even if well-produced, is not for him. That is why, I now say cheers to whoever chose the songs for Begin and advised David to simply sing and allow his voice to work its magic.

Magical indeed is how he mixed rock, power ballads and hints of techno in the album. Included are Beautiful, Somewhere Only We Know, Everybody Hurts, Don’t Give Up featuring Libby Linton, Angel, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Broken, True Colors, and the best of the lot, U2’s anthemic Pride In the Name of Love and the heartfelt Be Still My Soul.

Heaven by Rebecca Ferguson: If you want a respite from all the power singing in TV talent shows, then you should check out the lovely low tones of Rebecca. The British X Factor runner-up sounds soulful and sexy and is a very smart songwriter as well. No covers for this girl in her first CD. She co-wrote every cut and came up with an interesting combination of new pop music but sang like the soul divas of Motown would.

This might take two or more listens but after that I am sure you, too, will be hooked. Great voice, great debut album. Nothin’s Real But Love, Glitter & Gold, Shoulder To Shoulder, Fairy Tale (Let Me Live My Life This Way), Mr. Bright Eyes, Fighting Suspicions, Teach Me How To Be Loved, Run Free, Diamond To Stone and Too Good To Lose.

Red by Dia Frampton. I do not know how to categorize this discovery from The Voice. I think calling her pop would be safest although she has hints of country and alternative rock. She has a voice that is versatile and has a way with any kind of song that is unpredictable. If she is relying on instinct, then, I have a feeling we will get to hear more interesting sounds from her in the future.

Dia bucks trends and genres but thanks to clever producers, her album flows and you can enjoy the whole line-up from start to finish whether she is singing country with her The Voice coach mentor country music star Blake Shelton or being intimate like Colbie Caillat. The all-original songs that Dia co-wrote are Don’t Kick The Chair feat. Kid Cudi; Isabella; The Broken Ones; Good Boy; I Will feat. Shelton; Billy The Kid, Daniel, Walk Away, Bullseye and Trapeze.

The show at the Big Dome was a blast and Jessica Sanchez was finally seen and heard in person and given the flack in the Philippines. But I now wish to remind you that AI is not only about Sanchez. The show is about singing and great voices and the show’s Season 11 has nine other talented young discoveries who can really sing up a storm. Check this out in Top Ten Highlights, the album release featuring this year’s bunch of finalists with their most memorable numbers.

Included in the CD are It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World by Joshua Ledet; Volcano by the newest American idol Phillip Phillips; Gumpowder & Lead by Skylar Laine; Master Blaster by Deandre Brackensick; The Power Of Love by Hollie Cavanagh; New York State of Mind by Erika Van Pelt; Whole Lotta Love by Elise Testone; Everything by Colton Dixon; A Song For You by Heejun Han; and I Will Always Love You by Sanchez.

I goofed. That beautiful album Let It Be Roberta where Roberta Flack sings Beatles songs is released locally by Universal Music and not by Sony as I wrote last Monday. Sorry.