Thursday, August 21, 2008

Music Buzz: Rihanna Barely Fends Off Archuleta, Who Debuts a Record-breaking #2!

Congratulations, Archie. You've Arrived!

Crush nearly beating Disturbia as to position, but leads it by 26k as to sales.


Putting "leaked" numbers and figures aside, Archuleta's debut on the Billboard Top 100 is "officially official", just barely missing the top spot taken by the with-a-disturbing-video single from Rihanna (pun intended!).

Although with limited airplay --being that radio date add goes as far as Sept. 2-- Archuleta's debut single which sold 166,000 downloads on its first week and held the #1 spot on iTunes for a week, takes the #2 spot in the prestigious Billboard chart, the "best chart debut in more than 18 months", reports Billboard's official website.

After the pressure-packed reality show Idol and amidst the current exhausting 50+ state-tour stops, this 17-year old runner-up must be having the time of his life (no pun intended!) --with the adulation of his legion of fans, who with Archuleta's demeanor appropriately call (our) themselves the "Arch Angels", with the conversion of thousands of previously-non-fans-but-was-mesmerized-by-his-amazing-voice-live, and with the countless mega-positive tour and single reviews-- and although he didn't run away with the Idol crown, Archuleta seems to be winning big time with his chart breaking antics and monster first week sales. And did I mention record-breaking?


Archie's debut single "Crush" is:
  • The highest debut, at #2, on the Hot 100 this year.
  • The highest debut of all Idol album songs on the Hot 100
  • The highest position of all Idol album songs (tied with Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”) on the Hot 100.
  • The highest chart position for an Idol, period, since Taylor Hicks coronation single, “Do I Make You Proud” debuted at #1 in 2006. (Mj's Blog)
  • The highest opening for an Idol with a song not performed on the show. (Billboard.com)

Okay, so that may be a lot to remember, but I am pretty much certain Archie wouldn't have issues with it as he considers himself a "chart-dork" after recently admitting in an interview his "obsession" --owning (when I didn't even know such existed) Billboard "books" and learning hits from all over the globe)-- over billboard charts and the like even when he was younger. Billboard's Fred Bronson couldn't have said it any better:
So it's nice to report that the artist who earns Hot Shot Debut honors on this week's Hot 100 has an obsession with the charts. More accurately, and at the risk of self-aggrandizing, he is obsessed with my Billboard chart books. With his new single entering at No. 2, he has assured himself a place in the next edition of "Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits," even if he has to wait a few years to see his current single listed among the top 5000 songs of the rock era. (Fred Bronson)

With the way things are going for David Archuleta this early, and if chart positions, by any chance, indicate the future of his career, Boy oh boy is he in for great-scratch that-spectacular ride.

Photocredits: submissions to FB, FOD.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Music Buzz: Archuleta's Single Crushes Yet Another Chart; Billboard "Predictions" and More

Awaiting the Big News for Little D

Archie on location, filming for MV to first single

While everyone's waiting for the Billboard Hot 100 Numbers, here's some stat of Archie's "Crush" in the Digital Downloads.
David A. crushes competition

I'm reversing the order of the posts this week, because the big news is on the download side (you're getting this even before the general music sales post goes up). David A.'s first single, Crush, makes its debut at No. 1 on the digital songs chart by selling 166,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It holds a 26,000 edge over the closest competitor, Rihanna's Disturbia. (Ken Barnes, Idol Chatter)

Although Archie may have beaten Rihanna as to the sales of their current singles, the latter may win the battle of airplay basically because adds for Crush in radio stations in the US doesn't become "officially official" 'til Sept. 2. So maybe Archie has a shot at #1 for the Billboard Charts, but I don't want to keep my hopes high enough so as to avoid disappointment - you know how fangirls can be - so I'm lowering my expectations: "Archuleta Debuts at #2" sounds fair enough to me. Any spot in the Top 5 is actually an astounding achievement for a debut, with little to no airplay (yet), to be honest.

Speaking of Crush, Archie has (most likely) just recently shot the music video for his single at Wynn's Pond, Georgia (think Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama). With his video out soon, it may be safe to say his sales may go up even more - something I'm sure Archie, a chart-geek himself together with his fans, critics, and more importantly *hints*sarcasm* haters, will be enjoying.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Music Buzz: Little David "Crushes" iTunes' Top Spot!


Archie debuts at #1 on the iTunes Top 100


After only 18 hours and 58 minutes, Archuleta's debut single hits #1 on iTunes, beating already-certified-chart-toppers-though-not-necessarily-the-most-musically-gifted, the JoBros and Rihanna (left img). Not bad, or rather, very impressive for a debut single from someone who didn't win the Idol Crown. What's even more note-worthy is the fact that the single was released not without competition, as Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Bros. released their singles and album, respectively, on the same day. Chris Brown's single was also released just a few days earlier.

But the wow-list doesn't end there. Crush premiered only on the radio, approximately 14 days before the single was dropped to the digital market for purchase and with little promotion -- fans finding out only days before the actual premiere, no TV interviews and no Talkshow guestings, AT ALL.

ALthough his exposure in the show may have helped, it is not to be entirely attributed to American Idol --a tag that so often attaches to every have-been-idol-artists whether they bask in success or failure-- especially when former idols, some winners even, barely broke into the charts, save the given often-with-magic-rainbows-or-with-the-lryic-moment-and coated-with-cheese winner's single.

Admittedly a chart-geek, and now seeing his single debut at the #1 spot on iTunes, Archie should be in cloud 9 as we speak, although it's highly ironic for the most grounded person alive right now.

Notwithstanding limited airplay and promotion, Archie has proven that he CAN be contemporary, and bust out hits. I hate the "i told you so" attitude, but with his single sitting comfortably at #1 for at least 6 days now, Little D (as the media calls him) has just crushed the iTunes Charts, together with some haters' hearts, BIG time (right img).

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Music Buzz: Archie Crushin' the Charts in Half a Day!

Double 7 in 13 hours!



With all the fans awaiting by their laptop screens, waiting for the ticktock of the clock and that little finger to finally strike midnight, Archie's single "Crush" has officially been released today, August 12, 2008. But just when you think the day can't get any better, my iTunes finally refreshes and shows Archie breaking the Top Songs List! And it has been barely a day, only 12 hours after the release, to be exact.

As of late, Crush is on #3 of the Pop Charts, #5 in Canada's Pop Charts, and best of all, #7 in the Top Songs List (overall). If it weren't for Itunes messing up their charts as regards updating, I would've been seeing the single on an even higher spot as some have already claimed it to be at the #6 spot. Perhaps, after posting this, I'd have to post another update? As David (Mcpheeverish/Idf) said, it seems the single is zooming up the charts faster than the system can track! Or Apple's Itunes-updating-crew is slacking off, big time.


Also, Crush has broken into the Top 10 Mp3's on Amazon, charting at #7!

All this chart-tracking makes me feel all dorky! And I feel like I'm a mother who's sending her son to the University --so excited and so emotional! I won't be holding you for long as I have more refreshing-pages to do, and perhaps more updates. Who knows how much farther has Archie climbed up the charts in the few minutes I've been posting here?

Get your copy of David Archuleta's debut single now, get them at Itunes or at Amazon. For fans outside the United States, without an Itunes Store, please leave your email adresses in the comments section of this post, and you will receive the single as a gift!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Invading Photoshop!

Archie Made Me Learn PS :"-)


Lately, I've been spending a decent amount of time figuring out how the tools of photoshop freakin' works. And with work, school, and love (lol!), it's been rather difficult to find enough time to really learn everything, so the little that I can spare is already something! Also, they say "Practice makes perfect", and that's exactly what I did. And although perfect isn't nearly a good word to describe how far I've gone, atleast I have realized that I have a couple of artworks - plenty (although i'm not certain if good) enough to put on a website. Setting up the website took me eons as well, but I'm loving it. For now, Archie is my ultimate subject in creating artworks - wallies, siggies, avis, etc. just because I'm his biggest fan. You can click on the site screencap (right), and it will take you to my humble site. I hope you guys can find time to check it out, and drop a shoutout on the tagboard.


Friday, August 1, 2008

Music Buzz: Archueta's Debut Single Hits the Airwaves!

This Kid Ain't Going Awayayayayeah...


Finally, Archie's new single is out for the world to hear (only)! "Crush" first hit the airwaves on z100's Morning Show, yesterday, August 1, 2008 at around 7:45AM EST (7:45PM Phils, HK). I actually had to cheat on my IP address just to be able to listen to Z100's live stream of the interview/debut due to some licensing issues, so all hail Hide-My-IP. Of course, while listening, I was spazzing like a total fangirl, all giddy and skippy in anticipation --much like Nurse Joker --yet nervous and hopeful at the same time.

I love how the single has a catchy Chris Brown-ish beat to it, fun, young and very very very radio-friendly. The guitar riff just before the chorus is crazy cute, and it would be seriously a miracle if you don't end up with Awayayayayayeah stuck in your head all day long. If I were not biased, I would say it has "hit" written all over it, not that my bias affects such fact. Of course, the great vocals from Archie is already a given. *rolls eyes* Nonetheless, reviews are better if without bias, so I thought it wise to compile some reviews, comments and videos in connection to the said single which would not only showcase the hilarity of some people's line of thinking , but more importantly leave the fans' --old and recently-converted alike -- hearts aflutter. Just move further in this post, and enjoy!

Reviews/Announcements

American Idol's David Archuleta and Crush could give Clay Aiken a run for his money. Although David Archuleta appeals to the teen girl demographic, I believe his appeal is universal. On Elvis Duran's show, he was also receiving support from male fans, thirty-somethings, and senior citizens. Another fan also wanted him to record an album in Spanish. At 17, American Idol's David Archuleta has a bright future ahead of him. (Read entire article at the AP)

If Cook was the raw sexy masculinity on this past season’s American Idol, then Archuleta was the boy band barely-postpubescent cuteness. And earlier this morning, the AI runner-up was all smiles as he exited the Z100 Studios in New York City after debuting his new single “Crush” to the whole world.
And it looks like David has received a style upgrade since his Idol days, as he was sporting a very trendy blue Hurley screenprinted t-shirt with a pair of distressed denim jeans and some Converse All-Stars. If “Crush” is any indication as to Archuleta’s overall musical sound, it looks like we’ll have a radio-friend-winning album coming to a store near you later this fall. (Read entire article at CelebrityGossip)

...David Archuleta's "Crush" debuted on Z 100's Elvis Duran and the Z Morning Zoo this morning (Friday), and no joke - this kid is going to be a HUGE star!...
People Magazine reports: The singer was reportedly shaking when it first aired, but whether it was nerves or excitement, his fans have nothing but praise for the track. You can call him young all you want, but this 'kid' is going to be a big star. (Read entire article at the PostChronicle)

Hold on to your to hats Archie fans, David Archuleta's brand new single, "Crush", debuted this morning to lots of fanfare. And I have to admit, I sort of loved it. It's very pop-y and American Idol-like -- and it is going to be a smash. (Read entire article at The Daily Blabber)

When we heard that angel-voiced American Idol runner-up David Archuleta had signed to Jive Records a couple of months back, our excitement was tempered somewhat by the news that his debut album wouldn't be released until after the one from his pitchy, balding nemesis, Idol winner David Cook. This morning, though, with still no word yet on a new record from Cook (supposedly it's coming out in November, maybe), Archuleta stopped by New York's Z100 for the radio premiere of his wonderful first single "Crush" While we don't have a definitive release date for Archuleta's album, the fact that Idol's producers are allowing him to promote it already sort of implies that his will come out first.
And while a runner-up's album beating the victor's to stores isn't unheard of, it usually only seems to happen when producers are trying to sweep an Idol winner under a rug (sorry, Cook, no pun intended) — Clay Aiken's record came out before Ruben Studdard's, and Chris Daughtry's was released before Taylor Hicks's. Cook is reportedly hard at work on music with songwriters from Collective Soul and Our Lady Peace (so you know it'll be good), but does this latest development mean someone behind the scenes secretly doubts its commercial viability? We're pretty sure we're not going to buy it! (Vulture)

It has a confectionary pop sheen, something Chris Brown could have sung. Although Archuleta’s strength has often been very adult contemporary ballad-type material, the producers clearly picked this song to give Archuleta a more modern R&B feel. I expect his big fans will eat it up and it would fit just fine on Star 94 or Q100 in between Justin Timberlake and Rihanna. Compared to other runners up, this beats the first singles by Diana, Bo, Kat or Blake and I can see it going top 20, possibly top 10. No. 1? (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

We are definitely liking “Crush”….A LOT!!! (TeenScoop)

We listened to the song and it was, in our opinion, a great freshman outing — the tune is catchy, sweet, and young ladies will swoon... (TVGuide)

ONE-LISTEN VERDICT: I finally "got" David Archuleta when he performed "Apologize" with OneRepublic on the American Idol finale. Not that I'm a big fan of that song, but its breathy, wistful feel allowed the timbre of Archie's voice to shine through a lot better than any of the big quasi-inspirational tracks his father saddled him with during the initial weeks of the competition. Whoever is putting together his debut album must feel the same way, as "Crush" is a laid-back, dreamy ballad in the vein of "Apologize" and "Tattoo." Archie even slips in some falsetto, as if to further make his combined fanbase of 12-year-olds and their mothers swoon in unison. (Idolator.com)

I was surprised by how much I liked it. I mean with title like "Crush", the corniest concepts come to mind. Of course, his voice sounds phenomenal recorded, so that was never the problem. The production must have been done by Stargate, because it sounds a lot like their previous work, especially Chris Brown's "With You". Nevertheless, it sounds really good. The lyrics are also pretty good, and easily relatable. Everyone has had that big crush on someone, so its an easy subject to write a song about. However, this song may be one of the best I have heard about the subject (Mandy Moore's was terrible)...
... I wouldn't call "Crush" awesome, but its definitely a good start for one of Idol's best contestants ever. Radio will be spinning this all fall, so don't be surprised when you hear Archie on your radio soon. Congrats to him. (Brandon's Best Worst)


Hilarious Comments (gathered from non-fans/haters in Message Boards, Sites, Blogs, YT, etc. - Of course, the haters ones are easy to determine. lol.)

I'm sure everyone thought Archuleta would have the corny 1st single while Cook would have the awesome one. Yeah, try reversing that a bit. (Brandon's Best Worst)

Ok, I'll admit it. If we are talking pure song, disregarding the singer, I would like Crush better. But because it's David Cook, I still choose Time Of My Life. (Message Board)

I hate this kid. I mean HATE him. But I love this song.
(Message Board)

Okay, I am sorry, but I actually like David Archuleta’s new song Crush. But just to make up for it, here is Paperboy Eli Reed’s Am I Wasting My Time. (Meaningful Distractions)

I think this is a good first single for him. Pop isn't my thing--but it's catchy and should get plenty of radio play. (LJ)

While not a big Archie fan during the show - I'm pleasantly surprised. This song is very catchy. Total earworm, lol. I predict a fast rise up the Top 40 charts. (TVGuide)

Aww I like it. It's not a horrible ballad like I was expecting so thats even better! (LJ)

I gotta admit it was better than I expected and sounds young and current enough to appeal to the younger listeners. (IDF)

Heck, I wish I had a crush on someone right now. (IDF)

I am a big David Cook fan but I have to admit this is a really good song and will definitely be a hit. (TVGuide)

This song is like. Drugs. Just. Not as illegal, and more addicting. (IDF)

OMG, y'all are right. This song IS like CRACK. (IDF)

I seriously need to have this song on my itunes. It's way too catchy. Darn you Archuleta! (IDF)

Won't even lie, i like this song. Hope he doesn't look awkward in the video. (LJ)

I've never followed AI, but this song is good.(LJ)


and my most favorite:

Damnit, it wasn't awful. (LJ)

Rotf. It's amazing to see how it pains some people to acknowledge such immense talent! Anyway, it was fun to follow some of the stats on the web: #4 on Z100's Interactive 9 at 9, inlcuded on Yahoo's Most Buzzed, Crush being Youtube's Most Viewed, Most Talked About, Top Favorites, Most Rated, etc. The list is nearly endless, and this is barely 24 hours after the premiere of the single. The buzz has been amazing, and to a fan like me, extremely overwhelming but most importantly, well-deserved. You go, Archie!

For now, it's your turn to listen! Feel free to tell me what your think of the new single. You may listen to it below (it's currently on my blog player playlist too!):


If you want to listen to Z100 and catch for yourself a live airing of the single, you may check their live stream or listen to/view the interview and single at Elvis Duran's site. If neither works, here's a stream from Utah's 97.1 (?), or here's more youtube goodies to save the day, Enjoy!

Archie's reaction hearing his single for the first time at Z100:


Archie on Elvis Duran:


Today, Archie is officially a recording artist! I am excited for the days to come, and the future of his career which I am sure to follow! His single will be up for (legal) donwload on Itunes on September 2, however, some sources have reported it may actually be up for digital purchase as early as August 12. Some big faith Jive has on Archie, I must say! So have I, all along.

 
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