David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Seven: Works For Me

September 7, 2012 by Masterclass Lady 8 Comments


By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

Pamela Pike’s Recollections

“Works for Me” is a song released on David’s self-titled album through Wal-Mart as a Bonus Track back in November 2008. This song represents David’s self- image, a time in his life when he felt indecisive and had to deal with certain challenges. He co-wrote this song with Daniel Bedingfield and Toby Lightman.

A call from Daniel Bedingfield to Toby Lightman asking her to come and write with them early one morning back in 2008 started their creative process.

With David barely awake, Daniel downing Chai lattes and Toby with guitar in hand the basics of a song were started but not finished. A call from Sony a month later requesting them to finish the song required them to fly to Tulsa, Oklahoma, David’s last stop on his American Idol Tour. And as they say history was made or at least “Works for Me.”

Challenges sometimes create change and with that make life unpredictable. Everything we do is filled with possibilities of change when we least expect it. It is what we do with those moments that count in the end. Some of the lyrics in the Bridge say, “There were days when a song could not be found, There were days when my voice would make no sound for me”.

And in the chorus he wrote, “And I know you’re just trying to help me out Thanks, but I’ll follow my heart instead”. It seems David is still following his heart.

This song illustrates a melody and dynamics that make David shine. It allows him to experiment with his amazing voice. Every sound and layer is put exactly where it needs to be. The up-tempo and easy chorus has you singing along in no time.
He tells a story with his songs and voice and that “Works for Me.”

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Rosanne Simunovic’s Recollections

As I write this article on “Works For Me”, I must confess that this is the first time I actually heard this terrific song. It was Pamela Pikewho suggested this song for review in this David Archuleta Retrospective Series.

Well, what took me so long? I love everything about this number – the catchy rhythmic structure, the contagious melody, the luscious harmonies supplied by David and, of course, the seamless and transparent vocal delivery by David on the solo line.

Once again, David highlighted the easy accessibility of his ringing head voice during the repetitious line: “work out just fine “. His voice sounds so liberated, so flexible and he manages to carry this head voice element throughout his range.

As a result, David’s voice always sounds clear and centered. David never over sings – he sings tastefully, calling on the emotion to dictate how he will phrase his music. There is nothing contrived in this song – just pure, joyous singing, plain and simple.

The simulation of the finger snapping at the beginning of the song set the mood so perfectly. It not only reinforces the catchiness of the tune itself but also reminds us not to take life so seriously. It’s a journey and there will be smooth roads and rocky ones.

Once again, this song is a strong testament to David’s positive, yet ever-evolving nature and his ability to trust in something or someone more powerful than himself.

Bravo David!

American Idol, American Idol Season 7, David Archuleta, David Archuleta Retrospective Series, Music, Singing
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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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8 Responses to “David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Seven: Works For Me”

  1. Madeline Alvarez September 7, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Hi everyone, Yes I love this song and I was so impressed by it when it was first released. I play it often. I agree with your opinions, David has a way of releasing a sound in his voice that attacks your senses, I’m thrilled that you all decided to review this song. Thanks so much, Madeline

    PS….I so enjoy the reading and keep it up until David gets back in the swing.

    Like

  2. sunny September 7, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    LOVE Works For Me!! Thanks for reviewing this song!

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  3. Heidijoy (@Heidijoy5) September 7, 2012 at 10:58 pm

    Thank you gals for the review. Love Works For Me!! Especially Reno 2009 when David had to ad lib the beginning. Classic.
    Would love to hear your review of BEGIN. Masterclasslady . Have you heard it?

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  4. grannycrush September 8, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Thanks to you Masterclass Lady and Pamela Pike for this review of David’s Work For Me. I have always loved this song, because the lyrics certainly are all David. I have seen him perform it live several times and, of course, watched his many videos on Youtube. It always amazes me how David changes up each song every time he sings it. He always manages to stay with the band, though. The young man has music in his veins.
    I agree with Heidijoy….Would love to hear your take on BEGIN.

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  5. Masterclass Lady September 8, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Hey all you David fans: Thank you for your appreciative comments.
    Love writing about David. He makes it so easy. His voice just inspires us in our commentary.

    I will be reviewing Begin. Someone has been gracious enough to send me a copy and, when it arrives, I will most definitely review it. Stay tuned….. and thank you once again.

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  6. pikepss@yahoo.com September 8, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    Such wonderful feedback from great DA fans! Love your support, love writing about his songs and can’t wait for 2014! Thanks everyone! Thanks again Rosanne for your collaborative journey!

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  7. Heidijoy (@Heidijoy5) September 8, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    So happy you’ll be reviewing BEGIN. and that a fan is sending you one. :))

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  8. awestruck September 8, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    I have always loved this song… and always thought that he should have sung this instead of Touch My Hand when he was invited to sing on the American Idol stage. Think the lyrics speak to his experience during season 7.

    Thanks MCL and Pamela for this Retrospective Series

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