January 3, 2014 
By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic
Pamela Pike’s Recollections
As their sun sets, fear rises in Africa.
“Broken” written by Jon Hunt and David Archuleta aims to draw attention to the devastation of a lost generation of children in a long civil war in Africa being abducted, used as soldiers and slaves.
Jon Hunt, a lyricist, went to junior high and high school with David and both feel so much for these children and through their original music they are trying to bring awareness and hope. Music has a necessary part in social awareness; it’s a language we all can understand.
In this song David is able to capture the fear and sadness, but also the hope these children may have. Broken is uplifting, calming and haunting and although the lyrics and subject matter are extremely sad, the overall feel and tone is actually hopeful.
Stripping away lush strings sounds we have a piano and voice; with a soul wrenching vocal journey through this song that touches your heart. It’s hard to celebrate the superb performance when you are lost in such profound sadness but David’s gentle and pained demeanor is as powerful as the overwhelming sadness of these abused children.
His beautiful sound is enhanced by his appropriate touch at the piano; his clear communication went straight to our heart leaving us stunned by his vocal beauty.
The composition gels well with the mood and lyrics, which touch your emotions. His voice sounds amazing as ever – beautiful and arresting – that burrows deeply in the heart and mind. His gift of song heals the soul.
How inspiring to see David Archuleta and Jon Hunt embrace these children and help create awareness for a positive influence.
Thank you for this beautiful song!
Rosanne Simunovic’s Recollections
Broken was written by David Archuleta and Jon Hunt, in an effort to bring greater awareness to the horrendous plight and suffering endured by children around the world. It is a simple, heartfelt melody – yet it remains in my mind long after the song ends.
David’s use of his angelic head voice during this number adds a sense of poignancy and vulnerability to the emotional core of this song. I could listen to him vocalize ascending and descending scales forever! His voice is seamless and perfectly centred. Just beautiful!
At the 3:12 mark, a smile formed on my face while watching David sustain his vocal line with a more resounding purpose. His head voice is at the core of his vocal delivery but, with the added muscle of his chest voice, we are treated to a gorgeous, more passionate moment in this number.
And, technically, does it get much better than this? The round mouth, the relaxed jaw, the openness of his facial features – all of these elements contribute to the beauty, depth and richness of his voice.
While listening to the fullness of his voice during the latter half of this song, I couldn’t help but appreciate the contrast between the pure, soft head voice in the earlier portion of this song. David fully understands the importance of nuance in his vocal performances. It adds depth and dimension to the expressive delivery of this or any song.
As David conveys in this beautiful song, these courageous children are “broke but not broken“. And it is up to all of us to make certain that we can mend the cracks in our society which have led to this horrendous level of suffering and sorrow around the world.
Certainly, through music, we can delve deeper and discover the peace for which we are all striving and share it – somehow, somewhere – with the rest of the world.
Thank you David and Jon for composing such a beautiful and timely number.
The full version of Broken is available on iTunes.
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Thanks so much Pam and Masterclass Lady. I get a huge lump in my throat every time I hear this song. It sure makes you think of the children who are living such a unfair and frightening life. David and Jon are a great team. You guys always put into words what I feel, but I don’t have the music knowledge to say. A question for you Rosanne… I see people on Youtube, etc. making reference to David’s breathing. I don’t notice it until someone brings it to my attention. Then I do hear him taking breaths. Do you think that has anything to do with his paralyzed vocal chord? It doesn’t bother me at all, but I know it is a problem for some people.
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Every time I hear this song I get shivers up my spine… a beautiful song filled with meaning.
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David has such a lovely voice, and his personal comments mean so much. Such a kind and sensitive young man.
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Joelhss..awestruck & Kariann
Feeling such emotions with song too and David voice give us great meaning.
Thanks so much for your comments!
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Thank you so much everyone. And a Happy New Year to all. I am just now getting back to normal after having such a busy, fun-filled Christmas. Love the memories this season creates for all of us.
This song moved me immensely and David’s voice is such a treasure. Like Christmas every day when I hear him.
Joel – I believe his breathing is affected by his vocal paralysis. However, I do wonder sometimes if he is breathing deeply enough from the diaphragm. It is hard to assess when we are not In the same room. Nevertheless, his phrasing and his control remains unaffected by this problem. Sometimes singers find their own technique but these singers are rare – like David.
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MCL&Pam-What a masterpiece this song is! I had never heard of Invisible Children until I knew of David’s association with the wonderful cause. What horrific things those children have been enduring. I’m so proud of David and also Jon for writing such a song to make awareness of these children. This is also one of the most gorgeous recordings of David’s voice I have ever heard….takes my breath away!!
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By the way, thanks for your articles Rosanne and Pam!
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