Now with everyone anticipating the collection of their physical copies of the Forevermore album this Tuesday, it’s time, once again, for critiques.
Honestly speaking, I was dumbfounded when David announced he was releasing an OPM album. I thought: “What in the world does OPM stand for?” Did any of you feel the same way?
First off, the cover of the album is rather distinct. Although it didn’t quite connect with the title ‘Forevermore’, it portrayed a more kid-like David, like the 17 year-old who won our hearts back in 2008 on American Idol. David seemed to have captured the very essence of the phrase ‘forever more’; smiling with the most subtle hint of happiness, as if to tease us and at the same time, reassure us that he will be here forever more. However, one question still looms in my head: What in the world is he smiling so serenely at? Curiosity has definitely gotten the best of me. Let’s take a guess in the comments!
The title track caught my attention instantly. Although it was originally intended to be a love song, it was incredibly hard to dismiss David’s powerful vocals. After the first hearing, the song literally left me in tears. I was so moved by the way David sung it, especially in the beginning of the chorus “You were just a dream that I once knew…”. And to top it off, the music video was done professionally. Instead of creating a storyline to follow by, the video was very clear-cut. Although it may seem a little boring to non-fans, it pretty much sums up most of David’s quality traits.The video portrayed the David that follows by nobody else’s rules except his own, the one who dares to be different.
A little piece of trivial: Did anyone notice the hint of happiness that made David smile the slightest bit at 0:44?
Another song that stood out from the album was ‘Maybe’. Most of the fans I’ve managed to survey came up with this particular song as their favourite of the album. I can definitely see why. I was completely covered in goosebumps when the song first played and they still do come and go every time the song is replayed. Along with the soft tenderness of David’s voice, one can sense the frustration of unrecipocrated love and the lingering hope that she will one day turn around. ‘Maybe’ is definitely a hit in the making. It’s hard to imagine how top producers could pass up such a beautiful work of art.
Although with that said, this OPM album was not able to satisfy my urge for spiritually filled songs. Unlike previous songs where I was able to feel David’s presence in every lyric, this album failed to convey messages that were undeniably David. And yes, perhaps it was due to the fact that these songs were not written by David. But I must add, I really do miss the songs that showcased David’s range of vocals while incorporating his message to the listeners at the same time. Perhaps the next US album that is yet to be released will be much more pleasing in terms of song meaning.
Of course, these are just my views on the album. I’d love to hear your take on it. After all, no one knows David better than his fans.
Was ‘Forevermore’ a success or a total flop? Do you feel the album has showcased David’s vocals in the best way possible or did it, instead, just come off as another album filled with empty meaning? Which songs made you ponder and which left you with discontent, if any?
– Tracy