Lovato brings the real thing to The Dunk
9:38 PM Fri, Oct 30, 2009 | Permalink
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BY RICK MASSIMO The musical formula is pretty simple: grand, power ballad-like chord progressions over a hard-charging punk-pop tempo and beat. But on record, Disney Channel TV star ("Sonny With a Chance") Demi Lovato's voice gets squashed into a harsh rattle. In performance at the Dunkin' Donuts Center Friday night, though, it was a different story. Pulling songs from her first album, "Don't Forget," and this summer's "Here We Go Again," Lovato had far more tunefulness in her voice than the Alanis-lite that her and so many other teen-rock young women get forced into. The tuneless yelp in the middle of the bouncy shuffle "Party" was a rare example of the stereotypical teen-pop deal, but while her cover of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" won't make anyone forget Aretha Franklin soon, the vocal sweetness on ballads such as "Can't Stop the World" and "Two Worlds Collide" was more representative of Lovato's night's work. Lyrically, Lovato recites the teenage verities - I'm in love; I'm out of love; I love loud music; I love my friends; the boys better respect me. (The exception was the choppy, bouncy, yet weirdly autobiographical opener "La La Land," which saw Lovato about a decade early for telling us that the Hollywood machine won't change her life). The thing is, the audience wasn't, and isn't, teenagers - I didn't see a lot of non-parents at the show who were anywhere near Lovato's age of 17 - but younger children looking for a road map of what's ahead. As such, the version of adolescence she's selling is clean, not untroubled but ultimately hopeful. The variety came from such touches as the Gavin DeGraw-styled chop of "Trainwreck" and the nice acoustic guitar opening to the ballad "Catch Me." She also pulled a boy about half her size out of the audience to sing the Joe Jonas part of the "Camp Rock" ballad "This Is Me." Most of the rest of it was high-drama pop-rock, well-scrubbed for the young audience and revved up to a jump-on-your-bed tempo, but the ballads such as "Don't Forget" might have been the highlights for the adults. There's not a lot new to Lovato's music, or her whole deal, but on the other hand, she's as well positioned as anyone in her situation to keep a musical career going when her teen-TV phase is over. Opener David Archuleta's winsome voice worked well on his opening song, the piano-driven pop of "Touch My Hand," and the grand "Don't Let Go." In general, the American Idol runner-up fared better with the steady palette of romantic '80s-pop styles with modern R&B-influenced beats, rather than the stylistic ranges that "Idol" makes contestants cover. Nice touches included the a cappella ending of "My Hands," with backing vocals from his band, as well as a vocal-and-piano-only cover of "Apologize," his trademark "Idol" song. It got a little slow before the dance thumper "Zero Gravity" came along. And of course, the closer was the arena ballad "Crush." The show was a makeup date for a Lovato concert originally scheduled for August. Dunk general manager Lawrence Lepore said before the show that the postponement may have helped ticket sales. He estimated the attendance at 6,000, and said that other dates on the tour had averaged around 4,500. rmassimo@projo.com / 277-7206
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david looked and sounded superb last night, and the previous night in new hampshire... the break from the touring stage has given him a new energy, and his vocals have never sounded more rich, and versatile, and satisfying.
he's grown into a very dynamic live performer, and i'd recommend anyone and everyone to catch him on these makeup dates, or on his upcoming solo christmas tour in support of his fantastic new holiday release, ''christmas from the heart''. check it out in stores, or download from itunes or amazon - it's amazing, and another testament to david's burgeoning reputation as one of the best male pop singers in the business.
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David's vocals sounded so good! He is one talented young man! I'm sad I won't get to see him this winter but I will this summer! Great job David!
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Thanks for the review. I'm glad Providence finally got their David/Demi concert! And I can't wait to see David this winter on his Christmas tour. The concerts will be half pop and half from his new Christmas album.
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I was there at the Providence show to see David Archuleta. David was amazing. I also attended is Manchester, NH show the night before. I just think David is an amazing singer/songwriter ... and I just love his souful pop sound. This was my 6th time seeing David on his summer tour and I will be seeing him on his holiday tour coming up next. I just love David Archuleta concerts ... his shows are just amazing and fun. So many great songs last night! What an amazing performance. I was there ... and I still am enjoying the videos from last night.
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OMGOSH! David Archuleta was on FIRE! He is soooo much fun to experience LIVE! Zero Gravity rocks! :)
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I have been watching the youtubes of this concert. I've attended 4 David Archuleta concerts to date. His stage presence and vocals are amazing. I can't wait to see him for his Christmas from the Heart concert!
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David has progressed way past the Idol label. He is a STAR on the rise. HE will be around for decades to inspire with his voice. I was at this show to see him specifically. He did not disappoint! Great job Mr. Archuleta.
Abrra
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Both concerts, NH and Prov were simply David Archuleta at his amazing best. His vocals are impeccable, his stage presence growing exponentially and his future a blazing comet ride. Do not miss his Christmas tour... but if you must, do yourself a favor and buy Christmas From the Heart. It is magical.
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Mr. Massimo, thank you so much for this great review! Sounds like you too are now a fan! Welcome to the group, and don't forget to look for his wonderful Christmas CD, out now! In fact, his fans (including myself) are already playing it! lol! I just couldn't wait! It's wonderful, of course!
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David continues to amaze and astound me with his growing stage skills and the glorious tone of his VOICE! (He looks awesome, too!)
I am proud to be: Forever-a-Fan!
Thanks, your review is much appreciated!
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