Dear Archies,

I can see that all of you, especially who already had a chance to listen to BEGIN. are feeling so excited about this. I read some reviews and thoughts on not only BEGIN. but also on David himself. I am so thrilled because they’re all like what I feel and what I wanna say. So I think it’s not necessary for me to write a review anymore, what I am going to write in the next few lines is just sharing the feeling that BEGIN. brought to me and the “place” that it led me to, somewhere only I know.

I recall when I first heard about his preparation of a new album before he went on his mission, I was so worried. As you know he spent so much time in the Philippines before that. Everyday then was like 20 hours of working per day to finish Nandito Ako and Forevermore album. When he got back to the US he rushed to complete BEGIN., he worked until the day he left. He had no time to take a rest, not much time for his family and friends. Why did he do all of this? Yeah I was worried at first but then I realized that he must have had so much to say in the next two years so he tried his best to do as much as he can before he left. And for such a short period of time, BEGIN. is not a bad product at all. It’s somehow completely different from the previous albums, it’s so inspirational, mature, and maybe spiritual, taking into account the cover picture and the booklet as well. Most songs are covers but they are all famous and great ones. David is a singer but he loves to listen to many kinds of music as well as other artists. Therefore he must have a really good knowledge and taste of music. Those covers show it all! Each song has a different meanings but in general they convey a positive message about life, personality, relationships, God, and maybe about many other aspects that I may not be precise enough to realize at the moment. It’s been only two days since its release so I think time will give me more understanding about this album.

I was so thrilled that his vocal coach said that he recorded this album with his raw voice, there would be not much technical touch. Yes I can see it clearly after listening to this album. There’s no way to be disappointed because his true voice is always the most touching. That’s why not until he came to Vietnam and performed live did I recognize the beauty of his voice. And frankly for some songs, I prefer his live versions. This album is just his live performance to me, bringing me back the feeling I got that night when he performed here. I am surprised, I am choked, I am amazed, and I am completely brought to, yes, as I told you, somewhere only I know. That place I can see the magic. That magics is so real that it let me see many positive things in this life. How many kind of lives in this world? You don’t know, I don’t know, David doesn’t know. What we know is that whoever you are, how rich or how poor you are, you should always live with the real you. Stay true to yourself, be who you really are, people will always see your true colors, your true beauty, in return you will receive their true and long-lasting love. In any circumstances, never give up, keep trying, you may not get the best, but you can overcome the hard time at last. In the mess of this life, you can always find the peace in your heart, it’s like you’re safe in the arms of an angel, throwing away every sorrow and sadness and that will bring back the spirit to you. You may be broke, but as long as you still have a smile on your face, you’re never broken. It’ll never be late to BEGIN.

BROKEN, I must say, it is the most favorite song of mine so far. When I first listen to the snippet, I cried. It lasted just about 20 seconds, no clear meaning but the melody is so beautiful and touching. And after I listened to the full version, I can’t completely say anything. Those beautiful 4.29 minutes are dedicated to the Invisible Children. He’s such a kind-hearted young man who always think of others, especially those kids. This song reminded me of my charity trip to the children hospital in my city, reminded me of the poor disabled kid sitting under a bridge near my street, selling toothpicks everyday. They looked so miserable, I couldn’t stop my tears when I saw them. But I still see the smile on their faces. That’s when I truly understand the phrase “broken but not broken”. I hope that they would never give up and can get through all the troubles of this life. There are still many good people out there to offer their help. There are many beautiful artists like David out there to sing such beautiful songs to raise the spirit. I always not only support David but also support what he supports. I believe all Archies have the same feeling and opinion with me. Together with David we are making the world a Good Place.

To David: you hope that your fans could feel your heart through this album, I know all the fans do, I do too because I’m listening to BEGIN. not just with my ears, but with all of my heart.

Thank you for reading this. I know I’m kinda ramble, just wanna share a bit. I look forward to read more writings about BEGIN. from Archies!

- @LettuceBoy1990