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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
David Archuleta

Mixed or average reviews
Based on 7 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 301 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Jive
Release Date: 11 November 2008
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Rock, Pop
Summary
The American Idol runner-up releases his debut album.
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Billboard
A silky tenor with a natural melancholy that makes him a heartbreaker by default. His charming debut exploits that very quality with some strokes of pop genius.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe
Happily, in a genre where the urge is to err on the side of overwrought, someone smart decided to stick with tasteful, understated production. Archuleta's delivery is likewise low-key and attractive, if predictably generic.
Read Full Review >The New York Times
The music, made by many producers and songwriters, averages out different forms of radio-format blandness, with tinges of Coldplay and Shania Twain, and a few dollops of good writing. But the persona remains intact, ready for more.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
On "American Idol's" seventh season, David Archuleta had some personality--something you'll struggle to remember while taking in this bland, amnesia-inducing collection.
Read Full Review >Rolling Stone
His debut is similarly flavorless: Beautifully sung but snoozy tunes.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
So, it delivers exactly what Archuleta promised on the show: something sweet and safe, utterly old-fashioned and forgettable.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times
The record is larded with awkward modernist R&B, Christian semaphore ballads like 'You Can' and warm-milk mewling that makes David Cook, Archuleta's "Idol" foe, sound like Robert Plant.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 301 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
donna gave it a9:
Great songs, great voice. Looking forward to the Christmas Album and others after that. David is a natural talent with the best voice in our generation.
Daniel R gave it a7:
david's cool, dont be too harsh on him..he has the voice he just needs the perfect hit!!
Carmen L gave it a10:
Fantastique. I loved every second! He's amazing. Vocals are great, no? Crush is my favorite song here.
Ruth gave it a10:
Wonderful! but i need to hear and purchase a Christmas Album with Mary Did You Know?.....I just cry every time I hear you sing Christmas songs. I would like to give the albums out for Christmas. Please could you do that for the world?
Christopher F gave it an8:
David Archuleta has an amazing voice. His first album is full of very fun and catchy songs. His songwriters need to step up the quality of lyrics from what the average song has to offer here, but I cannot complain about the melodies or David's amazing performances. I am very excited to see what he will come up with next, and would definitely look into watching him live.
David M gave it a9:
The voice of a generation. Who can compare? However, I would agree that the song-writing leaves something to be desired. "Crush" is excellent; "Barriers" is cheesy yet vocally magisterial. But, hey, the boy's so very young, so he'll definitely have additional opportunites to showcase that incredible instrument of his. Kudos on a solid debut effort.
Tony P gave it a10:
Just unforgettable, David Archuleta is one very special singer/person, and this album demonstrates it, he is actually the first celebrity now (as of Jan 15 in Live Search xRank) does it say something? Big success ! He is the kind of kid every person wants to have around.
