David Archuleta
by David Archuleta
  • Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Nov 11, 2008
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 333 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 270 out of 333
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 333
  3. Negative: 55 out of 333

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  1. AndrewUltimate
    Oct 22, 2010
    8
    For a debut album, this is charming. First comes a heavenly, silky, tenor that we only hear such beauty from once probably every decade. The songs are sweet, and are filled with powerful, strong, and catchy choruses.
  2. Archie
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Amazing Debut from David. I hope his next album "The Other Side Of Down" will showcase more of David himself. He'll be able to create music more to his liking/style. His first album was time constrained along with too much pop suited for the younger audience. I hope everyone gives his next album a listen.
  3. donna
    Sep 11, 2009
    9
    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.
  4. DanielR
    Aug 28, 2009
    7
    david's cool, dont be too harsh on him..he has the voice he just needs the perfect hit!!
  5. CarmenL
    Jun 30, 2009
    10
    Fantastique. I loved every second! He's amazing. Vocals are great, no? Crush is my favorite song here.
  6. Ruth
    Apr 29, 2009
    10
    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?
  7. ChristopherF
    Feb 22, 2009
    8
    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.
  8. DavidM
    Feb 13, 2009
    9
    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.
  9. TonyP
    Jan 16, 2009
    10
    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.
  10. JessicaJ
    Dec 8, 2008
    7
    Pretty good effort for a first album, but I can't wait to see him grow and put out songs with more mature lyrics.
  11. LindaC
    Dec 6, 2008
    2
    This album is full of sophomoric, redundant songs. Archuleta has a great voice, but I would like to hear more texture in his choices. It really seems geared to the younger set.
  12. LouiseC
    Dec 6, 2008
    1
    Wow, this is not what I expected. The songs are so...whiny? He was my second favorite on American Idol next to Brooke White, but this is a disappointment. I do like the new cover of Angels.
  13. JohnT
    Dec 3, 2008
    8
    The control of the label is very well heard throughout the entire album. The only song that stands out as not a catchy pop song, and a song that could lead to a long career is "Desperate." Big Archuleta fan here.
  14. BooC.
    Nov 28, 2008
    0
    what a shame! it's too cheesy! i'm tryin' to like it but it doesn't contain the substance! it's like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger!!! without his possessed and obsessed fans . ... this album would totally suck!! :)
  15. DebbieH
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Love David's cd, his voice is out of this world amazing. I do not listen to the radio anymore, just David's Cd is the only music my ears, heart and soul needs to be happy.
  16. Jean
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    This album is highly representative of what good singing should be about. It has soul, rhythm, and is full of emotion where needed. You can understand the words. This is an excellent piece of work by as very talented artist.
  17. brendab
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    I love this album. david Archuleta has an amazing voice that is perfect and flawless. Looking forward to many more albums.
  18. KIMK
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Love David's new CD! Such great fresh new music to listen to that is not all covered by that tecno processing stuff! The new cool!
  19. LiseM
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    A beautiful voice from a beautiful (inside & out) and enormously talented person.
  20. DonnieG
    Nov 25, 2008
    1
    Every son sounds the same. No originality or creativity. Boring
  21. Juand
    Nov 25, 2008
    3
    I really do not like this type of album. There is no appeal whatsoever and the young kid has no character in his voice whatsoever.
  22. ScottD
    Nov 25, 2008
    1
    Sorry, but this is bad. This is empty pop drivel with no depth or artistry. It will appeal to teenage girls, but not much else. Stay away if you hate bubble gum ballads and Nickelodeon.
  23. SteveG
    Nov 25, 2008
    2
    Pretty awful. I mean, Archie's got a great voice, and this doesn't do him justice. This could be any pop star out of the pop star factory. I know going the Josh Grobin route wouldn't sell as much, but I think it would make for much better music.
  24. JulieG.
    Nov 25, 2008
    1
    I expected more from this young man. He sounds like he wants to sound like everyone else out there. He has too big of a gift in his voice to have been wasted on this over produced effort.
  25. TerryR.
    Nov 25, 2008
    4
    It pains me to say that I am disappointed. I really liked DA on the show and tour and think he is a really nice kid with a super voice. Loved Angels and Stand By Me and the Groban song on the tour. I wish this album were more like those songs, where that beautiful voice could shine. Unfortunately, this album is tweeny cookie cutter over-produced pop, full of gimmicks and sub-par material. It pains me to say that I am disappointed. I really liked DA on the show and tour and think he is a really nice kid with a super voice. Loved Angels and Stand By Me and the Groban song on the tour. I wish this album were more like those songs, where that beautiful voice could shine. Unfortunately, this album is tweeny cookie cutter over-produced pop, full of gimmicks and sub-par material. I hope as DA matures he will have the opportunity to make an album that will truly showcase his considerable talent. Until then... I will have to pass.… Expand
  26. SteveL
    Nov 25, 2008
    2
    Sorry, I am not fond of this album at all. May not be my kind of music, but I found I couldn't listen to this all the way through. I think the term is "over-producd".
  27. RoseS.
    Nov 25, 2008
    6
    David Archuleta does decently with his self-titled debut. It was one I enjoyed, but wish I could have felt more attached to in some measures. Songs like "Crush", "You Can", "Desperate", "Running", and his rendition of Robbie Williams' "Angels" are stellar offerings, some are lighthearted and sweet with his vocals, while others choose to push his genre boundaries while remaining David Archuleta does decently with his self-titled debut. It was one I enjoyed, but wish I could have felt more attached to in some measures. Songs like "Crush", "You Can", "Desperate", "Running", and his rendition of Robbie Williams' "Angels" are stellar offerings, some are lighthearted and sweet with his vocals, while others choose to push his genre boundaries while remaining meaningful. The problem I had with David's debut was that there were just as many songs that didn't bring out the best in his vocals from a conviction standpoint. They're nice from a pop-listening standpoint, but I found it hard to feel invested in the emotions exuded by the songs on many levels, and his vocals weren't made to be as indicative of his potential as they could have been. In the end, I liked the album, but felt like it could have brought more to the table.… Expand
  28. KristynG.
    Nov 25, 2008
    0
    Boring, slow, and not catchy. All sounds the same. One of the worst debuts of an Idol
  29. MaryC
    Nov 25, 2008
    2
    You may be familiar with the warbly teen hit Crush from last summer: that was actually the best song out of a stack of timid, generic, synthetic pop from the male Jordin Sparks.
  30. JaneH
    Nov 25, 2008
    4
    I loved Archie on Idol and I love Crush. The rest of the album is only so-so for me. He has a great talent and I know his next effort will better play to his strengths.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. AllMusic
    50
    So, it delivers exactly what Archuleta promised on the show: something sweet and safe, utterly old-fashioned and forgettable.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    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
  3. Boston Globe
    70
    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.
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