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. 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.… Collapse
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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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