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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. LauraM.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    I really enjoy the diversity of songs on the album. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
  4. Me2
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    Many, many catchy songs with a few soul wrenching songs thrown in. Spot-on vocals although it's hard to tell since the album is slightly over-produced. You'll find yourself humming these songs long after you've listened to them.
  5. EllieL.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    Never get dull or tired after repeated listening. Nice job by David Archuleta. He has great future ahead.
  6. Lisa
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    I am very happy with David's first album, I think it has a great mix of pop, ballads and I love the country feel of "works for me" the song David co -wrote. I love this teens voice.
  7. BonnieT.
    Nov 15, 2008
    9
    I enjoy listening to every song on this album. That's never happened to me before. Such a variety in the styles of songs. I love it!
  8. TaylorC.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    This the first cd I have ever bought. I don't likee to buy cds because you usually get 1 or 2 songs that you will like. I am glad I did!! There are so many songs on here that I love! I can decide which are my favs. I love Desperate, Your Eyes Don't Lie, To Be With You. I also love Somebody Out There but I don't think its on this CD. It was a special:( but if you can get This the first cd I have ever bought. I don't likee to buy cds because you usually get 1 or 2 songs that you will like. I am glad I did!! There are so many songs on here that I love! I can decide which are my favs. I love Desperate, Your Eyes Don't Lie, To Be With You. I also love Somebody Out There but I don't think its on this CD. It was a special:( but if you can get your hands on it! Listen to it! Again there are so many songs on here I really like!!! So get it! Its worth the money!… Expand
  9. Claudia
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    This CD is very good. But you have to listen more than once some songs. Like "Barriers" -first I was..OK, but after third listen I am addicted. Now it is on repeat. This CD has one of the best rank on Itunes 4 1/2 and this shows that the general people enjoy the music.
  10. JonerZ.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    This is a terrific freshman CD. It proves that he can sing ANYTHING! I honestly had to ask myself several times, "how can he do that with his voice?" He's amazing.
  11. BiancaN.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    A super debut by a charming young vocalist, this album contains mostly poppy songs with great hooks. However if you look deeper you find that the 17-year-old artist has begun to co-write his own material. Plus the lyrics are very thoughtful and the styles are diverse. A very listenable album!
  12. 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.
  13. JanetteS.
    Nov 11, 2008
    8
    I thought it was a great album, especially for a first. I really love this album. And I'm not a tweeny.
  14. 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.
  15. AlanY.
    Nov 11, 2008
    8
    Enjoyable catchy pop with an excellent, passionate singer.
  16. 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.
  17. Matt
    Nov 14, 2008
    7
    I am not wowed by this collection of songs, but the talent of his voice is unmistakable. I predict he will eventually find a niche musically and shine.
  18. DanielR
    Aug 28, 2009
    7
    david's cool, dont be too harsh on him..he has the voice he just needs the perfect hit!!
  19. 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.
next
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »