David Archuleta
by David Archuleta
  • Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Nov 11, 2008
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.
  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.
  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.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    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.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    37
    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.
  7. Rolling Stone
    50
    His debut is similarly flavorless: Beautifully sung but snoozy tunes.
  8. The New York Times
    70
    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.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

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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
  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. TheFor 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.… Full Review »
  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 musicAmazing 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.… Full Review »
  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 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.… Full Review »
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