Music Review: David Archuleta

It's rare that I download a whole album (thank you iTunes), but I snagged American Idol season 7 runner-up David Archuleta's self-titled CD (yes, it's on CD) at work for free.  So I gave it a listen.

The album takes a very 90s approach in that it opens with the single, “Crush”.  I’m going to assume since it did very well on the charts that we’re familiar with his track and move on.  Plenty of reviews are available.

I was very worried after "Crush".  The second track, "Touch My Hand", falls flat and sounds like a left over coldplay track.  And the next two tracks left little impression on me.  Then again, two of those 3 songs were written by a team whose most significant contribution to my life was "Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera.  

Archuleta makes his songwriting debut on "A Little Too Not Over You", scoring primary credits (ask Danity Kane how hard that is on your first album).  This track sticks out to me as a possible single.  I thought it featured great syllabic placement, and the triple meter (i.e., you count it 1-2-3 instead of the traditional 1-2-3-4) is catchy.

“You Can”, a ballad in the spirit of James Taylor, is a great follow-up.  Rock Mafia’s ("See You Again" by Miley Cyrus) beautiful words couple with Archuleta’s convincing performance.

Hip-hop producers Midi Mafia's (50 Cent’s “21 Questions” and Fantasia’s “When I See You”) contribution on "Running" provides a refreshingly new take on the guitar-driven theme that pervades this album.

“To Be with You” is a songwriting collaboration between pop music vet and soon-to-be American Idol host Kara DioGuardi (who also contributes backing vocals) and pop music (relative) rookie Emanuel Kiriakou (who produces the track).  It doesn’t even rhyme, but it’s such a beautifully written song that it doesn’t matter.

“Don’t Let Go” is a painfully average filler track.  This was extra disappointing for me because it’s written and produced by former N’Sync member, JC Chasez.  I usually root for the underdog, but this was a painful reminder of why JT is still the favorite.

Rock Mafia adds just a touch of twang with the western-twinged “Your Eyes Don’t Lie”.  The whistle riff is definitely a nod to the likes of Johnny Cash.

The album closes with a cover of Robbie Williams’s “Angels”.  It wasn’t a total abomination, but it wasn’t nearly emotional/dramatic enough for me (just like the original).  Maybe a choir would have helped (on an American Idol budget: ha!).  However, Archuleta's delivery is not the main culprit here; the delivery would have been much better over more dramatic orchestration (I think his voice is much better suited for this type of ballad that Williams's is).  The best artist/producer combo I’ve heard on this song is (I know I’m gonna get shade for this) Jessica Simpson/Billy Mann.

Overall, I think this is a good first effort.  It's only 12 tracks, so there really wasn't room to cut the fat.  And as his career grows (his first single is damn near platinum, so I doubt Jive/Zomba will drop him), he'll get opportunities to work with more recognizable personalities on the music scene.  I'm excited to see where he goes as he gains credibility in the industry.  And hopefully for the next album he'll take less awkward pictures for the album art!

Suggested Tracks:

Crush

A Little Too Not Over You

You Can

Be With You

Just in case you missed Friday's post.