David Archuleta: The critics have voted

The return of "American Idol" is just two months away. But before another round of auditions kicks off on Jan. 13, the two Davids have another slate of judges to go up against. Simon Cowell may be gruff, but did he properly prepare one David Archuleta for America's music critics?

The Times was tough on the kid, giving his self-titled debut a star and a half. August Brown wrote, "It's an exacting distillation of a 13-year-old girl's wholesome romantic aspirations as imagined by 50-year-old label reps." Though The Times was forgiving of the single "Crush," the review wasn't so kind on the rest of the album, noting that 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."

Could America have been so very wrong in its "Idol" finalists?

But if critics haven't seen what "Idol" voters saw, not everyone is finding Archuleta's debut to be a tanker.

On its Vulture blog, New York Magazine wrote that Archie's tunes are "happy, life-affirming pop songs, mostly about hand holding, selflessly sung in the second-person (eleven of the twelve tracks are about 'YOU'), all with big exploding choruses."

Industry trade Billboard was positively glowing, noting, "Most teen Disney heroes have got nothing on David Archuleta. The 17-year-old who was one of the most exciting 'American Idol' contenders has one of those once-in-a-decade pop voices: 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."

Entertainment Weekly wasn't as chipper, giving the album a C+. Chris Willman wrote that though Archuleta certainly has a winning personality, much of it is "saddled with the most generic writing and production money can buy."

The New York Times seems to strike the middle ground as well, finding Archuleta, who the newspaper writes "has a lovely, foggy R&B voice out of scale with his small body," to be pleasantly inoffensive. Writes the review, "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."

So where do you stand on Archuleta's debut? Did we get it right? Are you disappointed? Or do you side with Billboard, which is ready to give Archie the keys to the whole Disney empire?

--Todd Martens

Comments

[Meleah]

David's new album is FANTASTIC!

[Sam Lim]

The one who has the last say is the FANS who will support David Archuleta all the way. The individual writer who does the review won't give any impact at all for one their taste of music is different for The Generation of David Archuleta. I like all his song plus the fans don't really care what the writer review and they don't have the last word - Its the fans who has the last say, they will still buy David Archuleta CD ALBUM no matter what for they like his music and his voice period. And David Archuleta will have the last laugh and the money in the bank.

[Lisa]

Well I certainly don't agree with the vitriol that was the Times review. If I looked up "condescending" in the dictionary, that review would take the place of the definition. It totally missed the mark. Is Archuleta's debut the most innovative pop out there? No, and I don't think Jive or he intended it to be. It's radio pop--music designed to do very well on the radio. And that's so Archuleta will succeed and make album #2, not always a guarantee in Idoldom. As an Idol alum he has to establish himself as a player before he can change the rules--especially when most of the country thought he was a sappy balladeer during AI, no thanks to the mass media.

But is it the "tanker" that the Times made it out to be? Oh goodness no. Not even remotely close. It's piano-driven, well-sung, well-crafted pop. It's only "teen" pop if you're caught too much in the fact that David is teen (by the way, the character attacks in the Times review were more than a tad unprofessional; I'm hoping anybody with half a brain would be turned off by that alone). Otherwise, if you didn't know a 17-year-old sang these songs you would be hard-pressed to figure out one did. The fact that the Times finds the Jonas Brothers (thee of screetchy voice) and Miley Cyrus (queen of the generic) to somehow represent "good" teen pop is laughable. The Jonas Brothers songs are decently written (sometimes), but blandly performed. I won't venture to discuss Miley. But they, apparently, were respected by the Times enough to not infuse personal bias into reviews of an album.

Billboard and the New York Times stand apart in that they didn't do that. They may have mentioned Archuleta's character (if only there were more guys like him, the world would be a lot nicer), but did so in the context of the music. They didn't use it as a method to dismiss or attack the songs, which are catchy as heck and extremely listenable. Archuleta has a very tough road ahead because of the nasty way he was treated during and after Idol by the press. It seems that hasn't ended, and he's continually going to have to prove himself. That's quite sad.

[Lisa]

By the way, USA Today liked it as well--3/4 stars.

[sdb66]

I'm 42 and I love David Archuleta. I think his first album is awesome; every song is special. At this point, I really don't care about reviews. They are not going to change my mind about how I feel for David Archuleta. I think he is incredibly talented. His voice is so genuine, so beautiful. David really feels the songs when he signs; he doesn't sing just to sing. He knows how to connect with people through his voice and music. I'm still amazed that David has such a powerful voice after suffering from vocal paralysis. He is just AMAZING!!! as an artist and as a human being. He is such a great role model to teenagers and adults. I know David will be a huge international music star. He is going to have an amazing, successful music career; and I'll be there to support him; to enjoy his beautiful and powerful magic.

[Stazi]

From what I've heard of the new songs on the album, it is amazing. David is musically gifted and the songs are perfect for his age and are a welcome deviation from a lot of the music available today. In a time when so many pop songs have lyrics that cover very mature subjects, his songs are appropriate for all ages. I'm not a teenager, far from it and I truly appreciate his talent and the song choices made by David and the team behind him. If the critics would listen objectively instead of judging by his age and naivete, they too would find a very much needed breath of fresh air in the pop genre.

[Leigh]

I think if only for the vocals it's a bit better than 1 1/2 stars. It's really crappy material though. I think they didn't take advantage of his vocal ability. It's a pretty boring album.

[soundscene]

I agree with the L.A. Times review 100%. David Archuleta's music is teen pop at its worst. The album is just horrible.

[salo]

Totally missed the mark! David Archuleta is a sweetheart and his music is indeed simple, fresh and charming. I know you are trying to be condescending by saying that it i a thirteen year old girl dream, but that is the beauty of it. Innocent, charming, a delight, specially "To be with you" .... not everybody is up for lyrics full explicit sex, money, gansta crap and stuff.
David Archuleta did great! and yes, the only way you will see it is by looking at his sales. I got my cd on its way already :)

[Hannah]

I don't think it matters what the critics think in this case. It's not the critics who will be buying this album by the millions. This isn't music to be thoughtfully contemplated, it's music to be bought and consumed.

David will be successful no matter how his producers decide to mold him. His fans are downright obsessed.

I wrote a short review for the Daily Californian, and David's devoted followers ("Arch Angels"--kind of a creepy nickname) have been commenting all day:

http://www.dailycal.org/article/103479/album_reviews

[morendogirl]

As someone who is sick to death of Rihanna, Chris Brown, Katy Perry, Britney, Miley, Pink and everyone else who is played ad nauseum on the radio these days I am celebrating such a new, fresh CD. David has a cool, smooth voice. The lyrics are interesting and there's a great mix of tempos and styles. I'm 23 and I've pre-ordered my DA CD based on the leaked songs I've heard. I'm no Idol fan, but I love a great voice - and David's got it.

[Elena]

The only reviewer who actually "gets" David Archuleta is the Billboard one. David is much more than a teenybopper's dream. He has captured the hearts of many older fans as well -- both men and women alike. In this day and age of garbage-riddled "music" he sings so clearly, strongly and with such emotion it can bring grown people to tears. He does have that once-in-a-generation voice that will make the public sit up and pay attention -- for many years to come.

This CD is a fine debut for this talented young man, but it is just the tip of the iceberg of what he is capable of achieving.

[Carl C]

As a consumer, I find the reviews by these so called critics useless. I mean besides Billboard, what makes these people music experts? Sounds more like personal opinions to me. Kudos to Lisa for a well thought out and intelligent commentary on these so-called professionals and their inability to give fair and objective reviews.

[Matt]

I never really realized album reviews could take such a tone that they attack an artist in a personal manner. I sense so much animosity that its pathetic.

[pastel]

Even on Idol the critics or judges only contributed part of the story; the final decision rests with the voters, and in David's case, with the music buying public. I actually think this album is EXACTLY what it should be. A pop album. Not an adventurous foray into the unknown....but a slickly produced, but not OVER produced layout of 12 well crafted, and sometimes unexpected, pop directed tunes. Thankfully, David's solid vocals tie it all together. I've been humming them, and singing them, for weeks. The mixed reviews indicate to me that many reviewers don't know WHAT to think of David Archuleta, and everyone's expectations are different. Thankfully, his fans expectations will be met in spades.

[Tami]

I have to say that I am not a teen and have not been for a long time. I completely disagree with the reveiw of the LA Times. David Archuleta is an amazingly talented 17 year old who has become even stronger since AI has ended. He was treated not so nice by the press during AI and even after and is just the same David with loads of class, personality, kindness. He is a much better person by finishing second. There was much criticism when his new single Crush came out and look where that debuted #2 on Billboard Hot 100 which just so happens to be the highest debut of any artist in the last 18 months.

I personally have listened to many of his songs on the album and have loved everyone of them. This album has something for everyone. David has a HUGE Fan Base WORLD-WIDE and this is going to sell many, many albums. JIVE records kknows they have a rare gift in David Archuleta and this album is just the first of many.

Instead of everyone criticizing this young man-they really should be looking up to him. He has endured many obstacles and challenges this past year and this is only the beginning. I am so proud to call myself a David ARchuleta fan. God Bless that young man whho has a very bright and successful future ahead of him.

[CindyAZ]

I have my CD in hand and am enjoying every song on it. I am NOT a teen in fact I'm considered over the hill. ha ha. This CD is excellent in my opinion. What I love about this CD is that David's voice is pure and so pleasant. I can listen to him sing and not get tired of it. He has done such a great job. His songs are passionate, easy to relate to and have so much variety, proving David can sing anything. I predict, his songs will last a lifetime. Great job David!

[central80]

I have a case of crow, waiting to be delivered to August Brown. Act now, as the supply is expected to be sorely depleted as Archuleta's star continues to rise.

[john]

No critics deny his vocal ability. He has a unique voice that is hard to find in the industry. Any body can tell this album is above the Disney level mainly because of his singing ability. From up-beat pops to slow ballads, this album has songs for everyone. For a debut album, Archuleta and his team chose to create a radio friendly album, which might not receive good reviews from some critics. Personally, I think it is a wise choice. What would you choose? A high "quality" album that not many people understand and you can hardly hear on the radio? Or a radio friendly album that has many catchy songs and you feel comfortable to listen to?

[hollyre]

David's album is way beyond Disney. He is a 17 year old and pleasantly sings about love. Yearning for it, finding it, losing it, finding it again. His voice can do not wrong. The album let's his voice shine through as well as his superior diction. His voice has the ability to caress. It is a fabulous album and one he put together in a very short time period. Bravo David!

[Fran]

I'm sticking with BILLBOARD and the NYT. I have to wonder, Mr. Brown, if you didn't pan CRUSH because it is about to go platinum...

[hollyre]

The times article sounds like it is being written by Thurston Howell while he is drinking a cup of tea with his pinkie up. Lighten up. They would probably go against anyone from American Idol. P-shaw!

[Gracie]

Archuleta is a voice that will be remembered through the century. He is lauded by every professional who has ever worked with him. He is appreciated throughout the world. This album does not disappoint, though it does whet the appetite. Lighten up. What is your agenda?

[debbie]

david archuleta has amazing vocals and is an incredible kid who is going to make it big. his fans absolutely adore him and will support him forever. he has accomplished so much at age 17. he will be a superstar.

[robin]

I am saddened that in our society today, anybody with a pen, a keyboard, or a newspaper job can become the 'expert' who believes that their opinion is the only one that counts. Give David Archuleta a chance! I have listened to his songs and have completely enjoyed them. I am grateful that I can finally purchase CDs for my pre-teen daughter (and myself!) and not have to worry about innapropriate language or content. GO DAVID!