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

[Re]

There has been no article written by any critic on anything that swayed my mind on anything that I watched or read or listen to. 3/4 of the critics should find another line of work. Billboard hit right on target with David Archuleta's new CD it is fantastic. Every song on this CD I can listen to over and over again.and not get tired of it. Let's not foget that David is a 17 yr old and from what I have listened to he puts all these other so called artists to shame. He may not be a conversationlist but he doesn't have to be because he has a VOICE. Listen to him sing live then do your thing. Just for the record I purchased 3 copies of his CD from Amazon and intend to buy many more for family members who are also fans. Oh and by the way his first single will go Platinum.. Also I am not an Arch Angel but I give that fanbase a ton of credit for backing David because he is a STAR Rising. Thank you David for this beautiful CD that I will cherish that was done in so little time.

[Katy]

I as well am not a teenager but I love this album from the catchy upbeat songs to the tender ballads. I am so amazed by David and his vocal ability. I could care less what the critics say because I think most of them write things to be cruel to get readers to read their jibberish. My teenage niece as well loves David album and this is a girl who listens to rap. David has won her over as well. Kudos to David and Jive and his management team for a job well done. I will be a David Archuleta fan forever...and that is no lie. I have to hear him everyday for my day to continue when I wake up.

[Jess]

Love the album. Finally is here!! And, I am NOT a teenager or a grandma!! Way to go David Archuleta!!

[MartiR]

The music industry wonders why cds aren't selling the way they used to and blame it on people stealing music off the internet. I suggest they take a look at the product they have been trying to foist upon people for the last 10 years or so. I used to listen to pop music, but was completely turned off by the gangsta rap, songs filled with anger, violence and sex, songs with a filthy message sung by filthy people. Songs by people who can't sing without a machine manipulating their voice until it is almost unrecognizable. Brittany Spears voice in her new song Womanizer has been manipulated until it sounds like the voice of the demon in The Exorcist. Her music video has her appearing totally in the nude. The music industry has used sex to selll these people's music, because they cannot use their music skills to do it. Our children have been sold these people as people to look up to and admire. Little girls as young as 6 years old want to dress like Brittany Spears. My hope is that the wholesomeness of David Archuleta's music and his personality ushers in a new era in music with other artists our kids can really look up to and use as a role model. Maybe it's too much to expect that someone with an amazing voice and a character worth admiring could actually be praised and given a chance to grow and develop into the star he has the potential of becoming. I've seen some of the critics call the songs on his new album bland. I find them anything but bland, but I wonder if he had sung about having sex with a girl, instead of looking in her eyes in the hopes of finding love, would that have made it more interesting to the critics. Surely there is a place in the music industry for someone who is a true artist, and not just people who can churn out bad music slickly loaded with sex and violence to make it sellable to people who look for nothing more than that in their music.

[Ryan]

I think the album sucks. I like David and he's a good kid and all but it's just SO generic. I feel like i've heard every song on it already. Im luke warm with both davids but hopefully Cook's new album is better.

[brewster]

With any artist, especially a new one like David Archuleta, I would expect a wide range of critical assessments. For we all know opinions are like, well, you know what. What I find most disturbing about the LA Times review is that it is not a review but a personal attack on David Archuleta and his father. Is August Brown really serious when he slams David Archuleta for being "entirely sexless" when he appeared on American Idol? Yeah, Brown, we get it, you are not a fan of David Archuleta or his style of music. Brown is no music critic, as evidenced by this rant on Archuleta. For decades, former music critic Robert Hillburn set and maintained the standard at the Times for music critiques. There was a man with integrity and style. August Brown, you are no Robert Hillburn. Perhaps you need to revisit the many articles written by Hillburn, learn a few things about journalism, and try again. Your attack on David Archuleta and his father is more of a reflection of your personal inadequacies and issues than the artistic merit of the album.

[Lexter]

It doesn't matter to me what the critics say or write about David Archuleta, I like what I heard when he was on American Idol. His voice was and still is amazing. He sang from the heart and that's the most powerful voice any one can hear.

I know I will buy his cd. That's no doubt. The other David, I could careless. It's just a rock star wanna be. Nothing special in his voice.

[Sharon]

IIt is a sad commentary on our society when the media uses their power to try to influence the public on something they know nothing about! David Archuleta and his first album is absolutely amazing!!!! It is what we have been crying for in music for such a long time!!! It is fresh, catchy, with songs of love...real caring...and feeling!!! There is no sex, no violence, no hate! David is a musical artist that will "raise the bar" for future vocalists!!! Yes, David can sing. He cannot only sing, he can make us feel the emotion of each song and carry us with him on his journey of expression! You become one with the music, and actually reach into your heart and soul with each song. There is a variiety of song styles...something for everyone!
If you find it in your heart to tear apart someone whose music and persona are on par with only the best in our industry, you have no credability! You are incapable of feeling. The reviewer has a right to an opinion, but not a right to personally attack someone like David! If you cannot like David, I feel sorry for you because I feel you cannot like anyone. David's inner strength and values, along with his talent, should be revered and praised. David is a role model, not only for young people, but for people like myself!!! One is never too old to learn to become a better person...even if it is from someone who is just 17! Congratulations David...I will be buying many many of your Cd's for Christmas this year!!! Everyone in this world should know about you and your music!!! You and your music bring such happiness to others. You are a true gift.

[Russell]

Most artists take a year or more to put together a CD. David ended his American Idol tour sometime in September, then went on a whirlwind of radio promotions which just ended. I think he did the best he could with the little time they gave him. I like the CD. David's voice is great, so his fans are going to buy it any way. It'll sell enough copies to carry him over to his sophmore release. This criticism of David Archuleta isn't really deserved. He sang the songs well. The songwriters came up with some fairly good songs in a short period. Why not blog about American Idol, 19 Entertainment and their chew you up and spit you out money making machine.

[PHL]

Idol is the person no matter what he/she does you will love him/her still. I think idol can blind fans' eyes and make them buy any products especially in the music industry. Japanese singers are good examples. They don't sing very well but they are idolized. I think David is my idol. Just love him. Wish him the best.

[Mary Bernadette]

David's got a great voice. Great to listen to. His debut is going to sell like hot cakes.
He's got this wholesome good clean image which is so refreshing. All the best David. The critics got it wrong. Wake up Times!!!!!!!

[Guy]

Reviews are like, well you kow what. DA's got one of the most emotion-evoking voices ever. I'm a 49 yo man and let me tell you when I first heard his angelic, soulful and meloncholy voice, I was hooked, can't explain it but every time I listen to him sing, I almost tear up. Reviews be damned, let the public decide and so far I think they've already done so, check the charts all you "record" and "entertainment" moguls and you'll see that this CD will be among the higest selling of the year. Oh and BTW it's called a FAN BASE, not accountants and hot winded, over worked executives.

[dma]

What has surprised me this past year is how many of the "professional" critics really despise youth and innocence. Where are we as a country if we are so disparaging of our young especially those who truly love and want to give to the world rather than just take? I love this young man's voice and will buy everything he ever puts out. His voice soothes the soul and brings a smile to your face. David is a breath of fresh air in most of the noise that blasts out of car windows. Maybe he can bring music back to the airwaves.

[kat]

i personally love the album. it's versatile and shows a lot of talent. i'd like to hear the critics try to belt out one o two of the tunes of his song. let's see if they can top that.

and regarding this line ----> though Archuleta certainly has a winning personality, much of it is "saddled with the most generic writing and production money can buy<----- i didn't know that talent nowadays could be bought by production money. wow. what's the world coming into? and winning personality isn't important? ha! if the artist's personality was bull, would people want to buy his album? heck no!

you guys may think whatever you want. you can't change our love for david!

[pepsky]

critics are paid up. by the other publicist with artist releasing an album next week. period. they are pre-conditioning the mind of the readers. i'm not. i pre-ordered my DA album from itunes and buying the CD this weekend. i'm still listing down those i'd give it to for early Christmas gift. great job, david archuleta!

[JANE]

I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS...DAVID'S 1ST ALBUM IS AMAZING!

[CHASE]

THE ONLY REVIEW THAT REALLY MATTERS ARE HIS MILLIONS OF FANS AROUND THE WORLD THAT WILL AND HAVE BEEN BUYING THIS ALBUM. THE BILLBOARD REVIEW WAS RIGHT ON NOT BECAUSE IT WAS SO POSITIVE, BUT THEY SAID THREE MAIN POINTS, POP GENIUS, SULTRY VOICE ,( THE VOICE) AND THESE ARE THE PERFORMANCES THAT FILL ARENA'S!!!!!!!.LET SEE HOW MANY ALBUM'S THIS 17 YEAR OLD IS GOING TO SELL!!!!!!!. HAVE A GREAT JOURNEY DAVID YOU ARE ALREADY A SUPER STAR, NEVER FOGET THIS OK!!!!!!!!!!

[StarryLaurie]

I hope the music buying public will listen to David's music and decide for themselves instead of letting themselves be guided by most of the reviews. If they listen with an open mind, they will enjoy the CD. By the way, if you EVER get the opportunity to hear him sing in person, he will absolutely blow you away!!! I loved him on American Idol, but nothing prepared me for listening to him in concert. WOW!!!

I am getting really tired of attacks on David. Fair and thoughtful reviews would be welcome, but attacks are not. David is a kind person with an incredible talent. He deserves respect for his many accomplishments thus far. If you don't like David's humble personality (I LOVE IT!), then don't think about it when you listen to his songs. HIs voice is wonderful.

It has been noted that David and his "team" had very little time to put together a CD. All of this was done while he was on tour during the summer. Obviously the American Idol contestants need to get the CDs out while they have momentum. I think David's CD is amazing, especially considering the time limits.

I agree with comments that have been made about many of the current crop of "stars". Most of the music is horrible. Britney's "Womanizer" is horrendous and if you want to hear bland, listen to Beyonce's "If I were a Boy". Yuck!!!! And the Jonas Brothers and Miley CANNOT sing. Once in a while, I listen to Radio Disney to try to catch "Crush" and I can't listen to most ot it!

David has been very unselfish in recommending the music of many of today's good artists. I have been introduced to some great music through David.

Please give him a genuine chance!!!

[Coolshaker]

his album is amazing!!!!
i just got it on itunes, and its fantastic! My fav song is My Hands.

I think its amazing, and therefore david will have an amazing carrer

[PJ]

Billboard nailed it, after all they are the only company quoted above that understands what really sells in todays markets. Buy the album, you will love it just like this 50 year old does. "Crush" is already Gold and the album will go Platinum.

[ECJ]

Diavid's album isn't the problem here. The real issue lies in the fact that the "critics" are elderly bums who want to hear Frank Sinatra in every doggone album they criticize.

David's album will do weel because he appeals to his fanbase and is a wonderful singer. The critics need to take their daily dose of vitamins and sit down somewhere.

I'll certainly be buying the album.

[Van]

David Archuleta has an amazing voice and his character is mature for his age. But,
I don't like this pop sound. Boring! The overdone echo and layers that the producers cooked up for him were terrible. I think they did not utilize David's strongest assets. He has a unique sound to his voice and is able to connect emotionally. He did much better in his live concert performances. The record company rushed to produce this album so they could make a quick buck off of Archueta. He had to endure the AI tour, all the publicity requirements, produce a video and record an album all within 6 months. Ridiculous!
Two songs that I really liked on this album and seemed to get at more of David's strengths were "Desperate" and "To be be with you" I hope his popularity lasts long enough so that he gets to do the next album his own way.

[supergrandjudie]

MartiR, I agree with you exactly. I hope my grandchildren and great-children will grow-up emulating David Archuleta. I could hope for them to become kind, decent respectable and respectful human beings. David Archuleta has a gift that transcends all ages. Love his music and thank the lord for him. He refreshes the air and airwaves!!!

[Ralph T.]

Finally at least for this Dad someone I can listen to while driving my teen age kid and grand daughter around. I'm sick of Rap and its adult lyrics wich are soo inapropriate btw my daughters aren't crazy about JONAS BROS or the DISNEY teens singers. Great first album...Yeah I love it too.

[Agata]

If you like David and his music, go buy his album, It's refreshingly charming and not so simple musically as some critics said. It has lots of variety and of course his beautiful voice shines thru. The LA Times review is junk because it doesn't critique the album or singer but attacks the person. No wonder newspapers don't sell anymore. And the "sexless" comment, I am 21 and find David very sexy, check out the Dec Elle mag! WOW! Besides, I'll take David's sexless over tasteless any day!