David Archuleta
The Other Side of Down
1. The Other Side of Down
2. Something About Love
3. Elevator
4. Stomping the Roses
5. Who I Am
6. Falling Stars
7. Parachutes and Airplanes
8. Look Around
9. Good Place
10. Complain
11. Things Are Gonna Get Better
12. My Kind of Perfect
When he was on American Idol, David Archuleta seemed out of his element every time he strayed away from ballads.
I mean, remember that “you boo” Chris Brown “With You” nonsense in the next to last performance show of the season?
It was enough to make skeptics wonder if he could ready succeed singing pop music post-Idol.
Then his first album went gold and produced a single (“Crush”) that debuted at number two on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Now David’s back with the even better “The Other Side of Down,” filled with catchy mid-tempo pop songs.
“Something About Love” was the first single from the album, but not even the best track on the new CD. That distinction belongs to the infectious title track. Or perhaps “Who I Am.”
To remind us why so many fans fell in love with his voice on Idol, he delivers a ballad like “Falling Stars.”
Don’t-give-up, life-is-gonna-get-better, upbeat themes abound. In that respect, the album is reminiscent of the post-Idol debut from season seven colleague Brooke White — a ray of musical sunshine.
And, unlike his debut, this album features mostly David singing David’s songs. He has a writing credit on 10 of the 12 tracks.
Wholly successful? Well, every time I listen to the CD, my attention strays during the second half of the album, as the pop songs pile up. At least until David pulls listeners back in with the album-closing ballad, “My Kind of Perfect.”
And success will ultimately be determined on the music charts, at a time when everything from the shockingly popular Ke$ha, quirky and curvy Katy Perry and new teen dream Justin Bieber turns golden in a heartbeat.
Does that leave room on pop music radio for the earnest 19-year-old former Idol runner-up?
Time will tell.
But I’d rather young music lovers be listening to “The Other Side of Down” than “Take It Off” or “Peacock.”
Grade: B
Download worthy: “Who I Am,” “The Other Side of Down,” “Falling Stars.”
If you missed the coverage of David’s recent show at the Pullo Center in York, go here for the photo gallery and links to other blogs.
10 Comments
What a great day for such a great artist and just overall great person!!! This album is just outstanding….lots of upbeat, fun, positive and meaningful lyrics!!! Go buy the entire album…there is something for everyone on this CD!!!
I too will listen to this album over half the stuff they play on radio. The only time I listen to radio is when I know David will be played. Something ‘Bout Love is good but yes there are many others songs that should be introduced to the radio. No-one delivers the David.
Very good review! David is such an uber-talented young singer. Most of this album is very, very good. The two tracks that are the exceptions for me are “Look Around” and “Stomping the Roses” where I have much difficulty in understanding the words, and both seem to sound like autotuned artists — both of which I’m not accustomed to when listening to David.
I agree with the reviewer’s choices for downloading; however, I would include “Complain”, “Good Place”, and SBL also — all with great vocals and harmonies by David.
Hopefully, the pop market (which, for the most part, is entrenched in music which FAILS to lift up the human spirit, and therefore,in essence, denigrates it) will see the positive vibes in this wonderful collection of pop songs performed by a hugely talented, one-of-a-kind young man.
Great review! Thanks.
David is super-talented. I can listen to any one of the songs on the new album and find something I really, really like. I find myself smiling on many different tracks. I LOVE his VOICE on all of them although, unlike what I’ve gathered from the general consensus, Look Around is not a favorite. I am the exact opposite. I LOVE that little song that no-one likes! The lower register in his VOICE just gets me to my soul! It’s really a tribute to his musicality and genius. Everyone has a different favorite. 🙂
I’m just catching this write up today! Thank you so much! This cd is the BEST cd I’ve ever bought! It leaves me feeling so good! I love that David wants to lift people UP with his music, rather than bring a negative vibe. I am so OVER the majority of what’s being played on the radio, to the point that I hardly listen to it anymore. For the most part, what’s selling is brain trash. David’s vocals truly are awe-inspiring and his songwriting skills are genius. I love his lyrics and melodies and check out his harmonies on “Who I Am” after the bridge! Holy cow! Nothing on pop radio does that to me. And if the passion in “Good Place” doesn’t touch some part of your soul you must be dead. I am so proud of David for caring about his work and putting out something that represents him, instead of worrying about what sells. I hope the world will start seeing that THIS is what should sell because it brings positive change that we so desperately need. Thanks, David, from the bottom of my music-lovin’ heart. 🙂
There is really good music on this new CD by David. It shows his new maturity and highlights his amazing vocals. I love every song and have played it constantly since it came out. His live shows will be amazing with these new songs.
Everyone seems to have different favourites, which I think is indicative of how this album has ‘something for everyone’.
Interestingly enough, I think of myself as a selective fan of pop music and yet I love the second half of this album which you say is filled with pop songs. lol They must be my kind of pop songs then!
It’s too hard to pick my absolute favourite from the album but the songs I repeat the most are the album track; The Other Side Of Down, Elevator, Look Around, Good Place, Things Are Gonna Get Better and of course My Kind Of Perfect. Sorry, I simply can’t get the list shorter than that.
There is too much that is good about this album. I love the variety, the upbeat melodies, the messages and of course the vocals ain’t half bad. 😉 What is the cherry on the top, is knowing that these are David’s thoughts and feelings, like another little glimpse into his soul. Thanks for the write up!
Thank you for a great review! I love this album and David’s voice is like no other.