Spring Break
Idol David duo battles it out with debut albums
Angela Langster
STAFF WRITER
Issue date: 1/12/09 Section: Entertainment
|
Changes to the show will include a new judge, singer and songwriter, Kara DioGuardi. More emphasis will be placed on contestants that make it to the Hollywood round during auditions. Whether those changes will help the ratings is yet to be seen.
The previous season's two finalists, David Cook and David Archuleta, released CDs in November 2008. On both debut albums, Cook and Archuleta rely heavily on ballads. However, one David takes a risk with some his songs while the other does not steer away from his signature style.
David Cook
During his time on American Idol, Cook was praised by judges and music critics alike for his take on the songs "Always Be My Baby" and "Hello." Some fans said that Cook's winning the competition would make up for Chris Daughtry not winning in season five.
This debut album, however, does not show the innovation that Cook was praised for. Here, Cook sticks to the 90s rock ballads that had become his signature sound on American Idol.
Cook's first single "Light On" does not serve him justice due to the forgettable melody and lyrics. There are times on his album when Cook resorts to yelling the chorus such as in tracks "Mr. Sensitive" and "A Daily Anthem."
However, at the 12 minute mark, a hidden track called "Kiss on the Neck" displays Cook at his best where he bluntly describes his dislike for the stereotypical Hollywood woman. This honesty is also showcased in "Life on the Moon" and "Permanent."
David Cook is probably going to have a successful career. Hopefully, his next album will, as Simon Cowell would put it, "… have more originality."
Standouts - "Declaration," "Come Back to Me," Life On the Moon," "Lie," "I Did It For You," "Permanent," and "Kiss on the Neck."
David Archuleta
As runner-up to David Cook, David Archuleta did not fall at disadvantage when his first single "Crush" was released long before Cook's "Light On." Even though his first single and next hit, "A Little Too Not Over You," are pop ballads, Archuleta does take risks away from his signature style in this album.
Some risks, such as, country-inspired "Your Eyes Don't Lie," and R&B style "Running" are successful. "Don't Let Go" was one song Archuleta could afford to chance, due to its similarities toward Kelly Clarkson's top-selling songs.
Standouts - "Crush," "Barriers," "My Hands," "A Little Too Not Over You," "Running," "Desperate," and "Your Eyes Don't Lie."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
alice
posted 1/12/09 @ 7:19 PM CST
David Archuleta's cd is great. there's a good variety of music. a little something for everyone. there's no doubt a few of these songs will reach number one. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 1/12/09 @ 8:19 PM CST
I've never been a fan of rock and never will be. David Archuleta's album is the one that tickles me. It's sweet, sexy and wholesome. The songs caress, soothe, heal, inspire, endear, enchant and are loving. (Continued…)
Melissa
posted 1/13/09 @ 9:54 AM CST
I was pleasantly surprised by David Archuleta's album. It's not tween and not too heavy on the ballads. I also heard him perform live at a JingleBall and I have to say, I was impressed. (Continued…)
LAURA
posted 1/13/09 @ 2:56 PM CST
Has no one but myself heard that all of David Archuletta's songs sound the same?
josh
posted 1/13/09 @ 6:37 PM CST
Angela, If you have a chance, listen to the bonus songs which would give you different feel from the regular version songs. Jive picked songs that are quirky and contemporary for radio friendly songs for the regular version. (Continued…)
Sarah
posted 1/14/09 @ 7:51 AM CST
I tend to listen more to pop, but right now Cook's album is my favorite to listen to. He put together a very ecclectic album with almost no skippable songs. (Continued…)
LAURA
LAURA
posted 1/14/09 @ 2:10 PM CST
Thanks Sarah. I totally agree; although there are always going to be comparisons even though they both have different vocal styles and such. I don't know. (Continued…)
Rachel
posted 1/15/09 @ 9:09 AM CST
Love both singers! Love both albums! But the edge goes to Archuleta on this one. I disagree with Laura completely. There's huge variety on the album. I found that hardly any songs sounded similar. (Continued…)
China80
China80
posted 1/15/09 @ 12:11 PM CST
Angela, thanks for the review. I agree on most of the review with the exception of a few things. I think "Running" is very cool song. It's very catchy and shows off David's vocals, his true voice and the runs are AWESOME!
As for"Your Eyes Don't Lie" -- David was uncomfortable with this one from the beginning, but Jive wanted it on the CD so it had to be done. (Continued…)
Connie
posted 1/18/09 @ 5:53 PM CST
Both Davids are very talented but of the two albums I prefer Cooks album. There is not a skippable song in the lot. Even the bonus track are great and potentially radio playworthy. (Continued…)
Post a Comment