It doesn't take listening to very many songs on the latest effort from former American Idol runner-up David Archuleta to realize this is pop music created with no other purpose than to put a smile on the listener's face. Every song is well-crafted and delivered free of objectionable language and in the mood suggested by the album title The Other Side of Down. At the age of 19 David Archuleta has also shown maturation as an artist. He may never rise to the commercial level of top pop stars, but this album makes an argument for his niche in the music industry.
Released October 2010 by Jive Records
David Archuleta Matures In Song Styling
On David Archuleta's debut album, his voice was powerful, but too often the listening experience was harmed by a mismatch of styles or weakness in songs. Here the overall project is signficantly more mature and polished. All of these songs fit the vocal performances by David Archuleta like a hand fitting into a variety of gloves. "Elevator" showcases a thoroughly charming vocal range in sunny singer-songwriter style. "Parachutes and Airplanes" remains just this side of giddy as David Archuleta sings of a perfect moment in time. "Things Are Gonna Get Better" proves that he knows how to deliver a big anthem with appropriate restraint and warmth.
Comfort Zone
The overall effect here is that David Archuleta is performing in a comfort zone. The song "Something 'Bout Love" effortlessly rides a bubbling synth line to deliver a dissertation on the power of love. He sings "My Kind of Perfect" like he is letting us into his own personal world for a few moments. Any discomfort in song choices is absent here. A few songs like "Look Around" and "Good Place" are forgettable, but they never become unpleasant. David Archuleta has found his groove.
Top Tracks on 'The Other Side of Down'
- "Something 'Bout Love"
- "Elevator"
- "Parachutes and Airplanes"
- "Things Are Gonna Get Better"
Solid Effort From David Archuleta
The Other Side of Down is a very solid effort from David Archuleta. The only problem here is convincing pop radio programmers that this music can find a solid audience. The first single "Something 'Bout Love" failed to reach the Billboard Hot 100 stalling just short at #104. It is unfortunate, because many songs here are effortlessly pleasing. This music will find a solid core audience. However, a solid marketing effort could push a song like "Elevator" to a larger audience ready to welcome David Archuleta as he matures from a teen to a sturdy adult pop artist.
