Tổng hợp TOSOD Album Review

From Idol Wild

Trích dẫn :

David Archuelta will never fail to make me smile, and his work on (most of) his new album is no exception.

NOTE: This review was written in response to the AOL Radio stream of The Other Side of Down.

On his 2008 major label release, Archuleta allowed himself to be led by solid song writers and an unwavering focus on the positive. There was a simplicity about the album that was appropriate for someone as young and as naive as Archuleta, who was only seventeen at the time of the release. So while the album was nothing ground-breaking, there was very clearly something his fans from Idol could grasp onto.

The Other Side of Down is a extremely strong, albeit somewhat safe effort on Archuleta’s part. Sure, there’s a certain amount of je ne sais quoi missing that would have taken the album from great to positively fabulous, but overall, David more than makes the grade with this album. Of course, the truest Archie fans will probably be thrilled with the release no matter the few-and-far between flaws: There’s enough whimsy reminiscent of his eponymous debut release to bring previous listeners back into the fray, and yet enough new material to keep the game interesting. I myself was truly blown away by how much David appears to have matured both emotionally and musically on this disc, and I’m excited to see where he heads next.

To elaborate, I offer you this track-by-track breakdown:

The Pretty Darn Great Songs

Archuleta sounds most like himself on My Kind of Perfect, the last song on the record. A piano-driven ballad in the vein of an up-tempo To Be With You from his debut album, My Kind of Perfect chronicles the oft-clichéd “imperfectly perfect” sort of girl that every slightly self-loathing teenager can relate to. And while I normally find that blatant kind of appeal a little cheap, it somehow works with somebody like Archuleta, who is probably the last person in the world who actually believes the message of the song. Not only does Archuleta’s awesome voice control the tune in precisely the way that it was meant to, the heartfelt aspect makes this a song worth downloading.

Stomping the Roses sounds like a song you already know, but just can’t put your finger on. Arguably the strongest of all the upbeat tracks on the album (and easily my favorite), this track features one of the strongest bass lines on the album, and is probably the most radio-friendly of the bunch. While there’s some unnecessary auto-tuning, the modern twist is welcome in the mix of heavy guitar and pseudo-synth sounds that makes this song a plausible foray for Archuleta to delve into at a later date.

Archuleta’s current single, Elevator, is another stand-out track. Elevator has the sort of flirty-fun attitude that I find very appealing when juxtaposed correctly with David’s crisp tone. I actually prefer the acoustic version that Archuleta has used during recent radio performances, perhaps because I like the airy quality of his vocals of the falsetto-laced chorus. I think Elevator is elevated (sorry, I had to do it) above the other tracks mainly because it doesn’t take itself too seriously: There’s no bigger theme, no underlying message that can come off preachy and unwarranted (a common misstep for a young artist with David’s credits.) However, I will say that this was an odd choice for David’s second single, as it doesn’t have the normal “hooks” that you hear on Top 40 radio.

The Pretty Darn Good Songs

Falling Stars is an extremely simple song that proves that you don’t need to go big to have an emotional homerun. My major complaint here is how strained Archuleta sounds on the chorus, which is exactly the opposite of how I remember Archuleta’s vocals on his previous LP. There’s also an odd use of reverb on the second verse (a glaringly bad juxtaposition to the acoustic-based first verse) which threw me off for a couple measures. Of course, that’s all secondary to the bittersweet end result to the song, which is probably one of the most emotionally mature of the cuts on the album.

It was perhaps an odd choice to back Archuleta up an entire gospel chorus on Things Are Gonna Get Better. I give David and his producers credit for trying something new an interesting, but I wonder if this song (which was previewed by Archuleta during the MDA marathon a few weeks ago) would have been stronger had Archuleta stripped it down to himself and a guitar (giving the voice-and-piano-only gig a break).

The Pretty Darn Nice Songs

The assumedly autobiographical Who I Am is nothing particularly special on the album, but by no means is it unlistenable. I’m not sure how I feel about David doing his own backing vocals on this song (I personally think he could have done something pretty special with a baritone vocal in the background), but I suppose when you have such a strong lead vocalist, trying to compile strong voices in the background becomes somewhat of an overkill.

Another more generic cut from the album is Complain, which, while slightly over processed in places, encompasses the hopeful and exuberant chorus lines that Archuleta so masterfully executed on his first album. This is also probably the most honest of the tracks on the album: It feels both like something that Archuleta may himself have written, and can also empathize with. While I would argue that the song isn’t particularly special amongst Top 40 hits, and certainly lacks the underlying melody to become a true hit, I think this is really where Archuleta needs to be focusing his efforts: retro-pop with a little zing.

Parachutes and Airplanes is an odd song that also makes overuse of the auto tune (we’re sensing a theme here, I think.) I did appreciate the light piano drive in the background which, when not completely obliterated by overuse of synth, gave the song an almost Fray-esque feeling. This was another more mature cut from the album, and, had the producers erred on the side of sounding more piano-driven (I’m thinking Script’s Before the Worst, but with less snare), this easily could have been one of the strongest tunes on the record.

In the title track of the album, The Other Side of Down, Archuleta attempts a Jason Mraz-type mastery of the spoken word on the verses, and falls short to the point of sounding a hair sloppy. However, this is one of the more upbeat and compelling songs, which essentially saved it from going into my final category. “Gonna keep fighting until I make it to the other side of down” does mark some of the more clever lyricism on David’s part, and gives me hope that he will, in fact, reach the level of lyricism he did back on My Hands from his debut disc (albeit, I’m told, though he did not write the lyrics himself). This song has a definite nineties vibe to it, annd I think older listeners might really appreciate that.

The Pretty Darn Not-As-Good Songs

It’s really very little wonder that Archuleta’s first single from the album, Something About Love, flopped big-time on Top 40. There’s just no substance here to hold onto. The auto tuning is overwhelming, the bizarre chorus isn’t catchy, the lyrics are bland, and the vocals are a little off (which begs the question as to why they bothered with the auto-tune in the first place). I (hesitantly) compare this song to Archie’s previous cut, Zero Gravity (which appeared on a special “Fan Pack”, released in June 2009), which, while employing some of the same instrumentation techniques, managed to come off as easy and light-hearted. There’s something terribly overdramatic about this cut, and it does no justice to David’s talent.

Good Place is like Forever 21: There are a lot of seemingly cool, inexpensive duds there, but a whole lot of truly tragic outfits that shouldn’t be allowed on the shelf. Good Place just toes the line between pretty good and not good at all. It tries really, really hard to be “cool” by using a very chill, almost R&B-esque pulse, but the track never comes together because of the underlying message (a quiet lament about, again, being unsure of one’s place in the world). The track also sounds suspiciously like Sarah McLachlan’s Adia, which…well, worked pretty well for her, but not so much for David, who gets lost amongst the nineties-inspired feel.

Look Around features an almost Goldfrapp-esque background instrumentation (think Ooh-La-La, but lighter) that seems somewhat out of place with the rest of the album. Oddly, if the song featured more lyrics about hot girls, the tune would not be out of place at a club around midnight (right before the patrons are buzzed enough to think Ke$sha is one heck of a vocalist). Unfortunately, the lyrics are almost unintelligible given the heavy synth on the chorus line, and the undeniably pure message (“if you live your life right, what you need will always be there”) is lost on an audience overwhelmed with strange white noise in the background.

Summing It Up

Archuleta still possesses the most inspirational instrument the show has seen: It’s now up to his management to pick uniformly excellent songs to show the world just how awesome he is.

Grade: B+/A-

MjsBigBlog

Trích dẫn :

Just finished listening to the entire album. The Other Side of Down is another step–no a huge leap–toward a self-assured adult-oriented sound for David. The album holds together as a work in a way the 2008’s debut did not. A big evolution for David, for sure. I am really impressed!

Trích dẫn :

Let me go straight to the point: The Other Side Of Down is seriously a solid sophomore album for David Archuleta.

Now, I'm definitely loving the newer sound. While I liked the first album, I’m loving the newer mature sound of David. Yes, it still has that usual bubblegum pop vibe that was somewhat carried over to this sophomore effort, but I think he has truly grown in maturity with his new album.

The album, I must say, is surprisingly diverse and yet, at the same time, coherent. He still has that youthful sound but, at the same time, is able to allow enough maturity this time around. I also think that this sophomore effort achieves a really good balance between the vibe of a singer-songwriter and the usual mid-tempo to upbeat production sound that is, arguably, popular today.

You know what? I'm just really happy for David.

Here's my track-by-track review:


A surprisingly unique sound for David. Frankly, I'm a little perplexed with this track. I mean, a part of me thinks that this would have made a much more radio-friendly single than, say, Something 'Bout Love because it's different for someone like Archuleta and I kind of like the bouncy vibe in the verses. But, some part of the song - especially the chrous part - really annoys on me. I don't know. 7/10


This one has radio hit potential. Sure, it's a little too overproduced with all the auto-tunes and whatnot but that's what works on pop music nowadays, so I'm not surprised. It is a catchy song, with great hook and incredible production. Oh, and the bridge took my by surprise. Seriously. I like that he uses his range in this song. 8/10


Say what you want about Elevator, but I really like it. Ha! Now, if I'm being honest, the first time I heard this track I said that this can't be seriously in his album because it reminded me so much of that hi ho hi ho song by the seven dwarfs. Haha. But after a few subsequent listen, I kind of warmed up to it. I think it's very cleverly written, both as a metaphor and just as a song - word choice, syntax rhythm, consistency in theme. I also think that it's fun, catchy and it felt like a little roller coaster of a song. 9/10


One of the strongest tracks on the album. At first, I thought it would be like an angst-y song - based from the lyrics - but the melody and vocals from him make it sound like a bubblegum pop type of song, which shockingly works for me. The verses are better than the chorus, but maybe that's just me nitpicking. This, to me, is probably one of the biggest potential hit in the album. 9/10


Just like the other tracks, this one has a bouncy and hook-y melody. That said, this song just doesn't really do anything to me. I'm also not particularly keen with the different voices in the verses. Possibly one of those songs that I wouldn't necessarily skip over but it wouldn't make me repeat it for a second listen as well. 6/10


I can easily picture this track as part of a TV series' or a movie soundtrack. The melody and the production of this song is lovely. Yes, the lyrics aren't it's strongest suit but, good thing, everything else about it is great. His voice, especially on his lower register and his falsetto in this song is quite gorgeous. 8/10


I heard the live version of this song from David and I was somehow on the fence with it as his voice sounded almost hoarse singing the high notes. However, the studio version completely changed my opinion of the song. The production is actually pretty good and, somehow, takes it to a whole new level. I wonder though if this would've been better if it was sped up just a bit. As for the vocals, I love the soft rise and fall of David’s voice. 8/10


This reminds me of his song Your Eyes Don't Lie from his first album. Totally annoying at first listen but somehow along the way made me a fan of the track. Yes, I barely finished this song and thought that this would be the one track that I would end skipping. But guess which song gets stuck in my head after listening to the whole record? Yup, this one. Ha! Possibly one of my favorite tracks. This song is absurdly catchy, which reminds me a bit of both Owl City and Imogen Heap - just listen to the first tens seconds of the the song. 9/10


It's interesting that the beginning of the verses sounds exactly like Crush. Is that intentional? Maybe. Does it matter? Absolutely not because this song, I believe, is one of the best tracks on the album. It may seem a little generic in terms of its structure but this song is to die for. It's simple, hauntingly beautiful and surprisingly powerful. His vocals just spill over on the lyrics like a series of massages. Ha! Oh, and the bridge and the last chorus makes this song even more impressive. 10/10


This definitely grew on me. Not the best in the album, but it's definitely a good track. Very soulful, bluesy, and clearly has that John Mayer sort of feel to it. The melody is marginally different from the rest of the tracks and it does have some classic pop harmonic structure in the chorus that I just can't resist. Somehow, the song also sounds a little bit country to me - I don't know if it's just me though. 8/10


Frankly, I'm liking it a bit more than I did but the track just strikes me as one big cliche. Sure, it's decent but I just can't really get into it as much as I'd hope. Now, if they tweak this song a little, I could see this being an Idol exit song - it does have the inspirational kind of vibe obviously. 6/10


EPIC! This song is gorgeous!! Stunning vocals with so much emotion! His strong full-bodied voice is always in front and center and it never got overpowered by the instrumentations. You see, I love a distinct piano presence in a song and this is a perfect and heart breaking example of simple but powerful recording. Pure. Soft. Unadulterated. It is beauty, rawness and simplicity at its finest. 10/10



I have to say, this sophomore record of Archuleta does hold together very cohesively from start to finish with each song highlighting another side of his voice. It is actually interesting that he maximized his falsetto and higher register compared to his debut album. Anyway, the fluidity of the songs is spot on and it seems to me that each track have its own distinct melody. I don't feel like I'm listening to the same song over and over again, but I don't feel like I'm listening to 5 different albums either.

Suffice it to say, whatever happens with his sophomore effort, I think it’s a fantastic album and I do believe it's far superior than his last album. Nothing more, nothing less.

RATING: 8.2/10

Source

Trích dẫn :

David Archuleta is now a sophomore in the music business.

The 19-year-old Utah native and former "American Idol" sensation's highly anticipated sophomore album, "The Other Side of Down," will be released Oct. 5.

"For me, it's about moving forward and making progress," Archuleta said on his website. "I'm heading towards 'the other side of down,' which is 'up.'"

"The Other Side of Down" will feature stories from Archuleta's life.

"I'm really looking forward to releasing this album," he said on his website. "Most of the songs on the album represent thoughts and experiences that I've personally gone through. I hope this album helps people understand more of where I'm coming from as an artist and as a person. It's about moving forward in life, making progress in accomplishing your goals and dreams while appreciating what life has given you."

Although Archuleta has seen success early in his career, life has also brought struggles, including having to overcome vocal cord paralysis at a young age.

In his recent book, "Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance," Archuleta credits his faith for helping him overcome adversity.

Archuleta's self-titled debut album sold more than 750,000 copies.

For fans who can't wait until Oct. 5, the album is available in its entirety on AOL Music. The single "Something 'Bout Love" is also available now for purchase on iTunes.

Desert News

David Archuleta Kids Around on 'The Other Side of Down'

Trích dẫn :

David Archuleta is finally getting a chance to act his age. Although he's been singing since he was 6, the 19-year-old Utah native has projected a mature voice wise beyond his years, as evidenced during season seven of "American Idol," where his ballad-ready tenor landed him the runner-up spot behind rocker David Cook.

His 2008 self-titled debut also highlighted the power of Archuleta's voice and went on to sell 762,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. But the effort failed to capture his teenage spirit, save for the age-appropriate breakout single "Crush," which has sold 1.9 million and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Now with his sophomore effort, "The Other Side of Down," due Oct. 5 on Jive, it's Archuleta's turn to put his goofy, young self on display, this time through lively, upbeat pop tunes.

"My goal with the album was to make it as 'me' as possible," says Archuleta, who helped write 10 of the set's 12 tracks. "I wanted to introduce people to the kind of goofy, dorky, weird personality I have. The first album had a lot of great pop songs, but this album is so much more personal."

For the release, Archuleta tapped "Crush" writers Emanuel Kiriakou and Dave Hodges, who contributed two songs, as well as co-writers Sam Hollander and Dave Katz, among others. Writing sessions took place in Nashville ("People asked if I was there making a country album," he recalls), in between the release of Archuleta's holiday album, "Christmas From the Heart" (which has sold 212,000, according to SoundScan) and work on his book, "Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance," published in June.

The album's first single, "Something 'Bout Love," was released July 20 and has sold 45,000 downloads, according to SoundScan. Elsewhere, Archuleta delivers an uplifting, positive message on "Things Are Gonna Get Better," and his boyish charm is on display on songs like "Elevator," which Archuleta notes was inspired by a dream.

"It was a random dream I had about these different elevators and trying to figure out what floor to get off of," he says. "It's about how life is sometimes an endless ride. You may not be sure where you're going." "Elevator" is set to impact hot AC stations Oct. 4.

The shift from run-of-the-mill balladry that first solidified Archuleta's post-"Idol" fan base to a more current pop sound puts him in line with peers like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus who currently saturate the teen and tween market.

In fact, past appearances on shows including "iCarly" and "Hannah Montana" in 2009 notably broadened Archuleta's reach to teens and tweens. "So many kids now recognize me from that," he says.

The "Other Side of Down" campaign is heavily targeting that age group with a back-to-school campaign at 750 junior high and high schools across the nation. Jive Label Group director of marketing Nicole Bilzerian says the campaign, which kicked off Sept. 27, is servicing schools with promotional items like bookmarks and locker posters, as well as the "Something 'Bout Love" single and video for school radio and TV station consideration. Individual school newspapers will also feature single and album reviews in the coming weeks.

"Given David's core demographic of tween and teen girls and the timing of this album, this is a way to target David's fans directly and super-serve them with promotional goods," Bilzerian says.

She adds that the label is also focusing on Archuleta's website and his mobile fan club, which has more than 40,000 subscribers and is among Sony's biggest. "We've had a lot of success because he's so active," Bilzerian says. "He's calling in and leaving messages for fans directly."

Bilzerian notes that Archuleta's family-friendly image lends itself easily to brand tie-ins with the likes of Justice, a lifestyle brand for teen and tween girls with nearly 900 U.S. stores.

"David's core fan base is in large part the same demo as the Justice consumer," Bilzerian says. "So we've worked hard to develop a cross-promotional partnership that generates additional awareness for David and offers a musical element to the Justice experience in stores, online and within the community."

Archuleta has been doing a radio tour that will carry through the release, where he's been performing rather than just hitting the interview circuit. "We picked markets he could perform in, because that's one of his best assets," Bilzerian says. "He gets onstage and sings and gives everyone chills."

Billboard

David Archuleta ready for sophomore effort to drop tomorrow

Trích dẫn :

Tomorrow marks the release of former American Idol contestant David Archuleta, who will be releasing his sophomore effort The Other Side of Down.

Billboard talked to Archuleta about the new release and noted that this new record is very age appropriate for the 19-year-old star, who has produced a work of lively, upbeat pop tunes.

In the interview with Billboard Archuleta explains: ”My goal with the album was to make it as ‘me’ as possible. I wanted to introduce people to the kind of goofy, dorky, weird personality I have. The first album had a lot of great pop songs, but this album is so much more personal.”

One reason it’s more personal is that Archuleta helped write 10 of the set’s 12 tracks.

The album’s first single, “Something ‘Bout Love,” was released earlier this summer and Billboard reports it has sold 45,000 downloads, according to SoundScan.

In preparation for the release Archuleta has been doing a radio tour that will carry through the month, and continue to have him performing rather than just hitting the interview circuit. “We picked markets he could perform in, because that’s one of his best assets,” Nicole Bilzerian, Jive Label Group director of marketing says. “He gets onstage and sings and gives everyone chills.”

You can check out the full write-up of Archuleta’s upcoming release (tomorrow!) here on Billboard to see what market David is hoping to capture.

Do you plan to buy The Other Side of Down tomorrow?

HitPredictor

Trích dẫn :

Do you love listening to David Archuleta's music? I know that my family does! I was so thrilled when I got to review his new C.D, The Other Side of Down. My family and I first fell in love with David's voice and personality on the 2007-2008 season of American Idol. When his first C.D. came out my girls and I would sing and dance to his music at home and in the car.

David Archuleta's second album (The Other Side Of Down) is now available in stores! My absolute favorite song on the album is called "Falling Stars". My daughters and I practically have the entire song memorized. His voice is so beautiful in that song plus the lyrics are amazing. Something 'Bout Love is another great song that makes you want to sing and dance. Make sure to scroll down and check out the video of his new hit (Something 'Bout Love).

The Other Side of Down is a wonderful album that really shows off David's vocal talents. I think that the entire album is fabulous and play it everytime I am in the car. Ok, so, I also play it while I am cleaning house...it gets me going! There is definitely a song or twelve for everyone!

Pink Dandy Chatter

Trích dẫn :

Welcome back David Archuleta! You can walk away with 'The Other Side Of Down' CD this week with Hot30 Countdown and all thanks to SONY Music!

The critical reception for The Other Side of Down has been generally positive. Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B, praising Stomping the Roses and Elevator and stating that "[Archuleta's] vocals gleam with dewy naïveté". Newsweek praised Archuleta for "finally acting his age" and especially liked the "playful bits" such as Something 'Bout Love, Elevator, and Parachutes & Airplanes. Several Idol-related blogs also had high praises for the album such as Idol Wild which called it an "extremely strong, albeit safe album" and stated they were "blown away by how much David appears to have matured both emotionally and musically on this disc".

Surviving The Recession

Trích dẫn :

How many of you are followers of American Idol? I have been since the day it started. The only season I can honestly say I didn’t watch was Season 3. I’m not really sure why I missed that season? In all these years though, one of my favorite artists was David Archuleta.

I don’t think it was just his singing, though I do think he has a beautiful voice. I believe it was more because he is the type of boy you want your daughter to bring home. Or, makes you wish you were 20 years younger:) He just oozes kindness, even when he sings. He just seems like an all around good guy.

David Archuleta has just released his newest CD, The Other Side of Down. This CD is full of the types of sounds you have come to love from this sweet guy.

"I'm really looking forward to releasing this album. Most of the songs on the album represent thoughts and experiences that I've personally gone through," says David. "I hope this album helps people understand more of where I'm coming from as an artist and as a person. It's about moving forward in life, making progress in accomplishing your goals and dreams while appreciating what life has given you."

I think that last sentence sounds like some pretty good advice. David Archuleta also just wrote his first book Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, And the Power of Perseverance which debuted on the New York Times Best Seller list. This autobiography talks about the things he has learned in life at a young age and encourages young kids to follow their dreams.

It sounds like David has been a very busy boy! I am so glad too, because I am loving his new CD. Would you like to own a copy of his newest CD, The Other Side of Down as well?

Guessing All The Way

that' s right

Trích dẫn :

David Archuleta - Anne Marie Coar

David Archuleta's CD, The Other Side of Down, offers fans many uptempo, youthful, pop tracks.

David Archuleta, who rose to fame as the runner-up on the seventh season of American Idol, released his third album, The Other Side of Down, on October 5, 2010. Almost two years after the debut of his self-titled CD, which included the hit single “Crush,” and a year after Christmas from the Heart, David Archuleta’s new album features many upbeat tunes and showcases the singer's youthful side.

The nineteen-year-old co-wrote most of the tracks on The Other Side of Down, thus giving this album a more personal feel and sound than the singer’s debut CD. According to USA Today’s“Idol Chatter”, The Other Side of Down sold 24,000 copies in its opening week, debuting at number 13 on the Billboard charts.

Source

Vì lý do bản quyền nên mình không post lại đủ cả article ở đây, nhưng sẽ dịch ra tiếng Việt :D

CD của David Archuleta, "The Other Side Of Down", đem đến cho người hâm mộ rất nhiều bản uptempo, mang âm hưởng pop và hết sức trẻ trung.

David Archuleta, người đã nổi tiếng nhờ đạt danh hiệu Á quân American Idol mùa giải thứ 7, đã phát hành album thứ 3 của anh, The Other Side Of Down, vào ngày 5/10/2010. Đã gần 2 năm kể từ khi ra mắt album đầu tay với bản hit single "Crush", và một năm kể từ ra mắt album Christmas From The Heart, album mới của David Archuleta đem đến rất nhiều bản nhạc sôi động và cho khán giả chiêm ngưỡng một bộ mặt trẻ trung của chàng ca sỹ này.

Chàng ca sỹ 19 tuổi đã tham gia viết hầu hết các ca khúc trong The Other Side Of Down, để có thể đem đến cho album những cảm xúc và âm thanh chân thành hơn CD đầu tay. Theo như bảng xếp hạng "Idol Chatter" của tờ USA Today, The Other Side Of Down đã bán được 24,000 bản trong tuần ra mắt đầu tiên, debut trên Billboard ở vị trí thứ 13.

Album được mở đầu với bản upbeat đầy tiềm năng "Other Side Of Down", một ca khúc với tiếng guitar hấp dẫn và đoạn điệp khúc mà David đã hit được những nốt cao trước khi chuyển sang "phiêu" "do-ooow-nnn"

Single Something 'Bout Love và các bài hát khác

Single đầu tiên từ album, bản uptempo "Something 'Bout Love" kể về những khoảng thăng trầm của tình yêu và khuyến khích người nghe đừng bỏ cuộc và hãy tin và đi tìm tình yêu đích thực. Mặc dù nó có thể "làm trái tim bạn tan vỡ" (breaks your heart), nhưng nó cũng "đem lại cho bạn tự do" (sets you free). David Archuleta tiếp tục thể hiện sự lạc quan với ca khúc đầy thoải mái "hãy cứ đi theo dòng chảy của cuộc sống" (just go with the flow", "Elevator". Ca khúc này có rất nhiều đoạn falsetto.

"Stomping the Rosees" có thể là bài hát duy nhất bày tỏ sự "phẫn nộ" trong cả album TOSOD, nhưng trong ca khúc này, David vẫn tỏ ra là một chàng trai ngọt ngào,tử tế mà rất nhiều người đã yêu từ thời American Idol. Tiếng tuiar và những nhịp dance khiến bài hát này trở nên rất vui tai. Ở ca khúc tiếp theo, David Archuleta đã dành thời gian, thoát khỏi sự bận rộn của cuộc sống hàng ngày để đi tìm chính bản thân mình trong "Who I Am".

"Falling Stars" thì lại là một ca khúc giàu cảm xúc hơn, bởi David đã hát rằng anh sẽ không bao giờ quên được một cô gái "rất tuyệt vời" ("so beautiful"). Mở đầu như một bản ballad, song ca khúc ngày càng đẩy nhanh giai điệu lên hơn, và đến cuối thì lại chậm lại

"Parachutes and Airplanes" thì lại cho thấy khả năng "phiêu" những nốt cao của David và cho thấy ước muốn được bay cao và "không bao giờ rơi xuống mặt đất" ("never hit the ground") của anh. Bản upbeat "Look Around" thì lại có nhiều hiệu ứng âm thanh đặc biệt. Bản mid-tempo "good place" cho thấy David đang rất trân trọng vị trí mà anh đang có.

Thông điệp tích cực trong TOSOD
Thông điệp trong "Complain" rất rõ ràng: David, cùng với những người khác, đã từng trải qua những quãng thời gian khó khăn, nhưng David đã hát rằng thật sự không nên "lãng phí thời gian đứng trước gương, mong ước cuộc đời tươi sáng hơn" mà phải hành động để thay đổi cuộc đời. ( “wasting my time looking in the mirror, wishing my life were a little bit clearer,”)

Những suy nghĩ tích cực ẩn giấu trong TOSOD được tiếp tục với "Things Are Gonna Get Better". Trong khi đó, bản ballad ngọt ngào "My Kind Of Perfect" sẽ khiến cho rất nhiều tween và teen ước rằng họ có thể là cô gái mà David đang tìm kiếm.

TOSOD là một album hay, tiếp nối album đầu tay của David và đã cho phép David thể hiện tài năng ca hát cũng như viết nhạc.

Trích dẫn :

The world seems to be crazy about talent shows these days. Even in Korea, the recent end to the second season of the nation’s very own version of “American Idol” and “Britain’s Got Talent” - “Superstar K” - has worked to bring fame to a diamond in the rough.

David Archuleta is one of the successful results of these programs. In the seventh season of American Idol, the young artist became the program’s youngest contestant. In the following year, 2008, he finished the competition as the runner-up.

In his newly released second album, “The Other Side of Down,” Archuleta’s sugary voice is accompanied by light pop beats. The sound is not all that different from his previous album, “David Archuleta” (2008), which was also very bubbly. But his talents do seem to have developed.

While the first album emphasized his boyish charm, in the new album he sounds like a professional. Although he hasn’t diverged much from his original sound, that may work in his favor as he develops his own style.

He does give fans something more on tracks like “Good Place” which has a dramatic, rock-inspired composition centering on Archuleta’s voice. The album ends on a good note with the ballads “Things are Gonna Get Better” and “My Kind of Perfect.”

David Archuleta “The Other Side of Down”

Label: Sony
Genre: Pop
By Hannah Kim

Source

Trích dẫn :

American Idol alumni David Archuleta returns with his second studio outing of new material, The Other Side Of Down, which contains a solid collection of original songs. Unlike his first album, Archuleta had a hand in writing every song on the album, which is not only a pleasant surprise, but provides a much need personal approach to the music.

The fairly upbeat album is a solid collection of pop songs and showcases why the young singer was so popular on the American talent show. His voice is beyond his years and gives the lyrics more maturity than they were probably written to have. He shines a bit more on his ballads like Falling Stars, Things Are Gonna Get Better and My Kind Of Perfect.

If the album suffers from anything, it’s the similarity of the beats in the first half of the album, which hits on a good pop beat and continues until nearly half way through when it’s finally broken up by Falling Stars. From that point on the album takes a few more creative and much needed twists and turns to round out a more fulfilling release.

There are quite a few tracks that will be radio singles from this release, but my favourite is Parachutes And Airplanes, an exciting song with a nice chorus and great beat. It has enough depth that it could have be sung by Michael Bolton.

David Archuleta has shown an incredible growth with this album. Maybe it’s because of his greater input or maybe it’s because it’s his third release (including 2009’s Christmas From The Heart). Whatever the case may be, it’s nice to see Archuleta as a singer and as a songwriter.

RockStar Weekly