David Archuleta by David Archuleta (CD, Nov-2008, Jive Records USA)

This album doesn't deserve just 5 stars.
IT DESERVES LIKE, A KAJILLION.

This looks like this will be a long review but I just have to put in my two cents. I also don't write reviews often.

Discovering the voice of this young boy (he's my age!) was probably the highlight of my music-finding life, if that makes any sense. I listen to a lot of music, everything from rock to hip-hop and r&b. I also don't consider just any song as 'good.' It takes a lot for me to think this. The music generation right now isn't the greatest. I'm a big fan of the oldies and everything before the 2000's. Yes, that includes Michael Jackson, Queen, the Temptations, even old-school Britney Spears and N'SYNC. I've heard pretty much everything. Unfortunately, music of today pretty much blows. I haven't heard anything THAT original or mind-blowing. Nothing that gave me the desire to buy a CD or a certain song. I also wanted to get away from the electronic music phase every artist is like, basically going through right now. It's just so played out! When am I going to hear something new? Someone who can actually sing? Someone who gives new meaning to good music? Well, guess what? I found that someone to be David Archuleta.

I never heard of David Archuleta until my friend mentioned that he was on American Idol and he was in the top 12 or something (yeah, I know kind of lagging on the updates!). I decided to watch an episode, no luck. It was girls singing night I believe, I have no idea! I don't even watch AI. I decided to watch his performances on YouTube. I was hooked when I heard and saw his rendition of 'Heaven.' That was.. breathtaking. The boy made me tear up! By the time I tried to catch up with David on AI, he had lost to David Cook. I was devastated that he didn't win because I thought he had something beautiful to offer to the world. Well, I'm wrong about that: he's doing that right now by releasing this album.

The first time I heard 'Crush,' I immediately fell in love with it. I put the song on repeat until I was able to get my hands on his other songs.

I don't know how to fully explain the way I feel about this outstanding.. downright amazing young boy (or should I say young man) who can ACTUALLY sing. His voice is beautiful. He's got me 'so mesmerized, so hypnotized" from his adorable looks to his crazy-good voice. I got the CD and I was blown away at the material he was singing. He sang in so many different styles that showcased his voice in such a fantastic way. I felt the emotion and passion behind each song. He gave every one of the twelve songs on the album his all. I even cried on one ("To Be With You")! I never cry when I hear a song! I also never buy CD's unless I am a huge fan of the artist. It's my way of supporting them. This CD has been played every day since I got it. What's also amazing is that I really like every song. THAT IS SO RARE TO FIND IN ALBUMS NOWADAYS.

What's also rare is to find humble, extremely kind, and caring people in the music industry. If you look up 'David Archuleta' cute or funny moments, there are a bunch. He is really a sweet and sincere guy who is VERY VERY caring. He's also way mature for a boy his age. He's also unintentionally funny which adds on to his little boy innocence. David seems to be very grounded and the fame is still very new to him and it looks like it hasn't gone to his head and hopefully it doesn't. Everything is probably overwhelming to David but he's taking it in like a true music veteran.