What Kind of Album Should Archuleta Make?

June 6, 2008

It will come as a surprise to no one that this year's American Idol runner-up, David Archuleta, has officially inked a record deal.

After I thought, "Well, good for him," I had a head-scratch moment. See, I can't for the life of me figure out what kind of album he could make.

Based on the types of songs he tended toward on the show, the logical fit would be adult contemporary. But does anyone really want to hear that from a 17-year-old? Then again, remember how awkward things got when he tried to do something more up-tempo?

So what what do you think? What kind of album is the best bet for David A.?

Photo courtesy of Fox

29 Comments

melmakarnold 4 years 47 weeks

I am a huge huge fan of David Archuleta. He is definitely gifted and is on the route of doing what he is born to do. I believe he can sing any song and make it work just like he did in American Idol. I absolutely will buy every single album he makes. I especially loved when he sang the song Imagine, it gave me chills and I just can't say enough about him. His beautiful voice will take him to the top. Just wait and see!

missbrooke09 4 years 49 weeks

I think he's going to go the pop route. He even said himself that he was getting too mature with his song choices on Idol. He said he wants to make music that kids his age will enjoy. I know in Hollywood week, he sang Crazy by Gnarls Barkley, but they couldn't show it because it wasn't cleared. I can honestly say that when I think of Gnarls Barkley, I do NOT think of Archie. It just doesn't seem like a fit. But apparently, it was absolutely amazing, which is something I never would've expected. I really wish they could've showed it. I think Archie's capable of a lot more than what we've seen from him on Idol. I think on Idol, he was somewhat limited by the themes and people just assumed that because he generally stuck with one particular style, that's what he'd end up doing musically. I have a feeling he may end up surprising a lot of people. Personally, I hope he goes the onerepublic route. I said the whole season long that that was something he could do, and when he did his duet with onerepublic during the finale, it totally proved that he could. That's really what I hope he chooses to do. Based on what he's said in interviews and stuff, I think he'll do soulful pop.

orisugar 4 years 49 weeks

He was brilliant when he did a duet with One Republic ("Apologize) in the finale. Maybe that's the kind of songs he should be singing! In an interview he said he wants to release a pop record with some substance- John Mayer style, so that's probably what he is going to do. I really like the kid, and I'm rooting for him!

LisaK 4 years 49 weeks

I agree with yiddidea. That would be a smart path to take. I have to laugh at the Wayne Newton, mini Bolton and Lauren's comment about being a childrens singer :rotfl:

LaurenG22 4 years 49 weeks

He has children's album written all over him. Like, "I like to eat Peanut Butter sandwhiches."

BrentW 4 years 49 weeks

I'd like to see him try a few different things. Ballads are a strong point for sure. Storytelling-type songs in the vein of Dan Fogelberg (but more exciting than the one he sang on Idol). I'd like to see him do, as he said, the types of songs that are popular with kids his own age. If he gets into the Disney scene he might not be able to escape from it (like Donny Osmond had trouble shaking his "Puppy Love" image).

misshouston 4 years 49 weeks

One word: mini-Bolton

Frank y Ava 4 years 49 weeks

not crazy about him, ya he can sing but he doesn't have what simon calls "the IT FACTOR"!!! no stage presence or personality when he performs!

rickimc 4 years 49 weeks

My dad is convinced he will be the next Wayne Newton.

jillerin457 4 years 49 weeks

Preteen girls like him because they don't have gaydar yet, so they actually believe they have a chance with him. I think the ladies on this site are generally a bit too mature to be digging the Archuleta. LOL to the Mormon Gospel, though!

sarahcateh 4 years 49 weeks

I'm sorry but people need to stop comparing him to Josh Groban. David A. is no where near as good of a singer as Josh.

emalove 4 years 49 weeks

He has adult contemporary written all over him.

fashionista119 4 years 49 weeks

Not interested.

just_kelly 4 years 49 weeks

Mormon Gospel

luckiedog 4 years 49 weeks

I was asking myself the same thing this morning. He's not hip enough to be like Mayer and not as a big a stick in the mud as Groban.

yiddidea 4 years 49 weeks

I think he should do Adult Contemporary, but not in the vein of Josh Groban. Josh leans to the classical side while David is more along the lines of a Richard Marx, George Michael, Elton John vibe. My guess is he will do a slightly R&B Soul sounding Pop record though, since he has tried to add that Stevie Wonder vibe to many of his arrangements on the show.

dcdawg 4 years 49 weeks

He seems like a sweet kid and has a fantastic voice, but I would never buy his album. He just came off as boring to me. There was nothing unique about him.

Lynne 4 years 49 weeks

I answered "I don't care" b/c I loved Cook from the beginning but these results surprise me. I thought people liked him from the beginning. and David Cook just grew bigger as the contest went on.