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David & David: What to Expect from 'Idol' Alums Debut CDs

November 11, 2008 3:50 PM

Nm_cook_archuleta_081111_mn "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta's debut album comes out today; "American Idol" champ David Cook's debut album arrives Nov. 18.   While the two are such completely different artists that it's unfair to directly compare their music, many "Idol" fans will no doubt want to purchase both records -- so here's a handy preview of what you'll get from each David's debut:

Album Title

-Cook: Self-titled

-Archuleta: Self-titled

Defining Characteristics

-Cook: impassioned vocals, confessional songwriting, big pop-rock riffs

-Archuleta: impeccable vocals, professional songwriting, ballads and midtempos

Song themes

-Cook: the effects of fame, his love for his family, his brother's battle with cancer, relationship difficulties

-Archuleta: falling in love, contemplating falling in love, being in love, losing love

Songs on CD written or co-written by David

-Cook: all but two (not counting bonus tracks)

-Archuleta: two (not counting bonus tracks)

Notable Songwriters Co-Writing/Contributing Material

-Cook: Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, ex-Evanescence member David Hodges and Zac Maloy of the Nixons

-Archuleta: JC Chasez of 'N SYNC, new "Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi, '80s pop star-turned-hit-songwriter Robbie Nevil and ex-Evanescence member David Hodges

Does It Include a Song Performed on "American Idol"?

-Cook: yes; "the Time of My Life," but only as a bonus track

-Archuleta: yes; "Angels" by Robbie Williams

Does it rock?

-Cook: Yes, especially the track "Bar-Ba-Sol"

-Archuleta: No, but it's not supposed to

Is it any good?

-Cook: Yes. Fans who loved the "Idol" champ for his raspy, sexy voice and emotional performances on the show will not be disappointed, and the songwriting gives plenty of insight into exactly what he's experienced during the last 15 months.

-Archuleta: Yes.  Fans who adored Archie's near-flawless vocals and earnest performances on "Idol" will not be disappointed, and his ability to handle this contemporary material proves he's more than just a balladeer.

Andrea Dresdale

November 11, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (28)

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David Archuleta CD is AMAZING, it has a something for everyone. The guy has a beautiful voice, I'm loving it!

Posted by: Vanessa | Nov 11, 2008 4:27:48 PM

I don't think either one has the charisma or talent it takes to be a superstar. They'll both fizzle out very soon.

Posted by: C. | Nov 11, 2008 5:47:02 PM

David Cook's album hasn't come out yet, but I can't stop replaying the previews. It sounds unreal. Can't wait to get my hands on the full album.

Posted by: Donna | Nov 11, 2008 6:00:12 PM

Thanks for a classy review that is fair to both of these artists and emphasizes what each of them has to offer. The review nicely highlights their differences (and assets that made their fans fall in love with each of them) and squelches the spirit of fanwars. It is clear to me which album I will be likely to enjoy and which one I will not, while not being biased to either artist.

Posted by: Tracie | Nov 11, 2008 7:15:43 PM

Vanessa, sorry to say but their chart history and sales figures alone will prevent them from fading away anytime soon.
Archie's crush is a smash hit and he's got a solid fan base.
Cook is already a favorite among A-list actors, singers (including rockers), producers and politicians, and he's already been invited to their biggest events; he's routinely asked to serenade stars, including baseball's David Wright and politicians such as Hillary Clinton. Vanessa, no one can argue with you if you say you don't care for the music, but these two Davids are already pretty big stars, and if their albums sell as well as anticipated, you've got superstars.

Posted by: Vinnie | Nov 11, 2008 8:26:03 PM

In this market, you have to move A LOT of product to be a "superstar", and even that term no longer holds the meaning it once did...C. is correct...these types of artists are fairly disposable and have a short shelf life...Carlos Sanata is a "superstar"...Freddie Mercury was a "superstar"...Thom from Radiohead is a "superstar"...these guys are simply a manufactured pop commodity...not saying I don't like them at all...I'm just sayin'...

Posted by: Jazz | Nov 11, 2008 9:06:20 PM

No, I have to agree with Vanessa. I couldn't care less about the kid. He's over in my mind the day he lost. But as far as David Cook goes, I was an all out fanatic fan I suppose. And really wanted him to win. But then, I don't know. I went to the concert and it was such B.S. and sponsored by Pop Tarts with four million teeny bopper there that I was very much over it. And I am the one they want to cater to...I can buy whatever I want. But I won't be buying either CD. You know what sealed it for me with Cook? Well the choice of girlfriend first, then his SNL performance. I thought he was far better performing covers on Idol! So, superstars they ain't.

Posted by: Over them both | Nov 11, 2008 10:32:38 PM

david archuleta=boring teen who only has sucess due to his age and cute baby face
david cook=everything i ever wanted and more

Posted by: abby | Nov 11, 2008 11:17:00 PM

I NEVER EXPECTED THE CD ALBUM TO BE THIS GREAT !
DAVID ARCHULETA IS A SINGER TO BE RECKONED WITH FOR THIS YOUNG GENERATION OF THE 21ST CENTURY. THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT THAT THIS KID HAS A GREAT VOICE AND IS GIFTED. I LIKE ALL THE SONGS EACH ONE IS DIFFERENT AND HAS DIFFERENT TEMPO. THIS CD WILL BE A CLASSIC. GREAT JOB, DAVID!

Posted by: Sam Lim | Nov 12, 2008 12:47:21 AM

VANESSA, I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU THAT DAVID ARCHULETA CD ALBUM IS AMAZING THERES NO DOUBT ABOUT IT - ITS ALREADY #2 IN iTune JUST FOR 1 DAY ITS BEEN OUT THAT IS AMAZING IN DID - PEOPLE KEEP ON BUYING IT FOR THEY LIKE HIS MUSIC. WELL, THEY HAVE A GOOD TASTE IN DID. DAVID IS A SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING AND HIS THE REAL WINNER !

Posted by: Sam Lim | Nov 12, 2008 12:58:22 AM

I find it funny that even in an article where the writer is NOT pitting David against David, fanwars still erupt. Get over it people. Idol is over, and both these guys are talented enough to do very well. Good luck to both Davids!

Posted by: Jasmine | Nov 12, 2008 10:16:23 AM

EMBRACE THE ARCHULETA. He is a phenomenal talent. For those who don't like him well you have cook to slobber over. Peace

Posted by: M | Nov 12, 2008 10:19:35 AM

LOVE THIS YOUNG MANS ALBUM. NICE MIX OF GENRES FOR EVERYONE. LOVE THE EMOTION,THE FALSETTOS AND THE GENUINE SOUL THAT FLOWS FROM THIS SUPERSTAR. YOU CANT HELP BUT LOVE THE ARCHULETA :)

Posted by: pam05 | Nov 12, 2008 10:39:40 AM

Please quit the silly my David vs your David. Go and buy David Archuleta cd, it's very versatile pop with some incredible vocals. I love it and it's so refreshing not to hear screaming and expletives or one note beat and expletives or enhanced production with expletives. Congratulations David A!!!

Posted by: Emote | Nov 12, 2008 10:54:57 AM

Thanks for the album overviews. And I agree both Davids will do very well. I think this album will be an introduction for both and we'll have even better things to look forward to with their 2nd albums that are put out without time restraints. I love David Archuleta's album and look forward to getting Cook's next week.

Posted by: sandy | Nov 12, 2008 10:58:13 AM

I have to agree with the David vs. David war. It's over. They are both on their way. I am a huge Archuleta fan and absolutely love his voice and his cd is terrific. I am sure Cook's will be the same, just different music. They are both gonna be around for a very long time!!!! Thanks again David A for such a great CD.

Posted by: Janette | Nov 12, 2008 11:16:22 AM

I am no teeny bopper...I am 60 something! Having said that, I have to say the listening to David Archuleta sing has brought me back to my younger days when I loved music!! David's album is for all ages! It is just amazing! He is is the NEW COOL!!! His pure vocals and wholesome character is so refreshing. What we call music now has changed so much from when I was young. Maybe David's musical artistry and talent will help put the music industry on their feet! I think the public yearns for music that does not have to be censored and brings our emotion to the surface! David is a superstar in the making, and I hope that I will be around for many more years to share the journey with him! It is very hard not to love David or his music!

Posted by: GMAX4 | Nov 12, 2008 11:21:23 AM

I love David Archuleta's cd. It's amazing and has been #2 on itunes since it came out. Also his single Crush has sold over 900,000 to date and hasn't been out that long.....

Posted by: Nancy | Nov 12, 2008 2:13:21 PM

Great review and thanks for not pitting the David's against each other. David Archuleta's album is fantastic and he will be a superstar. Although I am not a huge fan of Cook's I wish him great success.

Posted by: Linda | Nov 12, 2008 2:21:39 PM

I appreciate the dedication and work both David's put into thier albums. Thanks for the wonderfull review. I am not sure that I will buy Cooks album although I did purchase his single on iTunes, but as for David Archuleta, I already have digital copy as well as hard copy. Go buy it, you will not be disapointed!

Posted by: penny | Nov 12, 2008 2:47:24 PM

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