Idol David duo battles it out with debut albums

Season 8 of the hit series, American Idol, will air on Jan. 13 on FOX. Changes to the show will include a new judge, singer and songwriter, Kara DioGuardi. More emphasis will be placed on contestants that make it to the Hollywood round during auditions. Whether those changes will help the ratings is yet to be seen. The previous season's two finalists, David Cook and David Archuleta, released CDs in November 2008. On both debut albums, Cook and Archuleta rely heavily on ballads. However, one David takes a risk with some his songs while the other does not steer away from his signature style. David Cook During his time on American Idol, Cook was praised by judges and music critics alike for his take on the songs "Always Be My Baby" and "Hello." Some fans said that Cook's winning the competition would make up for Chris Daughtry not winning in season five. This debut album, however, does not show the innovation that Cook was praised for. Here, Cook sticks to the 90s rock ballads that had become his signature sound on American Idol. Cook's first single "Light On" does not serve him justice due to the forgettable melody and lyrics. There are times on his album when Cook resorts to yelling the chorus such as in tracks "Mr. Sensitive" and "A Daily Anthem." However, at the 12 minute mark, a hidden track called "Kiss on the Neck" displays Cook at his best where he bluntly describes his dislike for the stereotypical Hollywood woman. This honesty is also showcased in "Life on the Moon" and "Permanent." David Cook is probably going to have a successful career. Hopefully, his next album will, as Simon Cowell would put it, "… have more originality." Standouts - "Declaration," "Come Back to Me," Life On the Moon," "Lie," "I Did It For You," "Permanent," and "Kiss on the Neck." David Archuleta As runner-up to David Cook, David Archuleta did not fall at disadvantage when his first single "Crush" was released long before Cook's "Light On." Even though his first single and next hit, "A Little Too Not Over You," are pop ballads, Archuleta does take risks away from his signature style in this album. Some risks, such as, country-inspired "Your Eyes Don't Lie," and R&B style "Running" are successful. "Don't Let Go" was one song Archuleta could afford to chance, due to its similarities toward Kelly Clarkson's top-selling songs. Standouts - "Crush," "Barriers," "My Hands," "A Little Too Not Over You," "Running," "Desperate," and "Your Eyes Don't Lie."