When Utah singing sensation David Archuleta's record label came calling for an album review for his new release, we took it to the experts—two young girls and their dad.--- 

There are a few new releases in music stores today that I'm excited about; The Corin Tucker Band's debut, Clinic's latest and Tim Kasher of Cursive's new set all come to mind. But I'm guessing many Utahns will want to know about the new collection from David Archuleta, our Murray-based American Idol runner-up who is releasing his new The Other Side of Down today.

Rather than have a jaded Idol-hater review it, I roped in City Weekly reporter Stephen Dark's two daughters, Elli and Katy, to spin the disc and let us know what they think. Stephen chimes in as well, comparing young Mr. Archuleta to another teen sensation.

Here are the results:

David’s Still Got it

By Katy Dark [age 8]

He has a voice of an angel, he’s the best rock star in the world, especially the song "Something ‘Bout Love", that song rocks.

I want to know how to sing like David, he is the best. I can’t wait to see him again. The songs make one want to dance, sing, be him, become famous.

David's Still Got it!

By Elli Dark [age 10]

When I first heard his album I thought it was amazing. He still sounds like he’s young. It sounds like he’s got it. When I hear “Something ‘Bout Love” it makes me think. I don’t know why but it makes me think. It’s really easy to sing to.

David vs. Justin

I took Elli to see Justin Bieber at the E-Center this summer. I still haven’t recovered. Bieber’s cynical approach to young girls’ affections as he spray-painted a heart on the stage wall stuck in my throat. His show felt tacky, exploitative. Archuleta’s new CD on the other hand, despite my initial foreboding, demonstrated a fresh, young voice with confidence and nostalgia for 1980s pop. Lyrics-wise, "There’s something ‘bout love that breaks your heart" doesn’t take much of a risk, but I’d take the fresh-faced caution of homegrown talent Archuleta over Bieber’s antics any day.

— Stephen Dark