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| No Matter How Far (c) 2013 E1 Music |
Like Begin., No Matter How Far features tracks that Archuleta recorded prior to embarking on his mission. However, unlike Begin. (which mostly featured covers of well-known songs), the songs on No Matter How Far are all original compositions and demo recordings, polished and mastered to sound like completed songs.
On No Matter How Far, the American Idol Season 7 runner up delivers ten original songs, but as has been the case recently, it lacks commercial sensibilities and focuses more on inspiration and reflection- with the odd love song thrown in for good measure.
As always, below is the track-wise review of the album:
1. "Nothing Else Better To Do": A pleasant opener, "Nothing Else Better To do" is the kind of song you'd like to listen to on lazy summer days. A song about doing nothing else but being in love, it recalls acts like Train and Simple Plan and works perfectly with Archuleta's soft voice.
2. "Everything And More": A mid-tempo ballad that showcases Archuleta's falsetto really well. I'm a big fan of the chorus- this song is quite pleasant and works perfectly with Archuleta's voice.
3. "Don't Run Away": It's hard to believe that this song was just a demo. It's been scrubbed to perfection and turns out to be one of Archuleta's best recordings ever. Staying right in the vein of Archuleta's inspirational songs (which he's come to be known for). A powerful and emotional chorus reminds us that we're really not that alone. A highlight of the album.
4. "Tell Me": This slow ballad asking a serious question is a bit slow for my liking, but it goes without saying that Archuleta delivers a solid performance.
5. "Love Don't Hate": Aah, finally something more upbeat. I got a strong Backstreet Boys/N*Sync vibe from this song; I don't know why it reminded me of 90s boybands. Anyway, this foot-tapping track is a definite highlight of the album, mostly because its one of the rare uptempo songs on here.
6. "Wait": Another song that doesn't do much for me. It isn't very catchy, but at least it's not a snoozy ballad.
7. "Heart Falls Out": I thought this was another enjoyable song. Although at times Archuleta's vocals sound rushed and strained, it turns out to be quite fun and engaging.
8. "Notice Me": One of my favorite songs on the album. It could be a radio hit, but alas, Archuleta isn't in the country to promote it. It's not fast-paced or upbeat, but a ballad more in the vein of "Crush".
9. "I'll Never Go": A song that perfectly reflects Archuleta's life at this point as well as the theme of the album. It's a heartfelt ballad that tells us he's never really "gone". Another shining moment on the album.
10. "Forevermore": This song was released last year, and was included on this album for posterity. With minimal accompaniment (just a guitar and piano and some background vocals), this song is emotional, well written, and performed perfectly by Archuleta. One of the best songs on the album AND one of Archuleta's best songs, period.
Like his previous record, Begin, No Matter How Far turns out to be another ballad-oriented album. I have no issue with ballads, but there really isn't much commercial significance in this album, if I'm being honest. Sure, there are a few upbeat songs, but they aren't remarkable. The entire beginning of the album is slow and only picks up momentum more than halfway through. There were times listening to this album when I just skipped forward because I was starting to get a little bored- no matter how meaningful the songs were. Sadly, the album ends up becoming repetitive and dull. There aren't too many memorable songs on this album- mostly because these are just demo songs and rough recordings that have been mastered and cleaned.
However, Archuleta's sincerity and youthful personality shines through the album. You won't be seeing David until 2014, when he returns from his mission, so that alone is reason to get this.
My favorite songs on the album: "Nothing Else Better To Do", "Don't Run Away", "Love Don't Hate", "Notice Me", "Forevermore".
RATING: ★★★1/2
Buy "No Matter How Far" now: iTunes | Amazon
Related Review: David Archuleta: "Begin." (2012)