Archie Music
Pop, 2017

David Archuleta’s previous offerings tended to put me to sleep, so I have very low expectations when it comes to Postcards in the Sky. Imagine my surprise when I discover just how much I end up enjoying the songs in this album. This is an independent release, so perhaps, free from interference from record executives, Mr Archuleta finally gets to do the kind of music he enjoys.

Not that this time around, his music is any different from his older fare. He is still serving pleasant ballads and mid-tempo tunes. This time, however, there seems to be an underlying confidence that permeates every song. His voice, always clear and so sweet on the ears, sounds as good as ever, and here, he sounds so much like a young man who has finally found the conviction to sing what he really wants to sing.

In Spotlight Down, he is all about being content at where he is in his career, as he doesn’t care for the trapping of fame and the uncomfortable scrutiny into his life that comes with it. He’s being all inspirational in songs like Aiming for Hope and A Little Goes a Long Way, and he has also found the courage to tell people who are bugging him and being in his face to back off in Upset with Me. He’s even started including elements such as African chant-like bits to keep things interesting.

As a result, Postcards in the Sky is an uplifting, almost unfashionably wholesome album full of songs that are devoid of edgy cynicism. These are solid songs with catchy choruses, with even the more downbeat songs like the gorgeous Numb containing some kind of soaring message of hope and fulfillment in the future. Chalk this one as tailor-made for folks who are looking for old-school, family friendly pop tunes with great vocals and positive vibes.