David Archuleta’s Earthly Delights EP Review

BY KATHERINE CHUNG

David Archuleta rose to fame in 2008 as a runner-up on American Idol, later delivering nostalgic hits like “Crush” and “A Little Not Over You.” His career has influenced how LGBTQ+ artists view themselves and highlighted men’s mental health. After a two-year hiatus (2012–2014) as a church missionary, he returns with Earthly Delights—his first release in five years. The six-track EP chronicles his journey toward living as a joyful, openly queer man, and marks the start of his deeper exploration of vulnerability, confidence, and sexuality.

The first track, “Give You the World,” is a calming, romantic ballad that delivers a beautiful and heartfelt message to his lover. It’s a flawless showcase of David’s evolution into more mature and intimate storytelling. The blend of gentle drumming, delicate guitar strums, and a tender piano melody, paired with Archuleta’s vocals, creates a timeless introduction. The simple lyrics, “I can give you the world / and I can give you my heart,” convey a heartfelt message within a song that lasts less than three and a half minutes.

In contrast, “Crème Brule,” is a dance-floor freestyle track crafted for a late-night date with a partner. Its lyrics are far steamier and more lustful than anything David has written before. His seamless shift from heartfelt ballads to a DJ-ready pop anthem showcases his impressive versatility. It is as if he turned the steamy factor in his music from a gentle 1 up to a 10.

On the Tuesday before release day, David debuted the “Dulce Amor” music video. An almost gospel-like production with an ethereal, angelic atmosphere, the song weaves in all the elements he revealed during his YouTube pre-party.  He also shared that he wrote it in Tennessee with Josie Dunn, Robin Dunto, and Ryan Nealon, calling it “The intro into the Earthly Delights world.” Interestingly, on the tracklist, it appears as the final song of the EP.

“Earthly Delights is kind of indulging in what I felt ashamed for. Things like sexuality, being queer, romance, physicality, and being comfortable in my body. We are not feeling the shame anymore. We are enduring the things we used to feel ashamed for.” - David Archuleta.

Beginning September 17, he will embark on a tour across the U.S., with a few stops in Canada. He describes the shows as a fun yet intimate experience, reflecting his past year of pushing himself creatively while staying true to his identity as an artist who simply wants to enjoy the music.