Comments on: Album Review: James Otto - Sunset Man

By: Buck

Buck — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:15:26 +0000

I have to say when I saw John Rich’s name on there I ran the other way. Mostly trite songs with cookie cutter production. Otto deserves better.

By: diver

diver — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:04:52 +0000

“Just Got Started Lovin’ You” was my first encounter with James Otto. I loved his sound and particularly this song. Your review makes me want to hear more of him. I will be very interested in “Where Angels Hang Around” as there was not the usual criticism of formula triteness and exploitation . Brady has found another new country single that “attempts to tug at the listener’s heart strings and strives for poignancy, but somewhere in all the trying, it falls flat and comes across as overwrought, melodramatic crap.” Obviously , although a song about sensitive issues, it must have passed the critical test.

By: Cindy2

Cindy2 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:58:59 +0000

I’ve been a fan of James for a long time.
It will be interesting to see how country radio will take to his more Mafia-esque tunes. I do agree that Ain’t Gonna Stop is a weaker song. Its pretty old, too. It had been up on James’ website for a long time. I’m a committed fan and I love hearing it because I love the groove and James’ voice, but I can’t see this getting far on Clear Channel radio.
A song or two do sound a bit like somebody told him to record them-does Sunset Man really fit the profile of what James does best?
As for dispassionate, though, I can’t agree with that comment.
I’d love to see “For You” or “Damned Right” released as a single. Either one would be a nice counterpoint to Sugarland’s “Stay”.. fairly stripped down production, and a powerful voice out in front. That would be a gutsy move.
All in all, I love hearing a singer that can sing.

By: Mike Parker

Mike Parker — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:58:30 +0000

Yeah, 4 stars is fair. I’d probably throw back “Ain’t Gonna Stop,” which almost seems to be thrown in there just so he’d have a concert opener- and “Drunk Dial,” which is a Brad Paisley-esque concept with (quick, give me the name of a sub-par novelty songwriter…Okay…)Cledus T. Judd execution.

By: Brady Vercher

Brady Vercher — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:41:48 +0000

I considered giving the album 4 stars, but ultimately, I didn’t find much to dock it for other than the “Ain’t Gonna Stop.” I thought Otto did an excellent job of injecting emotion into most of the songs, although I can understand the dispassionate comment for a couple. Overall, the songwriting, while not truly exceptional, was good and avoided the pitfalls of most contemporary country songs. It’s a solid, cohesive album and 4 stars wouldn’t be out of line, but I think anything lower wouldn’t be fair.

By: Mike Parker

Mike Parker — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:41:49 +0000

I thought it was pretty good, not 4-1/2 stars worthy. Some great songs- “Damn Right” is my favorite. I do think James has come a long way since his last release. I remember seeing him at writer’s nights in the late 90’s and thinking, “if he didn’t sound exactly like Travis Tritt, he’d have a chance.” He doesn’t sound anything like Tritt anymore. Also, he’s from my neck of the woods (Eastern Washington) so I’m pulling for him.

By: Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:36:24 +0000

Thanks for responding so quickly Brady. I wasn’t expecting you to be on so early. (Maybe not early for you but early for me.)

Back to James Otto … you can also listen to his CD on AOLMusic through the weekend… and … Jim I somewhat agree with you on the songwriting. However, you have to admit that the writing is way better than his 2003/2004 release … or maybe not. That was several haircuts for James Otto ago. ~H~

By: Brady Vercher

Brady Vercher — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:26:00 +0000

That’s right, I forgot that CMT has the album up right now, so Lynn and Lanibug, you can give it a listen over there before you buy it if you’d like.

Heidi, there are a few email addresses on our About page or you can send a message through the Contact form.

By: Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:16:15 +0000

I have been taking advantage of free online previews of Sunset Man and it has become a a new favorite. James Otto is definitely a man to watch in 2008. I really enjoy the song “Sunset Man” … probably my favorite on this album.

Now … Brady, Jim, someone … tell me where I can recommend a review of a new single from a new artist. Thanks! ~H~

By: Jim Malec

Jim Malec — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:18:46 +0000

I’m just going to offer a brief counterpoint. I thought the songwriting was just mediocre, and the singing a bit dispassionate. I was disappointed that the half of the album I hadn’t previously heard fell short of the half I had heard.