James Otto - Sunset Man
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Music CD Cover Artist: James Otto Edition: Music CD CD Release Date: 2008-04-08 Music Label: Warner Brothers Soundtracks:
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Free Music Notes for Sunset Man Album
Free Music Review: Solid, but unspectacular
Hit: 3 Stars
James Otto's first big-time release is a decent record that showcases his vocal talents and versatility. It has both peaks and valleys, but is a record definitely worth listening to, and possibly purchasing.
I can't say I regret buying the album, because I like supporting artists (at least that's what I tell myself). I bought this album on the heels of "Just Got Started Loving You", his hit single that's been burning up the airwaves for weeks now. That catchy tune and soulful, passionate delivery sold me on this guy.
Other than that, the best songs on this record are the slower ballady-type songs like "I Don't Feel Like Your Man", "For You", "Sunset Man," and "Damn Right."
Also of note is "Where Angels Hang Around." It's a subtly-written song about St. Jude's Childrens Hospital in Memphis. You have to know what he's talking about, but I picked up on it immediately. It's a beautiful song.
Despite the smooth, soulful hits above, there are three complete and utter throwaways that made me want to re-sell this CD on eBay. The opening track, "Ain't Gonna Stop" is a "Big & Riched up" abomination of a song with stupid lyrics and juvenile rhymes like "Black Corvette... Hot Cigarette." He even mentions his own name in the song-- like a rapper. Pathetic.
The other two throwaways are "The Man That I Am" and "Drink & Dial." The former is an R&B song better suited to somebody like Chris Brown on an urban rap station. It has a drum machine intro, and simply has nothing to do with the country music genre. "Drink & Dial" is another "Big & Rich" creation that is better suited for a movie soundtrack or strip club than this album. I hate that this review has turned into this, but these 3 songs are truly hideous, and bring down the whole record.
James Otto's voice is amazing though. Powerful, smooth, yet gritty. It's a soulful, very unusual combination. He reminds me a lot of Randy Owen of Alabama and Travis Tritt. Musically, he seems to resemble elements of country/crossover greats like Ronnie Milsap and Conway Twitty. This album is definitely not straight up traditional country, but mixes a little of a bluesy-soul vibe into a contemporary country package-- something that hasn't been done recently. He also co-writes most of this songs on the album.
This guy has the potential to be something special, but he needs to ditch the MuzikMafia/Big & Rich influence to truly be great. They're holding him back.