Customer Reviews

Days of Our Lives

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James Otto has a voice most artists would die to get; he also has a great knack for songwriting; he only wrote/co-wrote half of these songs, but you can tell he's spent years honing his craft. And his selection of songs is impeccable, with the exception of David Lee Murphy's "The Last Thing I Do" (Ronnie Dunn did a better job on B&D's "Steers and Stripes" album).

As part of the new Muzik Mafia undercurrent in Nashville (a selection of--mostly--new singer/songwriters, including Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson), James Otto is in good company. He sounds so confident on "Gone" and the rockin' "Sunday Morning and Saturday Night," yet glides easily into the age-ballad "Song of the Violin."

"Misspent Youth" deals with a reformed rebel, while "The Ball"--a song about a man who lost everything he ever wanted, and gained everything he needed--chokes me up every time (to save my masculinity, I must say that that ain't an easy thing to do; I stayed dry-eyed through OLD YELLER, for God's sake).

"Never Say Goodbye" packs in a wallop of emotion, while "Miss Temptation" tempts you to sing along (sorry 'bout the pun). The title track is a bit forgetable (it was the second single, "Sunday Morning", that got me interested in purchasing the album), but that's due to the pop-ish production, not Otto's songwriting.

James Otto is a talent. A lot of new male acts have been appearing on the scene lately; with a few exceptions--Jimmy Wayne, Brian McComas, Otto, and a couple others--they are mostly forgettable. Otto's debut CD, "Days of Our Lives," shows how a newcomer can tell the old dogs how to do things. James Otto is going to have a long and successful career; listen to this CD and see why.

The writing and production on this disc are WAY, WAAAAYYYY above average for a new act. Songs like "Misspent Youth" and "Sunday Mornin', Saturday Night" will shine on for years to come and the rest is good, too.

The whole CD is listenable and flows well, which is rare these days. I hate buying something based on the single, then finding out that the rest of the disc is awful (remember Chris Isaacs, Dierks Bentley). This one has no dogs on it, zero.

But the real thing here is the voice. Otto has the most powerful, distinctive new voice I've heard in ten years or more. His instrument shows a breadth that ranges from aching tenderness to paint blistering attitude.

I like 'rough' voiced singers in general, but to do everything this guy can do, you'd need to round up Travis Tritt, Bob Seger, Gary Allan, Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Van Zandt and Lyle Lovett and have them all gang up on him at once.

Unless something goes horribly wrong, this kid will be the 'voice' of his generation.

I just like it, like his voice. Strong sound, songs have a lot of meaning. Like "The Ball"...honest story. And guess I'm misspending my youth right now...wonder if I'll be singing that song in 10 years. My wife and I like that one a lot.

This cd is one of the best of the year, of any musical genre. And unbelievably it comes from a rookie. My only concern is that his second album, whenever it comes, can only go downhill from here.

He's got a strong, sweet voice, and his songs are
really good. Favorites include "The Ball" and "Misspent Youth". Not a fluffy waste of money.

James Otto's Debut is full of passion and an intensity that few artists can match. From the rock-infused "Long Way Down" and "Sunday Morning, Saturday Night" to the touching "Misspent Youth" and tribute song to his grandparents "Song of the Violin", James delivers a solid record. The diversity and uniqueness of his music and the soulful renditions of songs like the powerful "Never Say Goodbye" and sultry "Miss Temptation" make this a MUST HAVE record for your collection. Take a listen and Hang On as James Otto promptly ROCKS your COUNTRY with SOUL!

Love it more with each listen. Very soulful voice, and great songwriting. Several people I know have picked it up, and have had the same reaction. Cant recommend it strongly enough.

This is an AWESOME CD! James Otto has a very soulful country sound & every song is highly enjoyable. On a scale of 1-10 I give it a 20!!!

There is ONLY ONE word to explain this CD. AWESOME! well there are more but that is the top. After I listened to this music I had the opportunity to see James in Concert and I went. 2nd row back and it was great. The ONLY thing negative about that was that I couldn't talk for two days after the concert from screaming and acting like a teenager. (actually my teenage daughter thought her mom had lost her mind). This country crooner is wonderful and so is his music!

I gotten James Otto 2nd CD first and loved it so much, I had to have the 1st.

It's as good as the 2nd CD.. What can I say but WOW !!!!!!!! What a voice !!!

I can't wait to see James in concert in Nov. Im sooooo hooked !!!!