Big Is Back With Keith Anderson, James Otto
In an age when Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and I all wear the same size jeans, it feels good to see Keith Anderson and James Otto so comfortable in their own bigness. It’s tempting to get into all kinds of “size matters” and “live large” clichés, but I won’t.
I will say, though, that I think these two guys have found the key to a woman’s heart: the bigger you are, the more petite she’ll feel. At least, that’s my takeaway from their new videos.
Their stature plays a prominent part in the visuals. Just watch Anderson’s “I Still Miss You.” Plenty of the images are shot from a low-angle camera, adding to his already powerful XXL presence. Then there’s that symbolic throne he’s on, which only makes him appear more imposing. But in a good way. Then on Otto’s “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” he looks so big that his guitar appears to have shrunken down to the size of a ukulele. Again, in a good way.
And the tunes themselves are just as grand. Otto’s is about the heady start of a lusty relationship, and how two days in heaven just ain’t gonna do. Anderson’s is about his inability to get over a love like that, even after changing the presets in his truck. Both are climbing the charts with the kind of stamina you’d expect from guys this big. I think that’s because there’s a sexy soulfulness going on that no mini man could pull off. I’m no scientist, but there has to be some kind of correlation between a country artist’s appeal and his build. If I’m right, then I guess size kind of does matter.
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Liz says:
amen.
maureen says:
Keith Anderson, as I said to him when I meet him, is the whole package! Thank God for Double XL!!!
Biggie says:
Supersize mine! I like ‘em big. Both these videos are so good IMO. Thanks for giving a shout out to Keith and James.
Gidget says:
Having met Keith, I would add that it’s his XXL heart that totally captivates his fans after they’ve gotten hooked on his songs and good looks. His friendliness, great smiles, hugs, and willingness to sign autographs & pose for pictures are legendary with his fans. Woo hoo for XXL men with XXL hearts!!
celeda_2000 says:
Amen !! and thank you god and CMT for knowing just how much mr keith anderson and james otto mean to they’re fans
especially us double XL fans who weight 300 or more pounds
the first time i saw mr keith on a television interview and he talked about the song Double XL he said it was some of it was based on his family as he comes from a family whom not only are big , yet are Big HUGGERS
i cried watching this interview sayin thank you god for mr keith , then when i met him i was sold hook , line, sinker as mr keith as a HEART full of compassion who anyone he meets and God love these to men’s soul ‘
for showing the world it’s a HEART that matters most
i’m always gonna be a fan of there spirits and music
and i can’t wait to be at the next concert !
keep up the good work mr keith anderson and mr james otto
Brandi says:
I’m 5′10, weigh in at about 195 and have shoulders like a man (I was in Lowe’s once getting paint with my hair in a cap and the helpful bluevest approaced me from behind saying, “can I help you sir?”..imagine his surprise). I love Kenny, and I can’t say those blue eyes don’t make me shiver,, but he’s the same height as my Mama. It’s damn nice to see a man who’s man-sized! Thank God for James, Keith and Toby!
Nikki says:
Ya gotta love the big boys!!!
Cheri says:
I’m 55 years old and readily admit that James Otto is a beefy hunk of masculinity. He also sounds like Conway when he hits some of those sensual lower notes in “Just Got Started Loving You.” But whereas Conway almost made me sick when I first heard “I Can Tell You’ve Never Been This Far” (I was a teenager), Otto gives just enough without going over the line. Now, my 20 year old daughter can’t understand Otto’s attraction. I think it just takes a certain amount of maturity to appreciate the “big guys.”
Toni says:
Keith Anderson is the kind of man we all dream about-extremely talented, smart, good sense of humor, sensitive, caring, unbelieveably good looking, but still humble-a man who’s comfortable with who he is and what he wants from life-add it all up and you’ve got one “real” man!!
ishma says:
I totally agree with feeling good in a large mans arms.. what I would really like to know is what does it take to get into arms like that? a heart like that? Iv loved keith since I first heard of him.. and he makes me wonder, what does it take…what would it take to feel those arms..Just a thought……
Crystal says:
I just love that there are real men that are attractive and XXL and that are so sweet and have an even XXL HEART . In a society where all you see is micro minis people who have their nose in the air and if you are not a size 6 or lower look at you like you like you do not belong on this earth with them, I like that there are men who are not ashamed of size and instead of that look at you with their big heart not with a one size fits all attitude. It is those men like Keith and James and every other performer out there that is not ashamed of who likes them but is glad that they are liked not only for their good looks but also for their big hearts, it is these men that in the end are going to be successfull and will continue to have fans follow their every move, Remember Judge and you will be judged there is only one person who can do that and that is the good LORD above Thank God they do not judge :)
KAlover says:
Keith Anderson is the whole package! I have met him quite a few times and he is always a gentleman and so flippin’ good to look at…yummy. I’d take him and those muscular arms (which,by the way are wonderful when wrapped around you) to some of these scrawny little guys in a minute. I am only 5′2 and about 115 lbs and he makes me feel even more petite but in a good kind of way. He is so handsome and talented (and that sexy voice..) it puts most of the male performers out there to shame…KEITH HAS GOT IT GOING ON!!!!
Mimi56 says:
I have to agree that there is something about being in a big mans arms that the next best thing to heaven. There is no way that a scrawny guy can even come close but I don’t judge my favorite singers on their stature. I have met Keith Anderson and like everyone else has said he is sooo nice and makes you feel like he really cares about you not just about if you bought his CD. That is why he is my favorite artist, he is just so sweet! I hope to meet James Otto sometime too from what I have heard from him we have a lot more great music to look forward to.
Thank God for the big, big hearted country boys!!
cathie robinson says:
i just want to say i was at the oceanside, ca amphiltheater
may 10. Keith was wonderful. We were lucky enough to meet
him and he was just sooooo nice. His music is great, he puts on a unbelievable show, and has so much energy.
Its says something about a guy and his band who are still
willing to play for the smaller crowds.
thanks
cathie
Amy Bechard says:
I agree with all the above comments.
Just one thing to add about Keith… He is the “real” man…not only in size. He can show his true feelings! He has no problem holding back tears to show his fans that he is human. I call that SEXY!!!
It’s about time that the record industry knows that Keith has talent. This is Keith’s year and may he continue with his Great Success…. :)
Amy Bechard says:
Correction to above comment…
He has no problem showing his tears…
Joyce says:
What great comments! I just wanted to add that I became a fan of Keith when I heard a radio interview and just had to buy his CD. I’ve been hooked every since! When he finally came to my home town in Albuquerque, NM for the State Fair, I was lucky enough to meet him, and all I can say is WOW!! What a Great Guy! He is so sweet and loveable like a Big Teddy Bear! He is a great talent and deserves every recognition and success!
Tammy says:
Thank You for the great comments on some great artists. Having met Keith I can say that his stature is no where near the size of his heart and the love he has for his fans. I am happy to see him getting some much deserved attention and this year looks to be a great one for him. Keep up the articles and news about Keith and other new upcoming artist.
Luanne Vadnais says:
I’m just as taken with these two guys as all of you are. Please don’t forget Trace when your talking about the “whole package.” He’s another big guy with values and morales. I love them all! I’m too old to be looked at by them, but I would still give just about anything to get to meet one of them. I’m a new fan to country music, and I didn’t know what the heck I was missing all this time. I enjoy it so much. Thanks to all the guys that make it possible to continue loving music throughout our whole lives.
Desiree says:
I just met Keith and James in Vegas last weekend and I have to say they are wonderful. They are friendly to their fans. They both signed autographs and took pictures with us. They are great(handsome and sexy too) :)