James Otto Ranks First on Year-End Mediabase Report
With all the year-end lists floating around, I was glad to see a real list of the top country songs of 2008 in Country Aircheck magazine. I only live in one market, so it's not feasible for me to know what's being played on the other country stations throughout the nation. But on the MediaBase list, which monitors airplay on country radio stations, the usual chart hogs like Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney made room for newcomers like James Otto and Lady Antebellum. Otto actually topped the list with his over-the-top sexy "Just Got Started Loving You." That has to give him all kinds of bragging rights at holiday parties.
Also, Chris Cagle had a better year than I thought. His "What Kinda Gone" was the No. 4 song of the year. No. 4! Nestled right in between Rodney Atkins and George Strait. Another shocker was that while Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood usually top every list that has anything to do with music, neither one was even in the Top 15. Taylor Swift, in fact, was the only female who was, with her "Our Song" at No. 12. The rest of the list is full of songs I would never have guessed. But that's another reason to love country music. Just when you think everything's so predictable (songs, year-end lists), all those predictions are turned upside down.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Melissa says:
I think this is an especially big feat because he is a “new artist.” Personally, it’s not on my list of favorites, but I can definitely see why other people would. Good for him!
Joe says:
I got to meet James Otto at the taste of Cincinnati…I loved his music since 2004, and it’s funny but he was doing a radio interview, and I wrote been a fan since 2004, and he gave me two thumbs up…
I am glad he finally got his big break…He deserves it :)
Holly says:
(squeals) I love James Otto so much!!! (big smile)
God bless you and him always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee
P.S. That shot of him up there is one of my most favorites!!! (big smile)
Karen says:
carrie was the most heard country artist of 2008 according to billboard. It’s all measured by country radio airplay in 2008… the reason this list is so weird is because it basically ranks them by who had the highest audience impressions. But you can’t compare artists like that because it all depends on the competition during that time and also the time of the year. That is why some songs get to #1 very easy while others have to fight for it.
RedMaZ says:
Carrie Rodriguez is a great artists. Congratulations.
Amy says:
I’m so happy for James Otto - well deserved!
countryiscool says:
That’s funny Red, I’m sure other bloggers will get your inside joke. Go check out the mark Chesnutt blog too. You’re sure to love it. lol
RedMaZ says:
Carrie Underwood is also a great artist.
Luvncountry says:
Hey Red, I thought your impression of Carrie U was a screamer, or is it just on SOME songs? That’s what I read
on an earlier comment by you.
lizisawesome says:
Hey , can someone please fill me in on the Carrie Underwood/Rodriguez inside joke? I love anything that even mildly makes fun of her. If that’s what it’s about anyway.
twilighter says:
I think its very cool that James Otto topped this list. He deserves it.
J.R. Journey says:
I subscribe to Country Aircheck and get an email in my inbox from Lon Helton every day, but I didn’t get a top 50 of the year list. Anyone have a direct link to that list?
pointofview says:
Thanks Mr. Otto
I love your whole record. I am very proud to have you in my Country Music collection. Thanks for keeping Country music REAL.
Michelle says:
Great job!Since I seen your first video you are in my music! I see great things ahead fo you- I am your true number 1 FAN!!!
Kris says:
Can you explain how Mediabase calculates points for the County charts?
Thanks!