Rising 21-year old country artist Alec Bailey shows ample potential on his appealing,  soulful, debut single, “Callin’.”

New artists pop up all over the place these days – understatement. The internet has become a lucrative, viable means to launch a music career.  Alec Bailey is the perfect example of the ‘new artist,’ born via web exposure. Nothing wrong with that. 2018 marks the release of the 21-year old country artist’s debut single, “Callin’.” It should be noted, Bailey was featured on the 2015 Tanner Patrick cover of Justin Bieber’s number one hit, “What Do You Mean?”  But this isn’t about T.P. or J.B., but rather, A.B.

There’s plenty to like about “Callin’”.  First and foremost, Alec Bailey has a voice that’s a smooth as butter – definitely appealing to the nth degree.  If Bailey weren’t categorized as a country musician, he could easily be mistaken as a pop artist.  It’s not that there’s no country sensibilities, but the soulfulness and pop cues give him plenty of ability to crossover. Beyond Bailey’s pipes, the production is respectable, characterized by its balance.  There’s nothing extremely flashy, but the subtlety is part of the appeal – a splash of organ, soulful guitar, and plenty of ‘breathing room’ eschewing clutter.  The theme is ‘tried and true’ – love, love, love. Bailey is willing to ‘press the issue’ regarding his break-up.  This is best evidenced by the centerpiece of the record, the chorus:

“I keep on callin’ ‘til you stop the ring

My heart’s free falling, ‘til you stop the ring

Since you walked out that door

No, the sun don’t shine anymore

I keep on callin ‘til you stop the ring.”

Final Thoughts 

As aforementioned, there’s plenty to like about “Callin’.” Alec Bailey has plenty of potential, there’s crossover appeal, and the production is balanced and not the least be overdone.  Still, it should also be noted that it wouldn’t have hurt for Bailey to give a bit more oomph.  The same could even be said about the production, which would’ve benefitted from some extra contrast and even a slight bit more edge.  Still, “Callin’” is worthwhile without question.

Alec Bailey • Callin’ – Single • CN • Release: 10.9.18

Photo Credits: CN