Full Review

Hayden Baker, Barely Gettin’ By Review

Let’s dive into Hayden Baker’s debut album, Barely Gettin’ By, which plays like a warm summer breeze through the chords of country music with its raw emotions and life’s unvarnished truths. This fourteen-track collection spins tales of hard-won lessons wrapped in the mastery of guitar strings that sing as soulfully as their accompanying lyrics.

The album starts with the title track, “Barely Gettin’ By, “a modern-day homage to the ‘Workin’ Man Blues.’ It’s clear from the get-go that Baker isn’t just strumming along; he’s narrating our lives, one $100 step out the door at a time. This song is an anthem for those with their back against the wall but still dreaming about that ice-cold beer at the end of the tunnel. The guitar here isn’t just an instrument; it’s Baker’s confidant, telling stories of everyday struggles with every riff and lick.

Next, we get a dose of Nashville in “Ain’t Gonna Lay This Guitar Down,” born from a potent writing session with country legend Ronnie Dunn and Ira Dean. This track isn’t just about the strings or the wood of a guitar; it’s about an undying passion that refuses to let go even when the going gets tough. The introduction lick played in Dunn’s kitchen sets a raw, intimate tone for the song, echoing the personal stakes involved.

“Let Love Do Its Thing” is Baker’s solo-written standout. It’s a testament to those magic moments of clarity and inspiration that can strike even mid-flight, as it did for Baker. The song is a heartfelt narrative wrapped in a melody that captures the transformative power of love. It’s personal yet universal, intimate yet expansive.

“Leave The Rest Up To You” brings a lighter, foot-tapping energy that contrasts beautifully with the deeper tones of the other tracks. It’s a song for dancing in the kitchen, for those moments when love feels easy and life feels light. The John Mayer-esque guitar vibes show Baker’s versatility and playfulness.

“Tendency For Tennessee” is a clever play on words, capturing a geographic and emotional journey. This track feels like a sleeper hit; it starts off unassumingly but grows into a track that fills dance floors and lifts spirits with its catchy chorus and vibrant guitar work.

In “Something I Can’t Do,” Baker presents a classic love song with a country twist. It’s a straightforward declaration set against the backdrop of a fiddle that weaves through the track like a partner in a dance, led confidently by Baker’s vocals.

“Reason To Run” feels like a road trip anthem with its pulsing beat and soaring chorus. It’s about freedom, about breaking away, with a guitar lead that compels you to turn up the volume and roll down the windows.

The instrumental “Don’t Meet Your Heroes,” featuring Brad Paisley, is a fun track about guitar pickin’. It’s a dialogue between guitars, a layered conversation that unfolds strings of stories, legends, and a touching reality of friendship and admiration.

Barely Gettin’ By showcases Baker’s musical chops with a narrative journey through life’s ups and downs, with each song carving out its own space in the spectrum of emotional hues. As we ride through the sound waves of Barely Gettin’ By, it’s clear that Baker is communicating through his music; he’s speaking to the soul of country music fans everywhere. That’s the short of it!