John, Dear – the latest single from Baylee Lynn
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
Baylee Lynn has a bright new single, John, Dear aimed directly at the mid tempo youth country market. This young energetic singer delivers a swagger filled song that has all the qualities of a radio ready hit. A quick electric guitar intro leads right into the first verse as Baylee sings, “Felt your eyes on us from across the room, I see where your mind is going to.” This begins the story of assuring her love interest that there’s no cause for concern as she gently dials up the humor in the second verse. “Worry ‘bout your precious Volunteers, worry ‘bout the tread on your Goodyears.”
The accompanying video is a high school story line set in a backyard party where her paramour enviously watches from the sidelines as she chats up a few male friends. Various football motifs get worked in as well as a nod to some local jerseys. Dressed throughout in her signature red, Baylee playfully rises above the drama created by the jousting males.
Written by Baylee Lynn, AJ Pruis, Jenna Shuffler and Mia Manta the tune hits its stride in the chorus with, “Don’t you worry ‘bout John, dear, he’s just a guy I’ve known for years,” as Lynn belts out the refrain with confidence. The clever lyric suits Baylee’s range and allows her to turn in the sensitive melody when needed, but ring the bell on the money notes with her authentic country sound. You can hear many influences in her voice, but Baylee gives a reading on this new single, that’s all her own.
Grammy nominated producer, AJ Pruis, known for his work with Megan Maroney and Maddie And Tae, does a great job of infusing John, Dear with an infectious rhythm. Showcasing Baylee’s vocal prowess places the session players in a reserved yet reliable position of rendering a great country track. AJ also produced Cautiously Optimistic, the triumphant debut single that quickly topped Billboard’s new music poll and set Baylee’s career on a new trajectory.
Originally from Greenville, Tennessee, Baylee now lives in Nashville. She got her start singing in church and taught herself to play the guitar at six years old. Writing her first song at thirteen, Baylee draws inspiration from Dolly Parton and Faith Hill. At just seventeen, it looks like Baylee Lynn has a tremendous life in front of her.