Album Review: I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On by The Broken West
Alright, let’s talk about I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On, the 2007 gem from The Broken West. If you’re into that sweet spot where indie rock meets alt-country with a dash of pop sensibility, this album is basically your new best friend. Released under Merge Records (you know, the label that knows how to pick ‘em), it’s got all the feels—nostalgic vibes, bittersweet lyrics, and enough musical layers to keep things interesting without overwhelming ya.
First off, can we just appreciate Brian Whelan? Dude does everything. Bass, vocals, piano, organ—you name it, he’s on it. And Rob McCorkindale isn’t slacking either; dude’s laying down beats, shaking tambourines, and even throwing in some banjo for good measure. It’s like they had a “who can multitask better” contest in the studio. Spoiler: everyone won.
Now, onto the tracks. There are two that really stuck with me: “Slow” and “Down in the Valley.”
“Slow” hits different right outta the gate. The opening riff feels like walking into an old diner at sunset—warm but kinda melancholy, y’know? Whelan’s voice has this laid-back ache to it, like he’s telling you something he doesn’t wanna admit to himself. Musically, it’s simple yet layered enough to make you hit repeat. It’s one of those songs that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, like finding a twenty in an old jacket pocket.
Then there’s “Down in the Valley,” which might as well come with a warning label: may cause spontaneous daydreaming. This track is pure Americana-tinged indie goodness. Between the pedal steel guitar sliding around and the gentle sway of the melody, it feels like driving through dusty backroads with no particular destination. Lyrically, it’s vague enough to let your mind wander but vivid enough to stick with you. Honestly, if this song were a person, it’d be the cool older sibling who always knows what to say.
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like “Baby On My Arm” bring the heartstring tugs, while bonus cuts like “Sparks” add a little extra spice. Even though some tunes feel familiar, they never cross into boring territory. It’s comforting, like hearing an old story told in a fresh way.
Here’s the kicker, though: listening to this record feels like hanging out with someone who gets it. They don’t try too hard to impress you—they just show up, authentic and raw. Maybe that’s why it didn’t blow up charts worldwide, but hey, maybe that’s also why it still holds up over a decade later.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: if this album were a food, it’d totally be avocado toast. Simple, satisfying, and somehow exactly what you need even if you didn’t know it.
So yeah, give I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On a spin. Whether you’re vibing solo or chilling with friends, it’s the kind of music that makes life feel a little richer. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “Down in the Valley” for days.
