Brandon Santini – Which Way Do We Go? | A Gritty, Soul-Soaked Roadmap of Modern Blues

Review By Glen Parkes

With Which Way Do We Go?, out May 9th via MoMojo Records, Brandon Santini tears up the rulebook and writes a new chapter in his already impressive blues legacy. Recorded in the musical heartland of Memphis, Tennessee, and produced alongside his longtime collaborator Jeff Jensen, this record is a powerhouse of honesty, resilience, and soul.

Written during the uncertainty of the pandemic and its slow-burning aftermath, the album sees Santini baring more than just blues licks — he delivers vulnerability and reflection wrapped in electrified arrangements and rich storytelling. It’s an album that doesn’t just ask the question “Which way do we go?” — it grabs the wheel and drives straight through the emotional storm.

The title track immediately anchors the record in introspection and grit. Loaded with expressive harmonica runs and raw vocals, it poses a spiritual crossroads — a recurring motif throughout the album.

The War Ain’t Over One of the album’s heaviest hitters. This track brims with emotional weight, echoing the ongoing personal battles that never seem to end. Santini’s voice aches with truth. See That Pony
Co-written with Jensen, it injects some lightness into the set. This track gallops with a traditional blues spirit but wears a playful grin — it’s pure Memphis swagger. Ain’t Turning Back A Southern-blues anthem of defiance and survival. A slow-burning soul-blues tune that makes you feel every mile of the road behind you. Do What Comes Naturally A feel-good groove layered with deep messages about staying true to yourself. This one glows with authenticity. Mile After Mile Another Jensen collaboration that rides the long road of touring and chasing dreams. The tension between weariness and hope simmers just beneath the surface.

Working on a Mystery Short, mysterious, and slightly off-beat. This track—co-written with Timo Arthur—acts like a musical question mark. Moody, dark, and cinematic. Trouble Stay Away A bluesy plea wrapped in an infectious rhythm. The band’s chemistry is undeniable here—funky, fast, and full of fight. Blues So Bad Classic blues heartbreak, elevated by Santini’s powerhouse harmonica and vocal delivery. One of the album’s most emotionally charged moments. Baby’s Got Soul Just as the name suggests—this one’s got swing, charm, and swagger. A shining tribute to the roots of soul and blues, executed with effortless class.She Got the Wayn The album closes on a high with this groove-filled love song. A soulful celebration of that magnetic pull some people just have.

Santini’s harmonica prowess is front and center throughout the album, complemented by his emotive vocals. The collaboration with Jeff Jensen brings a cohesive sound, blending traditional blues elements with contemporary flair. The band’s synergy is palpable, creating a rich tapestry of sound that honors the genre’s roots while pushing its boundaries

Brandon Santini isn’t just playing the blues—he’s living it, breathing it, and pushing it into fresh territory. Which Way Do We Go? captures a transformative time in his life and career, packaging it into a record that feels both timeless and urgently current.

This album is not afraid to ask hard questions or dive into deep emotions, and it never loses its footing. For blues fans, this is essential listening. For newcomers, it’s a brilliant introduction to what the genre can still achieve in 2025.

Track Listing:

1. Which Way Do We Go?
2. The War Ain’t Over
3. See That Pony
4. Ain’t Turning Back
5. Do What Comes Naturally
6. Mile After Mile
7. Working on a Mystery
8. Trouble Stay Away
9. Blues So Bad
10. Baby’s Got Soul
11. She Got the Way

Santini proves once again why he’s a leading light in the modern blues world. Which Way Do We Go? is soulful, stormy, and beautifully human. An album worth every spin.