If It Takes Forever (Gate) [LP]

Since debuting in 2004 with a self-titled album, Brett Dennen has established himself as the kind of singer-songwriter whofinds inspiration by digging into the nooks and crannies of the human condition-exploring pain,joy, sadness, and all points in between. Along the way, Dennen has had multiple top 10 hits on AAA radio, with the keening title track of See the World, landing at No. 4 in 2021. Brett's touring plans have seen him alongside artists like John Mayer, Jason Mraz and G Love and Special Sauce, as well as landing multiple song placements in the hit TV show Parenthood.With "If It Takes Forever" (Mick Music), the California native'seighth solo album and first full-length since 2021's See the World, is no exception. The warm, immersive collection boasts deeply felt sentiments, underpinned by rich acoustic guitars andDennen's earnest vocals, in the vein of dusky Americana ("Golden State of Mind"), harmonica-driven blues (the Tom Petty-esque "Careful What You Wish For"), rootsy indie ("Don't Go Talking"), and meditative folk-rock (highlight "Time To Wake Up").If It Takes Forever emerged from a tough 2023 for Dennen, as he was dealing with the death of his dad. "He was such a strong figure in my life that I depended on so much as both a dad and abest friend," he said. "And I knew immediately in order for me to deal with his death, the best thing I could do was to make an album about it."Alongside the release of If It Takes Forever, Dennen plans to hit the road once again, but he possesses additional perspective on-and gratitude for-the solace provided by art and music. "To really boil it down,this is life," he says. "Life is full of things that get complicated and make you busy, and are really hard to deal with. But if you write songs about it, and put it into art, then it makes it a lot more relevant and meaningful and worthy of celebration."