Introduction
Rediscover Country Spirit: Enjoy “Go West” by Brooks & Dunn (1999)
Brooks & Dunn’s “Go West” finds its home as the fourth track on Steers & Stripes, the duo’s seventh studio album. Written by Kix Brooks in collaboration with veteran Nashville songwriter Bob DiPiero, the song draws on the adventurous spirit and wide-open landscapes evoked by the album’s title. Its placement alongside songs like “Only in America” and “Ain’t Nothing ’bout You” underscores Brooks & Dunn’s early-2000s blend of neotraditional country with rock-tinged production.
Recorded at Arista Nashville and released April 17, 2001, Steers & Stripes was produced by Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Mark Wright. Although the album spawned five singles—three of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart—“Go West” itself was never issued as a single. Instead, it became part of the live show rotation almost immediately, debuting in concert on April 29, 2001, at the AmSouth Amphitheater in Antioch, Tennessee .
Musically, “Go West” features a driving mid-tempo groove built on electric guitar riffs and a sturdy rhythm section, reflecting the duo’s willingness to incorporate rock elements into their country foundation. Backed by soaring harmonies and a chorus evoking both wanderlust and the promise of new horizons, the track resonated with fans even without radio airplay. Critics lauded Steers & Stripes for its versatility—Rolling Stone called the album “favorable” in its review—and “Go West” contributed to that acclaim by showcasing Brooks & Dunn’s knack for storytelling through vivid musical landscapes.
Together, the songwriting pedigree of Brooks and DiPiero, the polished production team, and the song’s energetic arrangement make “Go West” a standout deep cut—one that captures the spirit of exploration at the heart of Steers & Stripes.