The Dixie Chicks – Taking The Long Way

Artist: The Dixie Chicks

Title: Taking The Long Way

Label: Sony

Rating: 8.5/10

FILE UNDER: The Dixie Chicks are back and better than ever.

CORPORATE LINE: With Taking The Long Way, one of the most anticipated albums in recent years, the Dixie Chicks are putting themselves out there like never before. For the first time, every one of the disc’s fourteen songs are co-written by the Chicks themselves, exploring themes both deeply private and resoundingly political. Collaborating with legendary producer Rick Rubin (who has worked with everyone from Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, from Run DMC to Neil Diamond), the biggest-selling female band in history has truly pushed themselves to new heights both as writers and as performers.

“Everything felt more personal this time,” says Maines. “I go back to songs we’ve done in the past and there’s just more maturity, depth, intelligence on these. They just feel more grown-up.” Inspired by such classic rock artists as the Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and the Mamas and the Papas, Taking The Long Way adds a sweeping, Southern California vibe to the Chicks’ down-home intimacy. That ambition is matched with lyrics addressing everything from small-town narrow-mindedness (“Lubbock or Leave It”) to the psychology of celebrity (“Everybody Knows”). “This album was about finding a balance in the different aspects of our lives,” says Emily Robison, “but there’s something thematic there, too–it’s really about being bold.”

THE GOOD:
“The Long Way Around” – The verse about not kissing “all the asses that they told me to” is great—particularly after the George Bush outcry and everyone in country music desiring them to conform. On top of all that, it’s a great song.
“Easy Silence” – Producer Rick Ruben seems to have taken a bit of country out of the Chicks and proves they can make great music irregardless of genre. Take that country music.
“Voice Inside My Head” – Wow. What a great song—the Dixie Chicks aren’t going away anytime soon.
“Not Ready To Make Nice” – Natalie gives me goosebumps as she sings from her heart and gives all of her soul about being “mad as hell” about the whole George Bush controversy.
“I Like It” – There is something familiar with “I Like It.” You’d swear you’ve heard this song before. Maybe it’s because it sounds decades old—the flavor is reminiscent of a Beatles song—perhaps we can thank producer Rick Rubin.
“I Hope” – The Chicks go out on a high gospel note—selling it with all the sassy they can muster.

THE AVERAGE:
“Everybody Knows” – Although its not a weak song—its hard to kick out four great songs in a row and after “Not Ready To Make Nice” this song pales.

THE BAD:
Nothing.

FRANKLY: The fact that the Dixie Chicks ever had so many people mad over what they said about George Bush is an embarrassment. Why? Because Kanye West says on national television that George Bush hates black people and everyone says “yep, he’s right.” Natalie says something not nearly as inflammatory and all hell breaks loose. When Bono says something about politicians it’s cool and edgy—but when a country artist says something political it’s too progressive. Well, the Dixie Chicks are getting the last laugh with Taking The Long Way”–mostly because we all know Bush is a train-wreck. This is a brilliant album that assures the Chicks the ability to do and say whatever they want and let they music shut everyone’s mouths.

+ Rae Gun