Dixie Chicks: Taking the Long Way Review

It's a shame that some won't even give this album a chance. The pre-fanged Dixie Chicks showcased tight harmonies and a soft-core version of girl power that allowed their memorable songs to be played in most radio formats. But while their musical stylings have matured, their confidence has grown from their singing voices to their speaking voices, usually using it to bash the war in Iraq, our current President and other largely Republican agendas. And with it has come the backlash.

Let's be honest. Country music is conservative music. Keep prayin' and keep drinkin' and never finish a verb with the complete 'ing' suffix. Vote Republican, love your girl, keep the gun loaded and the guitars strummin(g). When this is your primary audience, speaking out against the rest of the country isn't a bright idea.

Unless, that is, you don't care about staying within those musical bounds. In the case of The Dixie Chicks, the girls have increasingly made better music, pure and simple. And this has never been more true than on their newest Taking The Long Way. Much like a group like Nickel Creek can absolutely redefine bluegrass, The Dixie Chicks have transcended grown from their country roots to grow flowers that bloom into alt-country, pop/rock and folk territory.

The guest list here is as impressive as a post-Grammy celebration. John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Pete Yorn, Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, Linda Perry, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Finn of Crowded House and many others are just a part of the songwriters and collaborators that are prominent on Taking The Long Way. But let's not think for a moment this album isn't all about the Dixie Chicks. And while the guests are certainly welcome in this house, the owners definitely let you know who is in charge.