Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Dixie Chicks
Taking The Long Way
Sony Records

The Chicks have still got it. I’m not ready to declare Taking The Long Way as the best record in their catalog, or as a better record than Fly (which was simply phenomenal), but in terms of music, it’s entirely solid. One thing I just can’t get past is the depth and honesty in every note. Each track, in it’s own way, brims with a sense of confidence and conviction. Even lighter songs like “I Like It” have a mature and stylish vibe to them.

One of the clear standouts in this fourteen song collection (all of which the Chicks had a hand in writing) is “Voice Inside My Head.” We’ve always known that Natalie Maines has a powerhouse of a voice, but the way she keeps it going in this song is astounding. When she sings “I want, I need, somehow to believe / In the choice I made / Am I better off this way,” it is assertive and pleading and shaking, all at the same time.

Likewise, “Easy Silence” is near haunting, then beautiful and deserving of a place in some climactic television finale, what with it’s soft vocals and delicate lyrics. It is one of those songs that sounds so personal and private, you hate to hear it, but you just can’t turn away.

Then there is the Sheryl Crow co-penned and completely atmospheric, “Favorite Year.” If you close your eyes, it really does take you to another place. Back to high school maybe, or back to falling in love for the first time… “Holdin’ on to the memories of when we were younger / ‘Cause when we were together / That’s when I was at my best.”

I only have one complaint, really, and that is that the version of “I Hope” included on this record doesn’t match up to the powerful, Hurricane Katrina charity version available for download on iTunes.com. I miss Robert Randolph asking “so how long is that goin’ on?”, as the ending trucks on in time with the pedal steel guitar.

Still, at the end of the day, you just can’t beat great harmonies and a powerful voice. Here’s to Taking The Long Way! (Did you notice you just read an entire review without even a scant mention of the “incident?” It is possible to talk music about music.)

Album Review by Chris Macon.

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.