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.

One trademark that is stronger than ever is the melodic sensibilities. After all, there's a reason that the girls have had more radio hits than most artists can only dream of. Co-written with Dan Wilson of Semisonic, "Voice Inside My Head" is tailor-made to be the next, as it sounds like a catchy cross between Over The Rhine and Fleetwood Mac. "The Long Way Around" kicks off the album with a sing-along quality that defines many of the girls' previous albums.

Lead singer Natalie Maines has never sounded this vulnerable or this confident. The emotion is clear on each song and she declares it with one of the industry's best voices. "Not Ready to Make Nice" is a beautiful example of this as Maines sings directly of her anger and frustration, but the lush orchestration and confident delivery makes it arguably the strongest track on the album. "Easy Silence" features a melancholy build that seduces the listener to sing along.

Legendary producer Rick Rubin (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash) was brought in to helm this project and his influence is easy to see. There isn't a piece out of place, but the album isn't too perfect. Emotion is still audible and yet the songs are accessible. The mix is perfect as each part is beautifully arranged while still allowing Maines and Co. to retain center stage.

Just as refusing to take the time to see Mission Impossible 3 because Tom Cruise jumped on some couch will have you missing out on a good summer movie, so will refusing to listen to this album. Taking The Long Way is the musical culmination of newfound confidence that creates a memorable album from beginning to end. Even with their impressive career thus far, at least musically, the girls have never sounded better.