Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way (CD 2006)

New to this group I took a chance and bought this CD. I'm, not usualy a fan of this style of C&W music but this album is outstanding. From the very first bars of the opening track it winds through a range of styles using the Chicks wonderful harmonies, catchy tunes and great musicianship to produce a CD that makes great listening - in your car or at home.

A great cd by the Dixie chicks, my first of theirs. Features some great tracks, my favourite has to be said is "Not ready to make nice." Brilliant track that's a nice break from their usual country music style. Hopefuuly they'll produce more tracks like this one, rock-ish style.

All round though a great cd, terrific buy from a great ebayer.

I have been a fan of the dixie chicks for some years now, I purchase they new CD and have found it to be of good music as i would expect from this group

I simply love this album.
Their first release since a huge boycott US wide, after speaking out about President Bush.
They stick by their guns and beliefs and it all comes across in the album. The lyrics are great, and through the lyrics you get a sense of the injustice they have experienced.
Great music throughout, and a thoroughly good listen

I’m not normally a Country Music fan or indeed a “huge” Dixie Chicks fan but do have in my collection all their albums and this release is similar in style to the previous CD’s. I enjoy their ability to crossover into the mainstream “easy listening” genre. For me the “Dixie’s” albums are a mixture of the sublime, the good and the just plain awful and suffice to say this is in keeping with that opinion.

The album kicks off with the track “The Long Way Around” a fine example of acceptable Country listening. The banjo, mandolin, violin ate joined by the more common guitars, drums and piano. Great vocal performance from the girls and lyrics, which are easy to understand and sing along to.

The pace slows with “Easy Silence”. A track which doesn’t fit into the Country tag whatsoever for me. Again beautifully written, played and sung.

Every album generally (for me) has a standout track, which instantly grabs my attention. Here it’s “Not Ready To Make Nice” a slow paced track which tells a personal story which the girls suffered as a result of some “words” used in the US about President Bush. It’s one of those tracks where you learn the lyrics, crank up the volume and delight in all that music has to offer. Simply put this is quite awesome.

“Everybody Knows” is a gentle piece, which never hits the heights of the first three tracks but is pleasant enough. “Bitter End” follows in the same slow paced vein but this has a somewhat more typical Country sound. Whilst these two tracks are not anywhere near the “Dixie’s” best they fall into that category I described earlier as “good”. You certainly won’t be reaching for the skip button.

Next up is a track called “Lullaby” which is just not my cup of tea. Somewhat dull, far too long and sadly, it’s also where the album takes a downturn for me. The opening highlights are not repeated and it’s generally the end of the album for me. “Lubbock Or Leave It” is too Country for me, although I assume that where I hate it others will no doubt love it. “Silent House” is dull, “Favorite Year” is ok but fails to inspire, and “Voice In My Head” and “I Like It” are again both dull.

“Baby Hold On” is slightly better with some good harmonies from the girls, but “So Hard” and “I Hope” (which closes the album) both fail to inspire me.

In summary this is not one of the best from the Dixie Chicks, but it does contain three tracks that are amongst their best.

I heard the single 'Not Ready to Make Nice' and it blew me away. It is the best track on the album by some distance, but that doesn't mean the rest of the album is patchy.

The band's recent troubles and the Rick Rubin production give the Dixie Chicks a new edge which makes this album an excellent purchase.

If you can find it on eBay for £2.99 like I did, snap it up in a jiffy!

Heard the single "Not ready to Make Nice" and loved it.Wasn't sure about other tracks but since listening to Album have really enjoyed the rest, or though my fav is still not ready to make nice!

Although not a great country lover I do like the pop/country crossover stuff that comes out of USA, particularly the female singers like Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Gretchen Peters. I have all of Dixie Chicks albums and I would say this is the most country they have done and so the one I like least, so far anyway. Some good stuff on here but not as strong overall as their others imo. Its also a little too political, enough of the George Bush battering already.

Risked buying this CD as I had heard one record by Dixie Chicks that I loved. So glad I did. Well worth it.

Every Dixie chicks cd we have bought I tend to think "no this is their best yet", and this is no exeption, this is definately one of my favouites. beautiful from start to finish. buy it....

Heard Not Ready to Make Nice on radio and loved it. You are never sure when you buy the CD whether you will like the other tracks but I love them all. I'm a Country and Rock fan and these 'Chicks' satisfy on both counts.

I saw The Dixie Chicks at Twickenham supporting the Eagles and they were excellent, the live sound was a lot fuller than this studio recording, but this is still a fine CD full of good tunes and great harmonies.