Taking the Long Way

The Dixie Chicks' came back with a #1 album and a whole ton of attitude. Opening up with the title track, Natalie Maines and her gal pals take us through heart felt confessions and foot stomping pissiness. I had heard them perform "I Hope" a few weeks before this came out on some concert show and since I did like their last album and pretty much love Natalie's attitude, I figured I'd buy this one if I found it priced cheap enough.

But then on the season finale of the TV series Medium, they kept playing this haunting little song with groovy little harmonies, "how long do you wanna be loved? is forever enough/ is forever enough?" and I fell in love. Imagine my happiness when they announced at the end of the show that the music was from the new Dixie Chicks' album. I ran out and bought it the day it came out and I love it. The song is called "Lullabye" and as of right now it's my fav on the album.

On top of those two there is some kick butt stuff on here including "Not Ready To Make Nice" where she addresses her public's opinion of her or the public who disdains her, and her unapologetic opinions on Bush and the state of the world are addressed in a few other songs but no where as good as that one. The whole album is great with fun harmonies, heartfelt lyrics and an unabashed attitude which I love.

An absolutely superb album - very, very honest, extremely well-written lyrics and excellent music ... a little country, some ballads, some very excellent rock. Stories of mostly recent and some past experiences, very real. Easy to listen to, but better if you pay close attention.

For those of us who have been waiting for this ... it exceeds all possible expectations - by far their best album to date, but, more importantly, one of the best albums of all time from anyone. Will be hard if not impossible to top, but they don't need to ... just enjoy.


PS: Many of us in Texas could have said exactly the same thing, verbatim, he is an embarrassment, nothing's changed, with a 29% approval rating, it's just apparent to more people now.

Okay, yeah, this album is a departure from the light-hearted serious and is more just plain serious. That doesn't mean it's not an absolutely wonderful piece of work. I will forever be a Dixie Chicks fan for this reason - HOW can you possibly go wrong when you have two wonderfully talented musicians (Emily & Marty) with an equally talented musician (Natalie) that also has such a strong vocal ability??? You just can't. Dixie Chicks have never been "the norm". Their unique style will always be what both sets them apart AND puts them on top.

As much as I loved HOME and FLY I disliked this CD. I was expecting at least something as lively and entertaining as their previous works. This was a snoozer. It will gather dust until I can trade for something better. The voices were there but the ballad like songs just dragged on and on.

I can listen to this CD for ever. I'd skip one or two songs that I don't like but the rest of the CD is great. I love Dixie Chicks. Great lyrics and rhythm. Even my 17 month old daughter dances to some of the songs.