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Taking The Long Way
by
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Taking The Long Way Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 142 Ratings

  • Summary: Rick Rubin "executive" produced the controversial country outfit's first release in four years. John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt, and members of Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Heartbreakers guest.

Top Track

Not Ready To Make Nice
Forgive? Sounds good Forget? I'm not sure I could They say time heals everything But I'm still waiting I'm through with doubt There's nothing left... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Finally, they put their music where their opinionated mouths are.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    [The] lack of zest in the production is forgivable because Taking the Long Way is otherwise a strong, confident affair.
  3. PopMatters
    80
    Apart from the political material, they’ve rustled up some of their most gorgeous melodies.
  4. Billboard
    70
    The first-time pairing with Rubin has resulted in a surprisingly cohesive mix of country and rock tunes.
  5. Amazon.com
    70
    On first listen, Taking the Long Way seems too somber--in need of a bit of levity and more than a couple of uptempo songs (like the sexy, '60s-flavored "I Like It") to resonate for the long haul. It also seems to lack the writing quality that Darrell Scott, Patty Griffin, and Bruce Robison brought to Home. But on repeated plays, those concerns dissipate.
  6. ShakingThrough.net
    68
    Taking the Long Way wraps its still-raw emotions in sweet satin sheets of breezy, middle-of-the-road pop. While there are still some country elements, the album mostly exists in that top-down netherworld of Sheryl Crow albums and Tom Petty's "Learning to Fly."
  7. Slant Magazine
    10
    It's not just Rubin's production choices that fail, though--it's the songwriting.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 109
  3. Negative: 14 out of 109
  1. Patrick
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Anybody who gives it a 0 or 1 obviously holds a huge bias. There are so many great songs on this album. 10 because it deserves it
  2. ValarieS
    May 30, 2006
    10
    It really saddens me that the people who the Dixie Chicks really could speak to and make a difference with have chosen to bury their It really saddens me that the people who the Dixie Chicks really could speak to and make a difference with have chosen to bury their collective heads in the sand. This CD is incredible, and they don't even care. Blind patriotism was big in Germany not so long ago too!… Collapse
  4. JimmyD
    May 23, 2006
    10
    Excellent! Killer music and a bold message, flying in the face of war-mongering criticism. A must buy.
  5. JDWilliams
    Jun 23, 2006
    10
    EVERY SONG ON THIS CD PLEASES MY EARS! everyone should own this cd i havent heard a cd this good in so long.
  6. AndyZ
    Jun 20, 2006
    9
    This is an outstanding album with a number of great and memorable songs. The best Chicks album ever and a moving declaration of defiance.
  7. DineshP
    Jul 12, 2006
    8
    Good Overall. Not a country fan. But good music. lot of power and emotion. Valid points, Beautiful arrangement with the typical DC delivery Good Overall. Not a country fan. But good music. lot of power and emotion. Valid points, Beautiful arrangement with the typical DC delivery makes this one a must have. And more importantly they made a point and stuck to it. Bush should listen to this and Pink's Im not dead.… Expand
  8. DonC
    May 22, 2006
    0
    At one time this group was my favorite; if I hear their song being played now, I stop listening to the station playing them. Personally, I At one time this group was my favorite; if I hear their song being played now, I stop listening to the station playing them. Personally, I think all three of them are idiots… Expand

See all 109 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2006

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