Taking The Long Way
by Dixie Chicks
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: May 23, 2006
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 142 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 142
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 142
  3. Negative: 17 out of 142

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  1. NormaR
    May 23, 2006
    10
    I love it and I am glad that they are so defiant. It gives them a new breath of life. I love, love, love this album.
  2. JimmyD
    May 23, 2006
    10
    Excellent! Killer music and a bold message, flying in the face of war-mongering criticism. A must buy.
  3. MattM
    May 23, 2006
    9
    For the first time they sound 100% engaged with the emotional base of each song. It's touching, poignant, and only lacking a great Patty Griffin tune. These are the Dixie Chicks of "Goodbye Earl," but with an experience that rings more true and a melody far more wispy and lovely. For the funtime rockabilly it eschews "Taking the Long Way" recasts the Chicks as songwriters and For the first time they sound 100% engaged with the emotional base of each song. It's touching, poignant, and only lacking a great Patty Griffin tune. These are the Dixie Chicks of "Goodbye Earl," but with an experience that rings more true and a melody far more wispy and lovely. For the funtime rockabilly it eschews "Taking the Long Way" recasts the Chicks as songwriters and musicians determined to avoid knee-jerk punditry for profound art.… Expand
  4. Nick
    May 23, 2006
    10
    I honestly didn't expect much; I loved the bluegrass-tinged Home and thought their next album would find them reverting to earlier (albeit still good) form. Instead it's their best, most cohesive, hook-filled album to date - even better than Home. Enough about the politics; this is just damn good music.
  5. LisaL
    May 23, 2006
    10
    This album is an undeniable masterpiece. Music with this much honesty and integrity, and above all, talent, is certainly a rarity in the music industry.
  6. susana
    May 22, 2006
    10
    Powerful!!! Glad to see the Chicks are back making great music. I have never been a fan of country music but I have always loved the Dixie Chicks. I am very pleased with this new release. The range and musical acuity demonstrated has long been missed by this listener.
  7. MattD.
    May 22, 2006
    10
    I'm proud of the Dixie Chicks. These true patriots are beating country at its own game on this stellar album. It is something that a country/pop artist like Faith Hill would approach if she went beyond Nashville boundaries - but this CD is something only the Chicks can do. Great job!
  8. HectorC
    May 22, 2006
    10
    It rocks from beginning to end.
  9. 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 think all three of them are idiots
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    70
    This album has some of what was missing from Home: fire, ugliness, resentment. [Jun 2006, p.135]
See all critic reviews »