So mainstream country radio dissed the Chicks—but the group hit #1 on Billboard’s country and pop charts anyway. That said, is Taking the Long Way (produced by Rick Rubin) a good CD for we Americana fans? Mostly, especially the first several tracks where there is major ATTITUDE. Then, to my furry ears, cuts start sounding alike and the CD enters a kind of glossy sonic snoozeville—until the gospel-like I Hope, a song co-written by Keb’Mo,’ ends the record on an inspirational and positive note. It ain’t perfect, but you gotta respect the Chicks—no matter how you feel about their presidential dis–for sticking it to the man and living to tell the tale.
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