Gotta say, it’s crazy to think it’s been 20 years since The Chicks released their album Taking the Long Way. This record was a game-changer for the trio, and its impact still resonates today. What struck me on my first listen to the original release was how the group’s harmonies and songwriting skills sneaks up on you, making the album feel timeless.
The Chicks’ Legacy
The Chicks — Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer — are quietly one of the most influential country-pop acts of the 2000s, and Taking the Long Way is a big part of that legacy. The album earned them five Grammys, including album of the year, and spawned hits like “Not Ready to Make Nice”. This era of music feels like a defining moment in the early 2000s country-pop scene, with the group’s sound turning up the volume on storytelling and lyrical depth.
The band’s ability to craft songs that simmer with emotion and polish things up with their signature harmonies is what makes Taking the Long Way such a beloved record. As they prepare to embark on their 20th anniversary tour, it’s the perfect opportunity for fans to relive these songs live and experience the magic of their performance.
Taking the Long Way: 20th Anniversary Edition
The special reissue, Taking the Long Way: 20th Anniversary Edition, is due out on Oct. 2, featuring two previously unreleased tracks, “Thin Line” and “Live Wire,” as well as demo versions of “Not Ready to Make Nice” and “Flowers”. The unreleased tracks will also be available to stream for the first time, and fans can pre-order the anniversary edition here. The trio will perform the entire album live in concert for the first time along with fan-favorite hits on their upcoming tour, which kicks off on Sept. 30.
It feels like the perfect way for the band to celebrate this journey with the fans who have been with them every step of the way. As the group said in a statement, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Taking the Long Way. These songs take us right back to one of the most defining times in our lives, and it’s incredible how much they still resonate today.”
To my ear, the 20th anniversary reissue of Taking the Long Way is a must-listen for fans of the band and the country-pop genre as a whole. It’s a chance to revisit a classic record and experience the band’s music in a new way, with the added bonus of previously unreleased tracks and demo versions of fan favorites.