Taking the Long Way

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Country-pop music with a message.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is one instance of "ass-kissing" in the lyrics as well as one or two uses of "hell" and "damn." The Dixie Chicks are not afraid to discuss their politics; not all families will be comfortable with their liberal views. Non-Christian listeners may notice a subtle assumption of universal Christianity.

  • Positive messages about taking care of each other in a scary world. Not all families will appreciate the Chicks' politics, though.
  • Anti-violence message.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

In the hands of producer Rick Rubin (who's also worked with Johnny Cash and the Red Hot Chili Peppers), the Chicks show they can rock on TAKING THE LONG WAY. But they also sing the bluesy "I Like It" and the gospel-tinged "I Hope." There seems a bit of that subtle assumption of universal Christianity so prevalent in contemporary country music, but the Chicks don't hit you over the head with it. In lyrics like "Sunday morning/I heard the preacher say/Thou shalt not kill/I don't wanna hear nothing else/about killing and that it is God's will," no judgments are made. Rather there's just the pure message of treating each other right, universally important for listeners of any faith.


Is it any good?

 

You may remember the uproar over the Dixie Chicks' criticism of Presidential policy a few years ago. Addressed on the new CD in the song "Not Ready to Make Nice" ("I'm not ready to make nice/I'm not ready to back down/I'm still mad as hell..."), it's clear that these women stand by their convictions while expressing them with a more adult perspective. There's a new sense of maturity brought into play on beautifully crafted songs. More glossy and elegant than in the past, the performances still slyly address issues both personal and public, with excellent musicianship setting off gorgeous vocals. Family life and motherhood seem to have affected the Chicks' songwriting and performances, imparting sentimental warmth and depth without being cloying.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about "Not Ready to Make Nice," an apparent response to the reaction the Chicks got after criticizing the Bush administration a couple of years ago. Should entertainers talk about politics, or should they stick to entertaining? Do you think Natalie Maines should have apologized for her comments or not?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Kid, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
 
good music!
Fun album to listen to.

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Kid, 13 years old
June 7, 2009
 
this band sucks
lifeismuty is crazy your kids will hate this band now i hate that they trash talked toby keith ( my favorite singer) that song was about our country the red white and blue shame on everyone who likes this band that is why they always loose on cmt power picks GO TOBY

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Parent of 3, 9, and 9 year old
April 9, 2008
 
AVOID !!!!!!! I am so tired of listening to their whining!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Their music is wonderful and extremely inspired. They speak their minds about issues in a non-forceful way with their music, which I believe is important for adolescents who are beginning to form their own set of beliefs (which should ALWAYS be encouraged.) Shame on everyone who left this album a bad review simply because they don't agree with the Dixie Chicks' politics. This is a free country.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
great music, with a good message!
I think that this album has great music. The Dixie Chicks are good role modles, and have really good music to listen to! This music is not inapropriate, and has a good message.

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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
dont like em
i dont like the dixie chicks i used 2 but i dont now i heard their song not ready 2 make nice it not that good but its appropiate

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
the name of the album speaks out for itself and them
Everyone has there opinions on every type of musicians,actors, etc..., this i have to say "They came out of the gate running",since the toby keith issue and other freedom of speech issues the way i look at it-Keep and Open Mind oAnd Don't be Afraid to say whats on your Mind

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Kid, 13 years old
November 5, 2009
 
Love it lots! 'Not Ready to Make Nice' is a track that every American needs to hear!
The Dixie Chicks are very cool! This album is one to be heard! Just a few bad words but nothing that could be sensored on here! Really cool group, really cool album! 4 Stars!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Dixie Chicks
Release date:May 23, 2006
Label:Sony Music
Genre:Country
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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