When your first two records both sell over ten million copies, spawn numerous hit singles and steer an entire genre toward a newer sound, one could say that you would feel pressure to replicate that success a mind blowing third time. Either you could be money-smart and churn out a similar record to your first two, safely going for the guaranteed money and accolades or you could be true innovators and artists, doing something completely left field to make your fans (and critics, natch) think.

This is exactly what now-blacklisted country trio the Dixie Chicks did with this deconstructed bare bones junior effort, a nod to roots-y backwoods Texas grit. Instead of glossing over their sound and foregoing artistry like most, they made a powerful record that still sold more than most.

Tracklisting:
Long Time Gone (*****)
Landslide (**** ½)
Travelin’ Solider (*****)
Truth Number Two (*****)
White Trash Wedding (*****)
A Home (**** ½)
More Love (**** ½)
I Believe In Love (*****)
Tortured, Tangled Hearts (**** ½)
Lil’ Jack Slade (*****)
Godspeed (*****)
Top of the World (*****)

Lead singles Long Time Gone will make people unfamiliar with the record sit up and pat attention, as its glaringly different than anything they had previously even attempted. A roughneck back-porch-after-dinner good ol’ time that boasts some serious musical chops (note the bouncy acoustics, weeping mandolin and intensely concentrated banjo), lead singer Natalie Maines absolutely rips thru the account of times gone by, describing sisters, jobs and their big break, in her usual extroverted, high glossed albeit super soulful greatness. Its edginess makes it that much more perfect of a choice for a single while the genuineness is appreciated. The much debated cover of Landslide also did quite well, but starts losing fans at a slow pace. While different from Fleetwood Mac’s from-the-heart mystical familial anthem (and Nicks’ fabulously raspy and tender performance), it still serves its purpose, taking the song in a different direction, almost personalizing it. Maines takes on some weariness and age to her vocal tone while the steady acoustics, bluegrass backing harmonies and cascading banjo all make this a worthy and justifiable cover.

One of my favorite songs of all time, Travelin’ Soldier leaves me speechless, even when trying to pen this review. The tale of a young relationship and the affect war has on it after a chance meeting, you can’t help but be enthralled by it, the storytelling endearing it much more. Maines’ performance is hauntingly spectacular, unfolding the heart-wrenching story with drama, passion and a noticeable flair. She brings tears to your eyes on the inevitable ending, as the weeping dobro, twangy acoustics and elegant fiddle play on in the background. Truth No. 2 took on a new meaning after their controversy, a snarling bluegrass-heavy barnyard-ready impromptu sounding middle finger to anyone who thinks otherwise. It balances the line between classy and trashy quite well, Maines’ hellcat demeanor spewing poetic gems of wisdom and wistfulness over tickling banjo, lazy acoustics and sprightly fiddle.

In pure Dixie Chicks style, there has to be some comedy in every situation, with one track usually dedicated to it. A play off a member’s Vegas shotgun wedding, White Trash Wedding’s campy gloriousness and infinite repeatability are caused by the laughably over-the-top musicianship (you’ll be slappin’ your knee and do-si-doing in no time) and the tongue-in-cheek refrain I shouldn’t be wearing white/ And you can’t afford no ring. A Home brings the seriousness back to the record, a from-the-trenches obviously damaged ethereal ballad of a broken home and nomadic qualities in a person’s psyche. Maines tones down her performance significantly, as she joins with the buzzing ghoustly back-up to tear your heart out. Its beautifully constructed, appealing and purely endearing.

More Love is less of a striking listen but keeps the string of winners flowing nicely. Over dreamy acoustics, caressing banjo and crawling fiddles, Maines begs her significant other for a resolution to their disagreement. While the lyrics can also be construed as a message of nonviolence in world affairs, you notice how well-meaning and powerfully succinct they are. Maines shoots from the hip, wearing her heart on her sleeve, again to amazing results. I Believe In Love just screams concert showstopper, the gradual accumulation of instruments resulting in an admirable climax. This track just floats along contentedly, a hybrid of gospel harmonization, pop song structure and country…everything else. Its softness and tangibility is breathtaking, almost possessing a lullaby-esque quality to it.

Co-penned with my fellow Kentucky boy Marty Stuart, the vivaciously free Tortured, Tangled Hearts is a spectacular display of bluegrass intelligence. Everything from the song’s natural arrangement to Maines’ textured albeit dynamically phrased performance to the endearingly relatable lyrical scheme makes you wonder what else they’re capable of doing, how they can evolve from such a peak of creativity. The Grammy winning instrumental Lil’ Jack Slade surprised me because I hadn’t expected the Chicks to showcase their musical gifts on such a level. Nonetheless, this proves how amazing they are, the fiddle shredding through the webbed, almost secure acoustic underbelly, the dobro delightfully two-stepping its way down the line and a real sense of fun being had.

Godspeed features a touching albeit surreal (at first) lyrical scheme that’s housed by warbling guitars, trilling cadences and deep fiddle. It’s one of those songs where you stop what you’re doing and just listen, everything forming before your eyes. Top of the World impressed me, their affinity for great song selection shining through; this Patty Griffin penned song reaches spectacular heights for being such a timid listen. The story of an old man looking back on his life mistakes, it does indeed make you think, not only about your own life but about how realistically a 30-something female can capture the helplessness, regret and frustration that age can bring.

We are changing the way we do business
This statement is found in the liner notes of the record, a shining example of the evolution of the Chicks. While they keep their blazing musicianship, knockout lead vocalist and signature humor, they crafted a more stern, topic-oriented set of material, less gloss and more grit. When their Rick Rubin produced album comes out, I’m sure we’ll see what time, thought and consideration have done for the down and dirty Texas trio.

Great Music To Play While: hosting your very own hoe-down/political rally extravaganza

Pay Attention To: Top of the World, Truth No. 2, Travelin’ Soldier

Last Three Reviews:
Renee Olstead- Renee Olstead
Cyndi Thomson- My World
Sugarland- Twice The Speed of Life


Recommended: Yes