If you like country music, you'll love their classic country roots. If you don't like country music, you'll like their clever lyrics and rebellious attitude. No matter what side of the fence you're on the Dixie Chicks are a win-win for every music fan. Just to be clear - we're talking music here, not politics.
In a nutshell, Martie (the one with the fiddle) and Emily (the one with the banjo) Erwin formed the Dixie Chicks, an all-girls country group with bluegrass roots, in 1989 in Dallas Texas with two other girls who have since been kicking themselves for either leaving or being booted out of the band. No matter which, Martie and Emily got a new lead singer Natalie Maines, and this is when the Dixie Chicks took off commercially.
Maines brought a spit-fire spirit to the group's dynamic and they produced rebel-rousing hits like "Sin Wagon" and "Goodbye Earl," but the Chicks also created softer, inspirational jams like "Wide Open Spaces" and "Cowboy Take Me Away."
"There's Your Trouble" and "I Can Love You Better" are also
great examples of the Dixie Chicks style of capturing the style of classic country with a rock flair.
Like all bands, the Dixie Chicks have had ample controversy, most of it being political. In 2003, while on tour in London, Maines made a comments about the former president, George W. Bush, and the shit hit the fan.
There was CD burning and massive protests from disgruntled fans and G.W. supporters, in general. Radio stations refused to play their music, and they even received death threats. The backlash from that night directly impacted the livelihood of the Dixie Chicks but not before they recorded the album, "Taking the Long Way," which included great songs like "Not Ready To Make Nice," "Easy Silence," "Everybody Knows," and "The Long Way Around."
With the success of "Taking the Long Way" the Chicks became the first female band in chart history to have three albums debut at No. 1.
Whether you like the politics or not, you gotta have some Dixie Chicks in your playlist. They're fun, catchy, feisty, and insightful. Even if you don't like country, you should give the Chicks a whirl. I bet you'll find you wouldn't mind another go.
Maines brought a spit-fire spirit to the group's dynamic and they produced rebel-rousing hits like "Sin Wagon" and "Goodbye Earl," but the Chicks also created softer, inspirational jams like "Wide Open Spaces" and "Cowboy Take Me Away."
"There's Your Trouble" and "I Can Love You Better" are also
great examples of the Dixie Chicks style of capturing the style of classic country with a rock flair.
Like all bands, the Dixie Chicks have had ample controversy, most of it being political. In 2003, while on tour in London, Maines made a comments about the former president, George W. Bush, and the shit hit the fan.
There was CD burning and massive protests from disgruntled fans and G.W. supporters, in general. Radio stations refused to play their music, and they even received death threats. The backlash from that night directly impacted the livelihood of the Dixie Chicks but not before they recorded the album, "Taking the Long Way," which included great songs like "Not Ready To Make Nice," "Easy Silence," "Everybody Knows," and "The Long Way Around."
With the success of "Taking the Long Way" the Chicks became the first female band in chart history to have three albums debut at No. 1.
Whether you like the politics or not, you gotta have some Dixie Chicks in your playlist. They're fun, catchy, feisty, and insightful. Even if you don't like country, you should give the Chicks a whirl. I bet you'll find you wouldn't mind another go.
Must Have Chicks Tunes
The Long Way Around
"The Long Way Around" is off the Taking the Long Way album and is as inspirational as it is toe-tapping. The song captures the spitfire, carefree attitudes of the Chicks to a tee.
There's Your Trouble
Off the Wide Open Spaces album, "There's Your Trouble" is such a catchy tune, you'll find yourself humming it throughout your day. Not only does it have clever lyrics and a catchy rhythm, Natalie's voice represents that classic country twang that makes country music fun to sing along with.
Goodbye Earl
"Goodbye Earl" is one of many great songs from the Fly album. The song tells a sad tale of domestic violence in a humorous, Thelma and Louise way that can only be described as classic country storytelling. But, don't let those classic country roots fool you. After it's release the song became an inspirational anthem of sorts for all women, and it is an excellent example of the type of attitude often found in the Chicks' music.
Not Ready to Make Nice
If you've ever been pissed off in your life, felt you had been mistreated, or are a general fan of holding a grudge, you've gotta have this song in your playlist. The entire Taking the Long Way album is a big middle finger to the political nightmare the Dixie Chicks were involved in following a comment Natalie made while on tour in London. The backlash of that fiasco, however trying on band members, produced some great music for their fans. "Not Ready to Make Nice" sums up their experience in a way that makes the hair on your arms stand at attention by the end of the song.
Long Time Gone
"Long Time Gone" is not one of the more popular Chicks' song, but it certainly is fun to listen to. Off their Home album, this song is a return to their bluegrass, classic country roots. It's catchy, upbeat, and is fun to sing along to.
Wide Open Spaces
Wide Open Spaces is both carefree and inspirational at the same time, and it captures a feeling of optimism that's at the heart of the Dixie Chicks' music. The lyrics are uplifting, and the feelings expressed are something everyone can relate to. If you're looking for a feel good song about being brave enough to strike out on your own, give "Wide Open Spaces" a go.