Dixie Chicks

Released on May 23, 2006, Taking the Long Way is the seventh studio album by the American country group The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks). It stands as one of the most significant "comeback" albums in music history, marking the group's first release following the massive political backlash they faced in 2003.

Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, the album leaned more into country-rock and acoustic rock rather than their traditional bluegrass-influenced sound.

For the first time, every song on the album was co-written by the band members (Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer).

Much of the record serves as a defiant response to their blacklisting from country radio. The lead single, "Not Ready to Make Nice," explicitly addresses the death threats and vitriol they received after criticizing George W. Bush.