Not sure whats happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Taking The Long Way gets. Taking The Long Way simply put is one of their best CDs to date.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce thats exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

The CD opens with a great track, The Long Way Around, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

Dixie Chicks is one of those groups that have the ability to just bowl you over with their collective talent. The kind of musicians its really a treat to be able to listen to.

If youre a Dixie Chicks fan, or just a fan of Country music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

One of the really nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and youve got one of Dixie Chicks most impressive releases ever.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 1 - The Long Way Around, track 3 - Not Ready To Make Nice, and track 10 - Voice Inside My Head.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7 - Lubbock Or Leave It. Good stuff!

Taking The Long Way Release Notes:

Dixie Chicks originally released Taking The Long Way on May 23, 2006 on the Open Wide Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Long Way Around 2. Easy Silence 3. Not Ready To Make Nice 4. Everybody Knows 5. Bitter End 6. Lullaby 7. Lubbock Or Leave It 8. Silent House 9. Favorite Year 10. Voice Inside My Head 11. I Like It 12. Baby Hold On 13. So Hard 14. I Hope

Personnel: John Mayer , Keb' Mo', Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Bonnie Raitt, Chad Smith.