DIXIE CHICKS
Taking the Long Way
Producer: Rick Rubin
Open Wide/Columbia
Release Date: May 23

Once the darlings of country, the Chicks lost many fans-and the support of country radio-after a 2003 incident in which Natalie Maines made a relatively innocuous comment about President Bush from a London stage. The group has finally re-emerged stronger, more defiant and more creatively ambitious than ever. The first-time pairing with Rubin has resulted in a surprisingly cohesive mix of country and rock tunes, including co-writes with Sheryl Crow and Neil Finn. While many former fans remain critical of the group for its outspoken political views-an apparent no-no in country music-tracks like "The Long Way Around," "Everybody Knows," "I Hope" (highlighted by a John Mayer guitar solo) and the chillingly sad "Voice Inside My Head" are sure to earn the group at least some of its fans back. -- Phyllis Stark