Taking The Long Way (20th Anniversary Edition) cover

Taking The Long Way (20th Anniversary Edition)

The Chicks · 2026

87 min · 19 tracks · country music

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines personal themes with polished production, making it both engaging and reflective.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a strong thematic arc, with 'Not Ready to Make Nice' serving as a pivotal emotional centerpiece.
  • Several songs feature layered harmonies and intricate instrumentation, blending traditional country elements with pop sensibilities.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Long Way Around 4:32
  • 2 Easy Silence 4:02
  • 3 Not Ready to Make Nice 3:57
  • 4 Everybody Knows 4:18
  • 5 Bitter End 4:37
  • 6 Lullaby 5:50
  • 7 Lubbock or Leave It 3:53
  • 8 Silent House 5:23
  • 9 Favorite Year 4:28
  • 10 Voice Inside My Head 5:51
  • 11 I Like It 4:33
  • 12 Baby Hold On 5:02
  • 13 So Hard 4:27
  • 14 I Hope 5:23
  • 15 Not Ready to Make Nice - (demo version) 3:46
  • 16 Thin Line 4:53
  • 17 So Hard - (demo version) 4:26
  • 18 Live Wire 3:56
  • 19 Flowers - (demo) 4:03

Reference: MusicBrainz