# The Chicks and the legacy of ‘Taking the Long Way’

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/the-chicks-and-the-legacy-of-taking-the-long-way
> Updated: 2026-10-11T05:08:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The musical legacy of the country group The Chicks is centered on their 2006 album, ‘Taking the Long Way’. The album, produced by Rick Rubin, followed a period of significant political controversy after the group expressed opposition to the Iraq War in 2003.

While the album earned five Grammy Awards and featured the hit song ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’, the band faced professional repercussions, including being shunned by the Country Music Association. The song ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’ served as a response to the industry backlash, with Natalie Maines rejecting themes of reconciliation. To mark the 20th anniversary of the project, a new edition of the album has been released, including an expanded 3-LP vinyl, CD, and digital versions featuring five bonus tracks.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: The Chicks: The legacy of ‘Taking the Long Way’ and ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’

The Chicks' album ‘Taking the Long Way’ and the hit ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’ serve as powerful musical responses to the political backlash the band faced following Natalie Maines' comments on the Iraq War.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-chicks-the-legacy-of-taking-the-long-way-and-not-ready-to-make-nice

### 2026-10-02: The Chicks release 20th Anniversary Edition of ‘Taking the Long Way’

The Chicks have released a 20th Anniversary Edition of their Grammy-winning album ‘Taking the Long Way’, featuring bonus tracks and expanded vinyl formats.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-chicks-release-20th-anniversary-edition-of-taking-the-long-way

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Cite as: The Chicks and the legacy of ‘Taking the Long Way’. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/the-chicks-and-the-legacy-of-taking-the-long-way