On The Download: The Dixie Chicks Get “Lucky”

I’ve been a huge fan of the Dixie Chicks since they exploded onto the scene with their hit 1998 album, “Wide Open Spaces.” They’ve put on some of the best, most entertaining concerts I’ve ever seen. And I’ve stuck with them through their highs (which include their albums “Fly” and “Home”) and their lows (including the fallout from those infamous twelve words Natalie Maines uttered about President Bush at a 2003 London concert). But that was well over five years ago. A lot has changed since then… in our country and in the trio’s careers. They are older, wiser, and still unwavering.

As a loyal fan, I was excited to learn that the Chicks have released a new single, “Lucky Ones,” which is their first release since their 2006 album, “Taking the Long Way.” “Lucky Ones” proves that the southern trio hasn’t lost their ability to create gripping lyrics while keeping their country edge. The song is all about the connections you feel with someone you barely know. It’s a strong statement about the state of the world today and the effects war can have on certain people. It describes how life is viewed differently after returning home (from war, or just any long journey in general) and trying to find your way back home. With lyrics like “we lose our friends…” and “you don’t come back the same,” its’ easy to see these ladies are still strong in their convictions and have a lot to say.

The single was released in conjunction with the launch of (RED)WIRE – a new music service that helps fight AIDS in Africa. It was also originally intended for soundtrack to the movie, “The Lucky Ones” starring Rachel McAdams, but that never came to fruition.

I’m glad to get even a small sample of what the Dixie Chicks are working on right now. In all honesty, I wasn’t a huge fan of their last album, “Taking the Long Way.” It managed to garner 5 Grammy Awards, but to me, it just seemed too frenetic and overproduced. “Lucky Ones” makes me feel like their slowly getting back to their country roots.

In this single, hearing Natalie’s powerful, commanding, fiery voice along with Martie and Emily’s harmonies makes me long for a new, overdue album by one of my all-time favorite bands.