Lora's Album Review - 12/4

[lora]

Dixie Chicks
Wide Open Spaces
1998

The debut album of one of my favorite groups of all-time, and the absolute best country trio in history, IMO.

1. I Can Love You Better
After three albums, this still remains as one of my favorite songs by the Chicks. In fact, this whole album boasts a pretty strong list of tracks for a debut album. One of the things I like so much about country music is that it’s harder to get by without talent. Britney Spears can fake her way through a song because she has all these little electronic things distorting her voice. Sure, there are a few country artists that use it - okay, two. I can think of two - Shania and Faith. But that’s beside the point. People in country music get by with just their voice and a guitar. That’s all they need to sound amazing.

2. Wide Open Spaces
This song holds a special place in my heart because it’s about moving out on your own, which is something I feel that I need to do. It doesn’t matter if you “strike out” or not. You just need those “wide open spaces” to make your own mistakes on your own terms. My mom likes this song too. I just wish she’d get it...

3. Loving Arms
The intro to this song is pretty twangy. Generally speaky, I don’t like twangy music. The Dixie Chicks and Reba McEntire are my two exceptions, LOL. Anyway, this is another beautiful song. Even though Natalie Maines (or Maines-Pasdar, whichever) takes over the lead vocals for the group, their sound wouldn’t be the same without the harmonizing from Emily Robison and Martie McGuire.

4. There's Your Trouble
Love the fiddle in this song. Another favorite that got lots of radio airplay.

5. You Were Mine
Gorgeous ballad that often brings tears to my eyes. If anyone has ever had to move on from a broken heart, they’ll understand this song.

6. Never Say Die
One of the weaker songs on this album, but still good. I enjoy it.

7. Tonight The Heartache's On Me
I always liked this one. It’s very upbeat with those “typical” country lyrics. It’s all good, though. It’s about a broken heart too. For some reason I always seem to like those type of songs best...hmmm...

8. Let 'Er Rip
Here’s another track with a bluegrassy feel, especially in the beginning. This is an upbeat song that’s just a tad corny lyrically, but I can’t help but like it.

9. Once You've Loved Somebody
This is absolutely my favorite non-single track on the album. Yes, it’s about a broken heart. How did you guess?!

10. I'll Take Care of You
Fair, but not one of the better songs here.

11. Am I The Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way)
These lyrics are just right on for me, completely and totally. The rhythm is also there, making this another great song. All in all, this is an amazing debut. I’m still just surprised how many solid tracks they have here. I just noticed who wrote this song too. It’s Maria McKee, who wrote a song that Bette has done as well. She’s quite a good songwriter.

12. Give It Up Or Let Me Go
This has a little singing in it, but it’s instrumental for the most part. They have some really talented musicians here! Strong closing for the album.

By the way, my Music at the Movies post for this week is finally up! Beatles fans might want to check it out. *hint hint*

[SAT-I need more room!!]

Damn, wish you didn't do this one! Of all the Dixie albums, I like this best and would've eventually reviewed it! Oh well.

I have heard many people say their second is best, but to me, none of their's beats this.

So true about the "no tinkering" in country. Jessica Andrews is another one that if she were in rock, she'd be like Britney, but she just relies on her strong voice.

I remember the critics saying the Dixies were the Spice Girls of country. Sorry, but that title is for SheDaisy!

I remember one day shortly after she bought it, my wife listened to this album over and over and over again when she was down about something. I did NOT like the album that day, but ended up really liking it afterwards.

Loving Arms has been done by so many artists including Elvis and Rita Coolidge and I think the guy who had the hit with it was Tom Janis. (?) Great tune.

My faves are the two big singles, There's Your Trouble and I Can Love You Better.

My least faves are Let er Rip and Give it Up or Let Me Go. Both a bit TOO country. But still good. Good point about the lattar being more of a "jam", which I am sure was what they wanted to ended their album with.

I really liked their image in the beginning. They all looked cute, with normal outfits and hair. Especially in the videos for my two faves. Now, their outfits and Natalie with that rooster hairdo are too much for me to take!

Nice review Lora!

[lora]

SAT-Sissy's said:

Damn, wish you didn't do this one! Of all the Dixie albums, I like this best and would've eventually reviewed it! Oh well.

I have heard many people say their second is best, but to me, none of their's beats this.

So true about the "no tinkering" in country. Jessica Andrews is another one that if she were in rock, she'd be like Britney, but she just relies on her strong voice.

I remember the critics saying the Dixies were the Spice Girls of country. Sorry, but that title is for SheDaisy!

I remember one day shortly after she bought it, my wife listened to this album over and over and over again when she was down about something. I did NOT like the album that day, but ended up really liking it afterwards.

Loving Arms has been done by so many artists including Elvis and Rita Coolidge and I think the guy who had the hit with it was Tom Janis. (?) Great tune.

My faves are the two big singles, There's Your Trouble and I Can Love You Better.

My least faves are Let er Rip and Give it Up or Let Me Go. Both a bit TOO country. But still good. Good point about the lattar being more of a "jam", which I am sure was what they wanted to ended their album with.

I really liked their image in the beginning. They all looked cute, with normal outfits and hair. Especially in the videos for my two faves. Now, their outfits and Natalie with that rooster hairdo are too much for me to take!

Nice review Lora!

Sorry I stole the album from you, but I'm glad you liked the review.

It's hard to choose a favorite Dixie Chicks album. All of theirs are really good, but their sound changes constantly! The two big singles from this one are my faves too.

LOL about the rooster hairdo! Oh man! You're so right about that!

[beatles4ever]

Great review of a great group.I like their style.

[Dawn]

Very nice review, Lora!

Some of my favorite Dixie Chicks songs are on this album, especially 'There's Your Trouble' and 'Wide Open Spaces'. They have such a unique sound, and this album really showcases their talent.

[kathyb]

Very good review, Lora! I really like this album. If I had to choose, I'd say this is my favorite Dixie Chicks album.

Loving Arms is one of my favorite songs of all time, and the Chicks really do it justice. I like their rendition a lot.

You Were Mine is also a great song. Heartbreaking and sad, and Natalie does a good job of conveying those feelings.

Well, I like pretty much every song on here, so that's enough of my comments about it. LOL!

[lora]

kathyb said:

Very good review, Lora! I really like this album. If I had to choose, I'd say this is my favorite Dixie Chicks album.

Loving Arms is one of my favorite songs of all time, and the Chicks really do it justice. I like their rendition a lot.

You Were Mine is also a great song. Heartbreaking and sad, and Natalie does a good job of conveying those feelings.

Well, I like pretty much every song on here, so that's enough of my comments about it. LOL!

I've gotten great feedback from everyone on this and the last album that I reviewed. Gee, maybe I shouldn't do any more Bette...*sniff sniff*

Ah, screw 'em! I'll review Bette as long or as much as I want!

[Ken]

I really like the musicianship between "the chicks" and the harmonies really stand out. I have three of the tunes on cassette - Wide Open Spaces , There's Your Trouble and I Can Love You Better . Excellent review Lora

[athompsen]

I enjoyed reading your review. I will admit they are talented when it comes to playing instruments but I'm sorry, Natalie's voice makes me cringe anytime I happen to hear it on the radio. It was bad enough when Natalie Maines called Toby Keith ignorant for his "Red White and Blue" song, as though anyone who sings a song like "Good-bye Earl" has any room to talk.

I'm so glad we have enlightened people like that Natalie to inform us how the country should be run. I think The Dixie Chicks next live gig should be in Bagdad.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox...

[lora]

athompsen said:

I enjoyed reading your review. I will admit they are talented when it comes to playing instruments but I'm sorry, Natalie's voice makes me cringe anytime I happen to hear it on the radio. It was bad enough when Natalie Maines called Toby Keith ignorant for his "Red White and Blue" song, as though anyone who sings a song like "Good-bye Earl" has any room to talk.

I'm so glad we have enlightened people like that Natalie to inform us how the country should be run. I think The Dixie Chicks next live gig should be in Bagdad.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox...

Natalie and Toby have both said some things that I don't entirely agree with. You gotta give 'em props for speaking their minds though. I have to admit, they've said a few things that I don't entirely DISagree with either...