... So, I went in search of more Dixie Chicks and bought their Wide Open Spaces CD without having heard any of the songs off of it. Daring, I know, but I felt it was a good risk. If I didn’t like it, I could sell it on Ebay for a profit.
Upon first listening, I fell in love with it. ... Read review
more traditional twang with slow melodic blues, foot-tapping rockabilly, and bluegrass-inspired pop harmonies. From the opener, "I Can Love You Better", the Chicks...
more traditional twang with slow melodic blues, foot-tapping rockabilly, and bluegrass-inspired pop harmonies. From the opener, "I Can Love You Better", the Chicks...
more traditional twang with slow melodic blues, foot-tapping rockabilly, and bluegrass-inspired pop harmonies. From the opener, "I Can Love You Better", the Chicks...
more traditional twang with slow melodic blues, foot-tapping rockabilly, and bluegrass-inspired pop harmonies. From the opener, "I Can Love You Better", the Chicks...
Wide Open Spaces - CD
I Can Love You Better Wide Open Spaces Loving Arms There's Your Trouble You Were Mine ... more
Never Say Die Tonight The Heartache's On Me Let 'Er Rip Once You've Loved Somebody I'll Take Care Of You Am I The Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way) Give ...
A review by Shadowtwinchaos on Wide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicks September 14th, 2002
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks
A couple of weak links
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Value for Money
Advantages:
Great harmony, great lyrics, feels great to move to .
Disadvantages:
Can be considered "Chick Music"
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
My dog done left me, my woman’s cheating on me while I sit in jail and wish I had a beer and missin my Mama. I honestly thought that most country music consisted of men singing about their dogs, their pick-up trucks, their bad women, railroads and jail. I hated country music. Then I moved down south, where it is a law that you listen to only country music.
Well, not actually a law, but it is pretty hard to find a music station that plays anything but country. So, stuck in the land of hayseed cowboys, I found myself listening to more and more country. And to my surprise, I was liking it. It wasn’t all men. There was Shania Twain, Rebba MacIntyre, Tanya Tucker to name a few. And the Dixie Chicks.
The Dixie Chicks first caught my attention with a song called Goodbye Earl, from their Fly CD. So, I went in search of more Dixie Chicks and bought their Wide Open Spaces CD without having heard any of the songs off of it. Daring, I know, but I felt it was a good risk. If I didn’t like it, I could sell it on Ebay for a profit.
Upon first listening, I fell in love with it. I listened to it all the time. I took it on vacation to my best friend’s house and she fell in love with it too. I ended up leaving the CD with her and buying another copy of it for myself. I cleaned house to it, I got ready for work to it, I listened to it at work. It was great for everything. This has got to be one of my all time, top ten favorite CDs.
For those of you who are still reading even after knowing this opinion is about a country music group, here is a breakdown of the songs:
1. I Can Love You Better
One of their less deep songs, the lyrics are simple
She's got you wrapped up in her satin and lace. Tied around her little finger. She's got you thinkin' you can never escape. Don't you know your heart's in danger. There's a devil in that angel face. If you could only see the love that you're wastin'
But one of the things that makes this song so good is the music. It’s got a great beat, and while it’s not an uplifting song, it makes you want to bounce and dance. This is probably one of me least favorite songs on the album though.
2. Wide Open Spaces
The title song, and one of my personal favorites. It is a very honest look at the emotion of every young person wanting to go out and make their own way in the world. The excitement and wide open emotion of a young girl wanting to leave home and be on her own. “A place in the clouds and a foundation of stone”. Roots and wings, what every parent should want their child to have. I know myself how important it is to have dreams while still keeping your feet on the ground. This song is greatly enhanced by the beautiful harmony that the Dixie Chicks can achieve.
3. Loving Arms
One of the sadder songs they sing, Loving Arms tells a tale of loss and regret. Sung with a mournful harmony, this song really portrays the emotion of regret. Wanting to be free and not tied down, she pushed away the one she now longs to be with.
“Looking back and longing for The freedom of my chains And lying in your loving arms again”
I really enjoy the lyrics of their songs. I feel that they do a really good job of using the words to portray the emotion and a mental picture. Combined with their well blended harmony, this is one of my favorite songs.
4. There's Your Trouble
A bouncy tune, it tells you that even though it should have worked out... it didn’t, so cut your loses and chalk it up to experience. I find this refreshing. With all the songs abounding about mourning lost loves, this one simply says, okay, it didn’t work out. Get over it and move on.
“Not Such A Big Loss, Chalk It Up Better Luck Could Have Been True Love But It Wasn't It Should All Add Up But It Doesn't”
That’s real life, that’s the reality of it. It didn’t work, it’s sad, but move on and live your life. This is another of my favorites. It makes me feel like dancing and moving.
5. You Were Mine
It would be a toss up as to my favorite song by the Chicks, but this one would be a very high runner. Maybe it’s because it has such a personal meaning to me. The song sings of a man who left a wife and two kids for another woman. “I Can Give You Two Good Reasons To Show You Love's Not Blind He's Two And She's Four, And You Know They Adore You So How Can I Tell Them You've Changed Your Mind” I heard this song not long after my husband left me and two kids. For months, every time I heard this song, I would cry. I even sent my soon to be ex-husband a copy of this song. So maybe that’s why I feel so strongly about this song. But whatever the reason, the effect is the same, I love this song.
6. Never Say Die
A love song of hope and strength, it is a great statement for relationships. That attitude of sticking together through thick and thin. Of never saying die. Once again, I have to comment on the strength and emotion of their lyrics. While not one of my favorites on the album, a good listen and message none the less.
7. Tonight The Heartache's On Me
Another high runner for my top Dixie Chick song, I love this one for it’s great beat and harmony. Not so great a story, sitting in a bar when your ex walks in with his new flame. But the Chicks do an awesome job of split harmony on this one. “Bartender Pour The Wine, 'Cause The Hurtin's All Mine Tonight The Heartache's On Me: It’s real, this has happened to most everyone at least once in their life. If not, maybe they’ve at least seen it on television. But it’s a feeling I can really relate to.
8. Let 'Er Rip
Another song with attitude. It’s easy to see that these Chicks don’t sit around and weep over a relationship not working out. Some men have said that the Dixie Chicks come across as too tough with too much attitude. But then, some men are intimidated by women who display strength and assertiveness. “I Ain't About To Bawl, And I Ain't Gonna Die So If You're Gonna Say Goodbye, Don't Take All Day And Night Let 'Er Rip, Let It Fly “ So there you go, get it over with and let’s get on with our lives. I have a strong belief that this is the way it should be. Women should be able to be strong without being thought of as not feminine.
9. Once You've Loved Somebody
This is one of the songs that disappointed me. Not only did I not feel that it showed off the great talent that the Chicks possess, but I don’t feel it had the strength of lyrics that other songs on this album did. It lacks all of the things that I liked in the previous song on this album.
10. I'll Take Care Of You
This song was very interesting in it’s message. It has no real story in the lyrics, no clear image. Other than love, the message seems a bit muddled. Also a bit sad. “Nights Are Long And Dreams Are Cold If They're All You Wake Up To” Not the most uplifting of songs, although they once again show great strength in vocals.
11. Am I The Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way)
Have you ever had your heart broken? Felt like there is no one who has ever felt as bad as you do right now? I think most of us has. This song does an excellent job of portraying that emotion. “Now My Sense Of Humor Needs A Break I See A Shadow In The Mirror And She's Laughin' Through Her Tears One More Smile's All I Can Fake”
12. Give It Up Or Let Me Go
Another song with lots of strength. If I find you cheating, we are through. Setting high expectations is a great message. Everyone, not just women, should realize that they will only get the respect they demand. If you allow someone to treat you bad, cheat on you and be nasty, then that is all the respect you will get. “Oh Baby, I've Been True To You And If I Can Make That Sacrifice Honey You Can Do It Too” That’s what it boils down to. If I am going to be faithful, I expect you to do the same.
Well, that’s it. Long, I know. But I wanted to say something about each of the songs. I hope you give it a listen some time, even if you don’t like country. It isn’t the hard core country that many think of when someone thinks of country music. It’s more likely that females are going to like this music, but it really is a good listen for both musical talent, harmony, lyrical content and enjoyment. Thanks for sticking with me through this and I hope you enjoyed. Peace
More Reviews
Wide Open Spaces Review ofWide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicksby
Spottydog11
Advantages: Great first album, good introduction to country Disadvantages: None
Wide Open Spaces
If you’re looking for a great starter country album then look no further than Wide Open Spaces by The Dixie Chicks. It’s a great introduction if you have never really listened to country before and are not really a fan of the old classics yet, like Dolly Parton, etc, but want to experience a bit of the blue grass, country and that whole scene and get into the music. This album offers you upbeat, toe tapping, yee-hawing, classic ... ...not release their debut album, Wide Open Spaces, until 1998.
They have courted controversy in the past. At a 2003 concert, they openly criticised George Bush for his part in the war with Iraq and said that they were ashamed to be from his home state of Texas. Many people took this as an Anti-American slur and boycotted their music, concerts etc. It was a tough time for them but they have seemed to pull through and as of 2008 they have won thirteen ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A polished all round performance from three feisty lovely ladies Disadvantages: None really
...in October 1997.
2. Wide Open Spaces (3:43) ***** This is the seminal track in this collection and is certainly the most memorable. It is a gentle rocking ballad about leaving home – the hope, the sadness, the memories, the fears. It is introduced by a fiddle riff has a lilting verse and chorus. It features Natalie’s full vocal range and there are short integrated solos from the instrumentalists. The song was written by Susan Gibson, an established ... ...I owned both “Fly” and “Home” before buying this one.
Rolling Stone (American site) has a web page dedicated to this album which includes playable sequences of all of the tracks. The address is http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/cd/review.asp?aid=52269&cf=3566
WIDE OPEN SPACES – Dixie Chicks (1998) EPIC 4898422 £11.99 ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it rate alongs...
Value for Money
very helpful
17.04.2003
Whistling Dixie Review ofWide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicksby
Soho_Black
Advantages: Some great country-pop tracks Disadvantages: Maybe too pop for country fans and too country for bubblegum pop fans
...like me and into a wide range of music, or someone with more of an admiration for country music, rather than an obsession with it, this could well be the kind of album you'll enjoy. It's got a number of bouncy, enjoyable numbers combined with some well crafted ballads that give the album a bit of a mixture and it's set out nicely to lead you gently towards the more country influenced songs later in the album
At only 44 minutes, it's not a long album, ... ...was released. However, it is available at a lower price than many albums, at £8.99 from Play.com or £7.99 from Amazon. For those who don't mind second hand copies, it has been seen at the Amazon Marketplace from £3.84 and on eBay from £1.80. If you like a bit of country, but not too much or if you're open to expending your musical horizons just a little into country music, this is a good way to begin and good value for a decent album. ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Fantastic and fresh, empowering one minute, soul searching the next Disadvantages: A couple of the tracks fall in the 'samey' category
So what's all this 'New Country' that's been a buzz for the past few years. Surely Shania Twain and Faith Hill's unabashed courting of pop divahood is the direction we should be pointing fingers when we utter such words, and before you start, STOP, no I'm not having a go at these artists, I personally love them both. Surely we should also point the finger in the direction of artists like Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks who have been selling zillions ... ...TV and living rooms over the past decade. The point is Country music has hit the masses because it combines soulful acoustics with powerful vocals. The days of traditional country (Hank Williams, Johnny Cash) have moved on. Some may call this a tragedy, and of course nobody can EVER compare to these legends. However much of what we hear in Country music today is good, light-hearted music with a refreshing mix of beats and tempo's.
So, when we talk ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: All- round brilliance Disadvantages: Sacrilege! Disadvantages on this album?
...Can Love You Better
2. Wide Open Spaces
3. Loving Arms
4. There's Your Trouble
5. You Were Mine
6. Never Say Die
7. Tonight The Heartache's on me
8. Let 'Er Rip
9. Once You've Loved Somebody
10. I'll Take Care Of You
11. Am I The Only One (who's ever felt this way)
12. Give It Up Or Let Me Go
This would be a perfect accompaniment to a fire, candle-light and wine of any colour. First, warm up your vocal chords (you're gonna sing), then ... ...to be ringing her as soon as it ends- to make sure she knows you love her to bits.
I suppose I can only give a better feeling of what they are like by comparing them to a cross of Jewel and Dolly Parton, with a violin and acoustic guitar thrown into the mix! These instruments (as well as the piano) make the album a more musically and vocally-intigrated work. If you've got "Home", and listened to the song "Landslide" (one of the best on there), you'll ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Refreshing, energetic, Country with soul Disadvantages: I struggle to see (hear) any
...Following the success of their hugely successful debut album 'WideOpenSpaces' the DixieChicks second album 'Fly' is yet another phenomenal collection of songs. Personally I didn't think it were possible for them to replicate the amazing sound of the first album with tracks such as 'There's Your Trouble', 'You were mine' and the title track itself 'Wideopenspaces'. However, with 'Fly' they have managed to recreate the foot tapping, catchy beats, rhythms and harmonies that make their sound so unique. As a fan of Country as a genre, and having witnessed many country acts live, I certainly have a penchant for such music, however I have yet to hear anybody who has the ability to deliver upbeat numbers that you can dance to, mixed in with soul searching tear jerking ballads, like these girls. Whether you like Country or not.
The first...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Good mix of up-tempo and slower tracks, catchy, good lyrics Disadvantages: I fail to find any disadvantages!
...I was introduced to Garth Brooks at a young age, and despite having the likes of Nirvana and Guns n Roses frequently in my CD player, country music found a place in my heart and in my CD rack. DixieChicks have since been a favourite of mine, and WideOpenSpaces, and Fly never fail to come out every year as soon as I spot a bit of sunshine. I was eagerly awaiting their latest album Taking the Long Way, and bought it as soon as it came out last year. I was not disappointed. I consider all of their previous albums as some of the best in my collection, but their latest effort beats them all. This album has been in almost constant play on my i-pod since i got it.
The first track after which the album is titled, is an up-tempo feel good tune, and my personal favourite on the album. The following songs 'easy silence' and 'not ready to...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Amazing ballads, catchy bluegrass, fantastic sound Disadvantages: Little quick in tempo in places
...OK, so the first two reviews I wrote regarding the DixieChicks could be deemed somewhat biased. I am a huge fan of country, I am an even bigger fan of the DixieChicks. I make no apologies for this, they are a remarkable trio. I also make no apology for saying that 'Home', their third album, released after a three-year break, is their best yet.
Following time off to get married/have babies, the DixieChicks come back with this stunning album which follows up their landmark success from the multi award winning 'WideOpenSpaces' and 'Fly'.
It is fair to say with 'Home', they have come full circle and go back to their roots. This album has all that you expect from the DixieChicks, the sounds of the mandolin, banjo, dobro, guitar and fiddle mixed wonderfully with great vocals to produce that one of a kind Country sound...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Label / Distributor: Epic / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Engineer: Eric Legg; Billy Sherrill
Producer: Paul Worley; Blake Chancey
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Stereo
Format: Performer
EAN: 5099748984227
Catalogue Number: 4898422
Additional notes
Album Notes: Dixie Chicks: Natalie Maines (vocals); Emily Erwin (vocals, dobro, banjo, acoustic guitar); Martie Seidel (vocals, fiddle, mandolin). Additional personnel: Billy Joe Walker, Jr., Paul Worley (acoustic & electric guitars); Mark Casstevens, Billy Crain (acoustic guitar); George Marinelli, Tommy Nash (electric guitar); Lloyd Maines, Tony Paoletta (steel guitar); Matt Rollings (Hammond B-3 organ, piano); Bobby Charles, Jr., Michael Rhodes (bass); Greg Morrow (drums); Tom Roady (congas, shaker, tambourine). All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology. WIDE OPEN SPACES won the 1999 Grammy for Best Country Album. Dixie Chicks were nominated for the 1999 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. "There's Your Trouble" won the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The Dixie Chicks' WIDE OPEN SPACES is flavored with tight-knit harmonies and acoustic instrumentation within the center of very tastefully understated arrangements. Their own acoustic underpinnings of fiddle, guitar, banjo and dobro are complimented and raised up by Paul Worley and Blake Chancey's respectful and organic production. This music is decorated with antique store furnishings, not the usual gaudy, regurgitated guitar licks and cheap generic production tricks. The trio is propelled by their delightful vocals and the very natural and easy country sway that the producer and the fine accompanying musicians have created.
Titles on disc 1
1.: I Can Love You Better
2.: Wide Open Spaces
3.: Loving Arms
4.: There's Your Trouble
5.: You Were Mine
6.: Never Say Die
7.: Tonight The Heartache's On Me
8.: Let 'er Rip
9.: Once You've Loved Somebody
10.: I'll Take Care Of You
11.: Am I The Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way)
12.: Give It Up Or Let Go
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