The Chicks’ New Album, ‘Gaslighter’, Tops Billboard Country Charts

After a fourteen-year hiatus, the trio’s comeback album, Gaslighter, debuted at number one on Billboard’s country charts.

Fans thought The Dixie Chicks were “Long Time Gone,” and then 2020 arrived. This year, the group has made a buzzworthy return with a new name, new image, and new album.

After recent protests against police brutality and racial injustice, the group dropped “Dixie” from their original name to distance themselves from Confederate associations. The Chicks’ liberal views go deeper than an overdue name change— back in 2003, they were exiled from country radio for criticizing President Bush and the war in Iraq.

The Chicks’ new album, Gaslighter, carries the torch of their progressive and political music-making. The titular track “Gaslighter” criticizes President Trump without even mentioning his name, and the previously-released anthem “March March” draws power from recent protests against climate change and gun violence.

The Chicks’ timeliness and long-enduring fan base have boosted Gaslighter to instant success. This week, the album debuted at number one on Billboard’s country album charts and reached number three for all genres. Gaslighter is the fifth Chicks album to top the country charts, along with Wide Open Spaces, Fly, Home, and Taking the Long Way.

Although critics say the album may not be a masterpiece, Gaslighter has received ample praise. According to Rolling Stone, Gaslighter is the Chicks’ most honest album yet, and Entertainment Weekly called the album “all fire and nerve.”

The Chicks may be known for their country roots, but Gaslighter features pop sounds and universal lyrics that make it accessible for listeners across genres. If you’re looking for new music and not afraid of a little banjo, play Gaslighter today and get ready to march.