Claire Thompson
The song Gaslighter by the Dixie Chicks was released in 2020 as the title track of their eighth studio album of the same name. The song was written and produced by the group and Jack Antonoff. Pitchfork awarded Gaslighter the Best New Track distinction, describing it as merging the open-road optimism of their early records with the sharper power-pop of their previous album, Taking the Long Way. The song's music video was directed by Seanne Farmer and was well-received by fans and critics alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Album name | Gaslighter |
| Band | The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) |
| Release date | 17 July 2020 |
| Record label | Columbia Records |
| Producer | Jack Antonoff |
| Album's theme | Gaslighting |
| Genre | Country, pop |
| Previous album | Taking the Long Way (2006) |
| Awards | Best New Track by Pitchfork |
Explore related products
$10.14 $18
What You'll Learn
The Dixie Chicks changed their name to The Chicks in June 2020
The American country band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks changed their name to The Chicks in June 2020. The name change came ahead of the release of their eighth studio album, Gaslighter, which was released on July 17, 2020, by Columbia Records. The album was the group's first in fourteen years and the first to be released under their new name.
The Dixie Chicks, composed of Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, had long been associated with a controversial stance on politics. In 2003, Maines told a London audience that the band did not support the American-led invasion of Iraq and that she was "ashamed" that then-US President George W. Bush was from Texas. The group faced immediate backlash, including being dropped from country radio stations and their CDs being destroyed by anti-Dixie Chicks demonstrators.
The name "Dixie Chicks" had also come under scrutiny for its association with the Confederate-era South. The word "Dixie" is a nickname for the Southern states that made up the Confederacy during the Civil War, and the band's decision to drop it from their name came amidst nationwide protests against racial injustice and the legacy of the Civil War. The change was made in an email statement, in which the band wrote, "We want to meet this moment."
The release of their new album, Gaslighter, marked a return to songwriting for Maines, who had experienced a divorce and found inspiration in her personal life. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its blend of early 21st-century pop and country music storytelling, as well as its emotional and lyrical content.
Understanding Chicken Brooding: Why and How They Do It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The album was released on 17 July 2020
The Dixie Chicks' eighth studio album, Gaslighter, was released on 17 July 2020 by Columbia Records. The album was produced by Jack Antonoff and the Chicks, marking the group's first album in fourteen years.
The band, which consists of Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, began hinting at a new album in June 2018 when Maines posted photos from the recording studio on Instagram. While they did not initially confirm that an album was in the works, they started dropping subtle hints to their fans. It wasn't until a year later, in June 2019, that they officially confirmed the upcoming release of their new album.
Gaslighter received widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album scored an impressive 82 based on 21 reviews. Album of the Year gave the album the same score of 82, also based on 24 reviews. The album debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200, becoming the band's fifth top-5 album and their first in the streaming era.
The album's title and themes revolve around the concept of gaslighting, with songs described as "empowering", "fiery", and "scathing". The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks, have continued to captivate audiences with their honest and thought-provoking music, solidifying their place as one of the top-selling bands in history.
Treating Your Dog After Eating Chicken Bones
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was their first album in 14 years
The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks, released their eighth studio album, Gaslighter, on July 17, 2020. The album was co-produced by the band and Jack Antonoff. It was their first album in 14 years, following 2006's Taking the Long Way.
The Dixie Chicks began to hint at a new album in June 2018 when lead singer Natalie Maines posted photos from the recording studio on Instagram. Maines and her bandmates Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire continued to tease new music, but they did not confirm that an album was planned until a year later when Maines posted a video clip to Instagram.
The album's release was highly anticipated, as the Dixie Chicks are considered one of the top-selling bands in history and have a loyal fan base. They have collaborated with Beyoncé, sold out stadiums, and have been covered by young indie-rock artists. They are also known for their outspoken political views, which have sparked controversy but have also inspired others to defy anyone who dares to tell them to shut up and sing.
Gaslighter received widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100, the album received a score of 82 based on 21 reviews. It debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200, becoming the band's fifth top-5 album and first in the streaming era. The album includes popular songs such as "Gaslighter," "Julianna Calm Down," and "March March."
Raw Chicken Liver for Cats: Safe Treat or Health Risk?
You may want to see also
The song 'Gaslighter' was written and produced by the group and Jack Antonoff
The song "Gaslighter" was written and produced by the Dixie Chicks (now known as The Chicks) and Jack Antonoff. It was released as the lead single from their eighth studio album of the same name on March 4, 2020, along with the album's pre-order. The song deals with lead singer Natalie Maines' divorce from her ex-husband, Adrian Pasdar.
In an interview, band member Emily Strayer recalled their collaboration with Antonoff: "He blew us away. [...] This needs to be the sound of this album." "Gaslighter" was the first song the Dixie Chicks wrote with Antonoff, marking a dynamic and empowering return for the group after a fourteen-year hiatus.
The term "gaslighter" originates from the 1944 film of the same name by George Cukor, where Ingrid Bergman plays a housewife manipulated by her husband into doubting her sanity. In the song, Maines accuses her ex-husband of similar deceit: "You lie-lie-lie-lie-lied [...] You're still sorry, and there's still no apology." Pitchfork's Sam Sodomsky described the song as "empowering" and "fiery," awarding it the Best New Track distinction.
The "Gaslighter" music video, directed by Seanne Farmer, enhances the song's message with political undertones. It features vintage vignettes flashing between militant invasions and cloned group members, demanding to be heard. The video's radical approach reflects the Dixie Chicks' intention to make a bold comeback with a personal and autobiographical album.
The "Gaslighter" single peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 36 on the Country Airplay chart, with the album debuting at number 3 on the US Billboard 200. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its songwriting, production, and emotional depth.
Protein Power: Chicken's Gram Surprise
You may want to see also
The album received widespread critical acclaim
The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks, released their eighth studio album, Gaslighter, on July 17, 2020. The album was met with widespread critical acclaim.
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received a weighted average score of 82 based on 21 reviews. Album of the Year, which uses the same scoring method, gave the album a score of 82 based on 24 reviews. At AnyDecentMusic?, which assigns a normalized rating out of 10, the album received a score of 7.8 based on 19 reviews.
In a review for The Daily Telegraph, Neil McCormick called the album "stunning", praising Antonoff's "slick, tasteful production" and "perfectly balanced vocal arrangements". Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Maura Johnston said that "by blending early-21st-century pop savvy with the storytelling that made country music so crucial to the American canon, Gaslighter is all fire and nerve." Chris Willman, in a review for Variety, praised the album's songwriting, saying that "each new incendiary lyrical moment seems to top the last, before grievance gives way to beautiful grief." Laura Dzubay, in Consequence of Sound, praised the group's "management of tone throughout" as "masterful and consistent". She felt that the album was "anchored to place by restrained instrumentation and artful, deliberate counterpoints between highs and lows."
Lynne Margolis, writing for American Songwriter, said that the album is "so full of emotion, it takes a while to absorb it all". She also said that the album is "not perfect, and it's not meant to be". Pitchfork's Sunday Review described the title track as merging "the open-road optimism of their early records with the sharper power-pop of their 2006 album Taking the Long Way".
On the US Billboard 200, Gaslighter debuted at number 3 with 84,000 album-equivalent units, becoming the band's fifth top-5 album and first in the streaming era. Including 71,000 album sales, it was the best-selling album in its debut week.
Unlocking the Secret Door in Mad City's Chicken Restaurant
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The album 'Gaslighter' by the Dixie Chicks was released on July 17, 2020.
The song 'Gaslighter' is about an unapologetic liar.
The album 'Gaslighter' explores the themes of watching your world crash down and hoping it will ultimately lead to something better.
The group changed their name to remove the association with the Confederate South.
Yes, the Dixie Chicks released two other singles before the album 'Gaslighter' came out: Julianna Calm Down and March March.
