The Chicks took to social media to announce the 20th anniversary edition of their seventh studio album, Taking The Long Way, to be released on October 2nd.

"It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Taking the Long Way. These songs take us right back to one of the most defining times in our lives, and it’s incredible how much they still resonate today. We’re so excited to finally share some unreleased tracks and to perform the entire album on this tour. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate this journey with the fans who have been with us every step of the way," the 'Travelin' Soldier' crooners wrote as part of the caption of their latest post.

More than just a 20-year anniversary, a celebratory release of this record feels significant in more ways than one. 'The Chicks' released their seventh studio album Taking The Long Way under their former name 'The Dixie Chicks,' which would be marked as the last time for a release under the name that brought them to stardom.

Defining indeed, the album features songs that reference the early 2000s climate it was released in, pertaining to politics both in the world and The Chicks career.

Today, the new edition will feature those same songs as well as three unreleased demos and two rarities, making up five bonus tracks on the album - and to prepare loyal fans, the group also released the beloved 'Flowers (Demo Version)' which is available everywhere to stream now.

The record was released in 2006, the group's comeback after a 3-year long hiatus after controversies the group underwent due to lead singer Natalie Maine's critiques of the political environment at the time, which came from voicing her stance on former President George W. Bush, and policies of the Iraq War.

Regardless of what was stated that effected the groups release consistency, Taking The Long Way and its listeners spoke for themselves. The record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned a 2x platinum certification from the RIAA just a year after its release.

The album has stood the test of time for many reasons - the authenticity behind lyrics as well as its cool, polished 2000s sound fit perfectly into a space where many fans growing up in such a politically charged time had a record to run to. For many, Taking The Long Way helped to make sense of their own lives as well as what was going on around them.

An album released into an emotional space such as this is surely to be remembered. With Instagram comments reminiscent on the record's time such as "Great news!! Feels like just yesterday I was buying the CD but it was 20 years ago?!" Long-time fans reflect on how the album touched their lives.

Songs such as 'Not Ready to Make Nice' feature lyrics just in-touch enough to relate to everyday listeners while simultaneously feeling like a chest-puffed-out stand on the backlash the group received three years prior.

From songs containing the deep-south sounds of the rebellious rock out 'Lubbock or Leave It,' to the comforting feelings of taking shelter in someone else 'Easy Silence' so generously gives away, Taking The Long Way left a mark fans from its era still carry with them today.

To commemorate the new edition of the album, The Chicks also expressed their excitement to play the entirety of the record on their 2026 tour run, Still Not Ready To Make Nice, which hits the road Sept. 30th and features large cities across the U.S.