Despite The Chicks being one of the most controversial country groups of the last few decades, no one can deny the trio’s talent. The Chicks has more than its fair share of hits that span the breadth of its career and continue to deliver decades into its tenure. Find five of The Chicks’ best songs so far below.
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1. “Hello Mr. Heartache”
“Hello Mr. Heartache” is a classic honky tonk tune. Fly features several songs that throw things back to the classic country spirit, but this one is undeniably the strongest. Frontwoman Natalie Maines makes quick work of the meandering melody. Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer apply their multi-instrumentalist status to the song’s shuffle.
2. “Ready to Run”
There is a traditional Irish tone to “Ready to Run” that connects the dots between the ancestry of country music and more modern sensibilities. While that helps it stand out among the record, it’s the carefree nature of the lyrics that really gives “Ready to Run” its teeth. When my momma said I look good in white / I’m gonna be ready this time, Maines sings. The Chicks flex their independence on this song, extending the same freedom to their listeners.
3. “Travelin’ Soldier”
On the opposite side of the sonic spectrum, we have “Travelin’ Soldier.” The song has become one of The Chicks’ signatures despite not being the first to record it. The trio’s version has become more famous than the original by Bruce Robison. The group’s harmonies cut to the core of the emotional track.
4. “Texas Man”
Moving on to more recent releases from The Chicks, we have “Texas Man.” This cut from Gaslighter has everything you could want from a Chicks song: wry lyrics, a fun-loving beat, and honesty.
5. “Goodbye Earl”
“Goodbye Earl” is beloved by country fans and its most adamant naysayers. It’s a crowd-pleaser like no other with its rousing chorus. It’s deliciously hedonistic. Few songs are as fun to scream along to as this one.
(Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)
