The Chicks, Gaslighter | Track Review 🎵

The Chicks returns with their first brand-new single since 2006, the feisty, electrifying “Gaslighter,” produced by Jack Antonoff.

The last time we heard from The Chicks (former Dixie Chicks), as the leading artists, was back in 2006.  Back then, Natalie Maines and company were Taking the Long Way, and “Mad as hell” because they weren’t “Not Ready to Make Nice”.  Taking the Long Way would win the country collective four Grammy awards, including the highly coveted Album of the Year.  Notably, Taking the Long Way beat out the likes of John Mayer (Continnum) and Justin Timberlake (FutureSex/LoveSounds). But this isn’t about the past – it’s about the present! After an extended hiatus in regard to releasing new music, the ladies are back with “Gaslighter.”

“Gaslighter, denier / Doin’ anything to get your ass farther / Gaslighter, big timer / Repeating all the mistakes of your father.” “Gaslighter” is an electrifying country record, plain and simple.  Even if you take the ‘country’ label out of the aforementioned description, “Gaslighter” is, well, #LIT.  Opening with powerful, piercing harmonized vocals (the aforementioned eventual chorus), the tone is set early on by Dixie Chicks.  Set in a major key, producer Jack Antonoff helps to construct a potent, country/folk backdrop for the girls to ‘do work’ on.

So, what is the lit “Gaslighter” about? It seems to be a failing relationship that includes deception and most pertinent to Natalie Maines, divorce.  “You thought I wouldn’t see it if you put it in my face / Give you all my money, you’ll gladly walk away,” she sings on the second verse, continuing, “You think it’s justifiable, I think it’s pretty cruel / And you know you lie best when you lie to you.” The rest of the chorus, excerpted earlier, goes something like this:

“Gaslighter, you broke me
You’re sorry, but where’s my apology?
Gaslighter, you liar.”

Final Thoughts

Plain and simple, “Gaslighter” is definitely the way you make a comeback.  The Chicks have always been known for their attitude, and they exhibit plenty of attitude throughout this three-and-a-half-minute bop.  Angry Natalie Maines is the best in all honesty.

The Chicks • Gaslighter • Columbia • Release: 7.17.20

Photo Credit: Columbia