Audio Current

Hanson, This Time Around, Island, 2000

All right, it may seem lame, because, after all, it’s Hanson. I think we’re all still recovering from the Cinderella mice-like sound of “MMMBop,” spoon-fed to us in heavy radio rotation nearly three years ago. But if you’re expecting the same shrills, squeals and bubble-popping tunes from Ike, Taylor and Zachary’s latest album This Time Around, prepare to be amazed.
In fact, at the risk of sounding like a teenybopper dancing, Nancy Drew reading, ‘N Sync ticket holder, friend of Britney Spears, the CD ain’t bad. Honest.
The three brothers are a little older and a little wiser musically. Taylor’s voice has matured, and the screeching high notes of “MMBOP” just might be erased from his vocal chords forever. Instead, an expressive soulful and bluesy snarl has replaced it and can be heard in songs like “If Only,” “You Never Know,” and the impressive “Runaway Run.” In fact, Taylor’s voice has actually become kind of sexy, because he sounds more like early Steven Tyler than early Michael Jackson these days.
And don’t just take my word for it. Jonnny Lang, John Popper, DJ Swank and Rose Stone Choir all make guest appearances on the album, so even some of music’s best today have faith in the new style of these three teens.
Ok, so some of their new stuff isn’t that strong. “Save Me” and “Love Song” are obviously fabricated and formatted sappy ballads that were clearly designed for MTV’s TRL. But even the worst of Hanson’s worst has more listening pleasure than the best of the Backstreet Boys. Don’t forget that this boy band doesn’t wear matching white suits and prance around a stage in unison. These boys are and always have been musicians who actually play their own instruments and write their own songs. This band has a drummer, not a drum machine. And this band has improved, because it seems they now believe more in raging guitar hooks than catchy dance beats. You have to respect that.
So poke fun at their new haircuts and ridicule their pubescent looks, but don’t mock their music. The Hanson brothers are playing strong and delivering a product that they won’t be ashamed of in years to come. – Louise Thach