Has it really been three years since "MMMBop" set the stage for today's teen-dominated pop landscape? With many of Hanson's biggest fans having switched allegiances to groups like the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, the well-scrubbed tow-headed trio from Tulsa had to do something drastic in order to appeal to pop fans of all ages. "This Time Around" delivers the goods. Here, the brothers wrote all the songs and co-produced with the guy who helmed their multi-million-selling debut, "Middle of Nowhere." Some of the infectious new material blends a strong pop sensibility with a harder, smarter sound while the title track is a midtempo rocker that has Taylor and Isaac trading off on lead vocals. Jonny Lang (who plays on two other tracks) provides bluesy guitar licks. You won't have to wait long to hear other radio-friendly standouts, including the bubbly "If Only" and the savvy "Runaway Run," which both feature irresistible harmonies Taylor-made for the airwaves.
In stores Tuesday. 3 1/2 stars
Fred Shuster