Their 1997 debut album "Middle of Nowhere" racked up sales in excess of 8 million worldwide, and earned them three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year. "MMMBop", the infectious single that introduced the band to the world, went #1 in 27 countries. Rolling Stone named "Middle of Nowhere" one of the "Essential Albums" of the decade. As SPIN noted, "Hanson [is] perhaps the only band in recent history beloved by both hormonally crazed 12-year-olds and their Motown loving parents, by both Tiger Beat and the New York Times."
After building up so much momentum, what could Hanson possibly do for an encore? For brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac, the answer was obvious: Push your musical boundaries farther. So although "This Time Around" retains the undeniably catchy melodies and exuberant singing that distinguished 1997's multi-platinum "Middle of Nowhere", it also finds the boys exploring new sonic avenues -- all without compromising their polish or charm.
"Our songwriting and musical style have developed in a lot of ways," observes senior sibling Isaac. "The guitar sound is heavier in points than before. But there are also more soft moments, more piano- and keyboard-driven material than on the last record. There's been an overall evolution within the band."
For a prime example of the strides Hanson has made in the past three years, check out the rousing title track, "This Time Around". "We just felt that song best represented where the music was going, and the genre we want to be associated with," claims Taylor. "It's a little more rock and roll, the chord structure is more complex." It also ended up providing the perfect title for their sophomore studio outing.
The record comes blazing out of the gate with "You Never Know", a slice of organic funk that recalls War's "Low Rider". A dozen diverse numbers brimming with confidence and charisma follow, featuring such notable guests as Beck cohort DJ Swamp and John Popper (of Blues Traveler). Guitar prodigy Jonny Lang lends a hand on three tracks, including "This Time Around". "He's an amazing, virtuoso player. and a really cool guy, too," adds Zac.
Other standouts include the moody "Love Song", and "In The City", a propulsive testament to the trio's refined storytelling skills. "That song is basically about a wife or a girlfriend who's having an affair," says Taylor. "She keeps running off, and you're left asking `What's going on in the city?' Not exactly an experience we've had," he admits. "Dying to Be Alive" augments its inspirational message about living life to the fullest with backing vocals from a gospel choir led by Rose Stone (Sly & the Family Stone).
According to Taylor, the band's diversified sound and songwriting techniques reflects that their individual roles are always changing. "Sometimes you're the one who's tired and goofing off, or you're the one saying `Now it's time to get down to business.' The fact that everybody plays off of each other makes the whole thing work." And being related seems to help, as Isaac insists their tight-knit family foundation has encouraged the trio to stay grounded throughout their dizzying ascent. "We have a good relationship with each other, so we don't mind telling one another `You're acting out of line.'"
As for making music at such a young age, the band isn't necessarily surprised, "Look at all the original rock and rollers," Zac elaborates. "Elvis Presley was barely as old as Isaac when he cut his first sides for Sun ... teenagers and rock and roll go together!" But their appeal is universal. "If someone likes our music, whether they're one-year-old or 93, that's awesome," adds Zac.
"Getting to make the music, and having a good time doing it, is the most important thing to us," Isaac reiterates, a fact some folks overlooked in their haste to label Hanson teen sensations in the past. But killjoys seeking to dismiss a set of chart-topping, long-haired blonde siblings as just another flash-in-the-pan will have to be content cracking hackneyed jokes about the short-lived glory of Nelson. The rest of the world will be happily keeping busy sinking their teeth into "This Time Around".
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