Former teen heart-throbs Hanson made it big in the late 90's with their sugary pop hit Mmmmbop. The group's appeal was that the three band members were cute, blond brothers who could play their musical instruments well.
A decade on, the boys have grown up and so has their music. They are releasing music under their own record label, which means no industry censorship. Their new album The Walk is a surprisingly solid mix of pop vocals, harmonies and melodies, and some good, old-fashioned rock.
They also manage to blend soul, funk and gospel into their songs. In the first track Great Divide, that uses a South African Choir for the back-up vocals.
Been There Before is reminiscent of Elton John and Billy Joel, especially as it contains strong piano accompaniment and an unexpected harmonica.
Songs that will get you up and dancing are Blue Sky, Tearing It Down, with its classic rock guitar stylings, and Watch Over Me, featuring the old Hanson sound that existing fans will undoubtedly enjoy.
This is an inoffensive, but unmemorable album. But kudos to Hanson for standing up to the music industry and making the music they want. This album is a promising return to form.