Hanson is back - Shout It Out!
It was early 1997 when three brothers from Tulsa, Oklahoma made their way into the lives of millions with their catchy and memorable single 'Mmmbop'. These brothers, by the names of Isaac (guitar, vocals), Taylor (keyboards, piano, vocals), and Zac Hanson (drums, vocals) were in their teens and selling more singles than some artists that had been in the industry for decades.
Although classed by many as one hit wonders with 'Mmmbop' and their debut album "Middle of Nowhere", the band is still going strong over a decade later and about to prove they are much more than anyone would have believed as they release "Shout It Out"; the third album through their own label 3CG Records. While the release retains the fun, upbeat pop sensibilities of their previous material, it is their most ambitious yet, incorporating elements of rock, funk, soul and R&B, expanding on their musical roots.
As always, all tracks are written by the brothers and are catchy. They give a personal touch to each song as the album delves into the emotional side of music, having been influenced by marriage and children through the course of their career. There are some beautiful words such as "you don't need a Cadillac, coz I'll be waiting with my bare back, to carry you there" on 'Carry You There'.
To have Taylor singing the majority of the tracks is expected as he belted out the majority of tunes on previous releases. However, although there are a couple to which Zac lends his voice to such as 'And I Waited' and 'Use Me UP', there is not a single Isaac lead song, which is a little disappointing.
"Shout It Out" is jammed with aggressive rhythms, beautiful melodies and catchy riffs. 'Waiting for This' is the opener and a beautiful up-tempo tune that reminds you of why you fell into the world of Hanson back in 1997. The joint harmonies of "shout it out – so everybody can hear" is a cleaver introduction to the album while piano focused tunes such as 'Kiss Me When You Come Home' are stunning. As well as the wonderfully upbeat tracks filled with pop goodness, expect some tender ballads such as 'Use Me Up' and 'Me Myself and I' which when filled with such melodious piano and Zac and Taylor's wonderful vocals are as sentimental as 'With You in Your Dreams' (Middle of Nowhere), 'Broken Angel' (Underneath) or 'The Walk' (The Walk).
A brass section is a new touch Hanson have added to this release. While some tracks are content with the old Hanson up beat poppy style, this horn section makes its presence known as new side of Hanson emerges, a side that says they are back and plan on going nowhere. There have been two catchy singles already taken from the album with this feature; 'Thinking 'Bout Somethin', and 'Give a Little', both of which have a funky side making each a movable piece of music.
Hanson is certainly at a high point in its career. It is hard to remember sometimes that although the band have released numerous albums, they are still just a trio of young lads doing what they do best; music. If there is one thing Hanson prove with this release, it is that they are getting better with age. June sees the band return to the UK with a 5 of 5 tour, hitting London's King's College Student Union for five dates, one for each of their albums, "Middle of Nowhere", "This Time Around", "Underneath", "The Walk" and "Shout It Out". I'll be there, will you?