Hanson - This Time Around

It's tempting to go after Hanson with a full-on snark attack and deconstruct the new haircuts, snicker at the slightly rougher sound, and hoot at such impossibly tortured lyrics as "On the ground crying out, 'Somebody see me please.'" Trouble is, it's hard to trash them when the smile on your face has no trace of malice. That's the sort of smile these songs induce. The mildly spicy, funked-up "You Never Know" has a "Smooth" feel (only it's Jonny Lang, not Carlos Santana, supplying the licks). Hyper-happy harmonica (courtesy of Blues Traveler's John Popper) and thwacky-wacky effects on "If Only" turn yearning into a disease you'd stand in line to catch. "Save Me" is a sweet plea; the title track (and first single) has Southern-rock/gospel textures; "In the City," despite its adultery theme, is like Disneyland Manhattan--more fun than dangerous. Throughout, Taylor Hanson's vocals prove pretty expressive and throaty for an adolescent could-be male supermodel. Yes, teen girls will be penning pining letters to boyfriends at far-flung camps all summer to this stuff. But the Tulsa trio's real triumph is the way they bridge not just the generation gap, but the cynical chasm with clean, perfectly sappy pop. --Nina Malkin Amazon.com

wish I had known...

how many great songs are on this album! Until recently the only one I'd heard was the title track, which is pretty good, but there are many that I like even more. I'm not a teeny-bopper or even close, and I love this album; I only wish I had given it a chance back in 2000! November 21, 2007

Hanson's Best Work!

I've been a Hanson fan since the beginning in 1997. They have come out with CD's since TTA, but it will always remain my favorite. The sound is completely different than their debut CD and it continues to evolve and get even better as the years go by! September 19, 2007

Best of..... HANSON!

Definately a definitive CD by Hanson. A more grown up CD. Like making their mark on the music world. And my favorite is of course the title track "This Time Around". July 1, 2007

From '97 up to '03

This time around may not have sold anywhere near the number of copies that the monster hit MON did, but that does not suffice to prove that is not just as good. You'll find just as much charm on this, as on any other of Hanson's albums! It doesn't matter if it is an indie Boomerang cd or their newest album, The Walk. The fact of the matter is Hanson has an undeniable charisma, excellent musicianship and skills, and an appreciable sense of modesty which makes their music suited to almost anyone! It really all boils down to individual tastes at that point, though... They began as a pop band, and continued on in true mmmbop fashion, up until only recently when they decided to change to rock. Yeah, they do still maintain a pop-ish sound, reminiscent of their roots, but as surely as they keep writing and performing, they'll only keep on upping their ante in terms of harder sound! They aren't the same boys you knew back in '97, nor has their music remained the same! You'll be in for somewhat of a shock if you buy this having only heard what MON brings to the table! Check out This Time Around and if you don't like it, may all fingers point at me. Personally though, I obviously wouldn't have recommended it...had I not already played it till' it scratched! LOL



My review of the songs:


You Never Know:
A great starting song! It reminds people not to judge. The lyrics to this song give off a bit of a frustrated vibe. They are assertive and questioning.

* If Only:
This is one of my most favorite tracks. Listen and the reason shall be revealed! I can never resist singing along with the catchy lyrics. There is an air of sorrow in the way Taylor sings this song and you'll find yourself sympathizing with him. It expresses a strong yearning to be wanted and loved. We all can relate!

This Time Around:
This song has an unconquerable attitude. But there is also no doubt that it expresses bitter anger too! Though sad, the lyrics are worth reading and this is actually one of the album's strongest tracks. Snippet: It's getting colder in this ditch where I lie. I'm feeling older and I'm wondering why. I heard they told her it was tell and live or die. I didn't know her but I know why she lied. I didn't know her but I know why she died. You can't say I didn't give it! I won't wait another minute! We're on our way this time around! And we won't go down!

* Runaway Run: You may as well just label me a silly nilly when this song comes on because I can not keep myself from wearing a stupid grin! The tune is sweet, the instrumentation is clear and great, and the message is of a bittersweet, unrequited love. What a snare this is to me!

Save Me:
The message is pretty much drawn out for you. It sounds like an unheard plea to be noticed and appreciated. I get the impression it could also be about a couple who's found discord amongst their relationship.

Dying To Be Alive:
The message this song seems to want to convey is: don't settle for less in life. When life is a sourpuss and gives you lemons, make sweet lemonade! Things will get hard but keep your eyes on the prize, work hard, and you'll pull through! A real upper when you're in a slump!

Can't Stop:
Seems to be about an infatuation with someone. Gets a little repetitive midway through but other than that it is entertaining and enjoyable. The drumming on this track is awesome!

* Wish I Was There:
This is the song they chose for Zac to lead on. What a voice he has! The lyrics to this song are really great. A song about pure and innocent love.

Love Song:
Isaac sings lead for Love Song. Smiles are always brought to my face when I listen to this. Possibly the most laid back song on this album, other than A Song To Sing.

* Sure About It:
This song reels me in hook line and sinker! It gets me vamped up and ready to tap my feet in rythm to it's irresistible beat. This one is a real energizer!

Hand In Hand:
I've seen Hanson in concert a few times and this song really stuck out to me because of the way Isaac described it. It is about how one of his girlfriends cheated on him. It really struck a chord in me to know that someone could do that to such a nice guy! But he was too good for her, even from the beginning.

* In The City:
Rock driven and edgy at it's best, In The City gives off taunting and seductive vibes. Maybe even a bit of a "Hell, if I care!" flare at times. I really love it when Hanson puts out songs like this!

A Song To Sing:
Only the guys' voices and the piano can be heard on this laid back track. Despite being laid back this song doesn't let your emotions rest so easily; it is rather sad. Taylor's playing on the piano is at it's best here: smooth yet with a crisp freshness to it! May 18, 2007

Their Best Album

This is by far Hanson's best album. It didn't get great sales, because of the music company that produced it, but it still has great quality despite its poor marketing. All of the songs...I'm serious, every-single-one will have you hooked. This is a great cd to play at a party or when you are alone. It's so versatile. Buy it. May 15, 2006

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