Hanson - The Walk

It's hard to hear The Walk from end to end without wishing the brothers Hanson could go back in time and undo the career-stunting megahit that was "MmmBop." If it wasn't for that 1997 song, catchy and guilty-pleasurable as it was, the boys would be well on their way to winning over the kind of committed audience a disc as focused and fine-tuned as this one deserves. There's nothing particularly high-minded here (excepting the single "Great Divide," a downloadable track whose sales will benefit an African orphanage), but each song radiates a level of pop-rock accomplishment that surpasses most anything you'll hear on top 40 radio. Hanson, in fact, has more in common with acts like Fountain of Wayne and Amos Lee these days than anybody you'll see strutting across a TV screen in skin-tight pants. Highlights on a disc without a single dud include "Georgia," contemplatively sung by Taylor, and "Running Man," an addictive Squeeze-meets-Beatles rock ditty co-written by Zac. In its 15-year history, Hanson has won the right to talk the talk about the hardships and satisfactions of maturing musically; The Walk backs that talk up beautifully. --Tammy La Gorce Amazon.com

Incredible Indie Rock Album

This is an amazing indie rock album. If you're still judging Hanson based on their MMMBop days, you need to stop and listen to this CD. I've played this album for friends and co-workers without telling them who it was - they gave it incredible reviews and were surprised that "those 3 boys from Tulsa" were the musicians. August 11, 2008

Probably their best CD

These guys are such a great rock band. This is probably my favorite CD of theirs. I love the social conciousness of this CD, really the awareness of not only the AIDS crisis in Africa, but the global crisis we are involved in and our place in it. Several of the songs also really hit a chord with me, speaking of home and family. (Yay Tulsa!). Oh yeah, besides all that deep stuff, this CD ROCKS. The music itself I would put against any rock band out there, and far above anything you can find on the radio. Can't wait for the next CD, already. March 20, 2008

For Hanson, completely average.

I bought this album because a) I've always been impressed with these guys and b) the reviews here have been for the most part positive.
Since "Mmmbop" and the "Middle of Nowhere" album, I have enjoyed much of their music. Even the Christmas album, as there is something about talented kids singing holiday songs that just sounds right.
I thought some of their later work was unjustly ignored..."Runaway Run" etc.

I think this album is completely average. There is nothing that jumps out, nothing that makes you immediately go back and listen to again...nothing that'll have you humming afterwards...

Hey...the three brothers are accomplished beyond their years, sing well and by all standards are a proficient, skilled musical group.

It's just that this collection of songs...as "songs"...aren't that good...

And this coming from a fan. March 4, 2008

Give it a chance and you won't regret it.

As a long time Hanson fan I of course bought this album. I love the album! I feel it is the best to date. However, I realize that many are skeptical about Hanson at best ever since MmmBop. So I would like to say that I have had many of my skeptical friends both guys and girls listen to the new album and have gotten nothing but impressed reviews. They have really tried to move to a more rock sound and have a lot more talent than have been given credit. If you have only ever heard Mmmbop then you haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg. If ever was an album to give Hanson a chance this is it. January 1, 2008

Returning to form

I have been a fan of Hanson for as long as I can remember, even back in 1997 during the "MMMBop" days (but I didn't mention it to anyone; sorry, but there are certain things that a sixteen-year-old black guy has to keep from his friends to avoid getting beaten up). And the brothers are unfortunately another one of those bands that want to take their career in a different direction than their original label does, which results in going the indie route. I didn't like their first independent album Underneath very much, but thankfully things work out much better on The Walk.

Now that Isaac, Taylor and Zac are all over twenty and married with children, that might account for why their songs have more of an adult contemporary vibe than what was found on previous efforts. But one thing that's surprising about this album is that Zac actually does much of the lead singing on here, like on the title track as well as the three-in-a-row of "Running Man", "Go" and "Fire on the Mountain", and even though I heard him singing on "Misery" off their previous album, he sounds even better here. Isaac also impresses when he handles lead vocals on "Watch Over Me".

But Taylor still helps with his usual vocals, as evidenced by highlights like "Georgia", "Been There Before" and "Something Going Round". There are also some acoustic bonus tracks that suit me well, like "I've Been Down" and "Got a Hold on Me" (although the second acoustic version of "Something Going Round" is a little unnecessary). While Hanson might not be enjoying the record-breaking sales they used to enjoy, you should still consider walking over to pick up this album.

Anthony Rupert December 28, 2007

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