~A Full Scale Hanson Review~
Who me? No, I only have three Hanson CD's. I have had the pleasure of listening to and buying, "Middle of Nowhere," "Live from Albertane," & "This Time Around." Oh yes, I have been a faithful Hanson fan since the day their video, "Mmmbop" premiered on television. I have witnessed the whole hater scene, and have tried my very hardest to overcome the pressures to turn my back on Hanson. Some people just couldn't see past the gorgeous long hair, and high voices. They thought, or should I say, assumed that all their music consisted of was made up words like, "Mmmbop." What they failed to realize is that it takes talent to make up words, and that voices often change and get better with age.
Seeing Hanson in 1998, at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mt. View California, was an awesome experience for me. it was a great show, and sold out, I believe. But alas, all I can really remember is the sea of little girls screaming their heads off to such an extent; Hanson could hardly get a word in edgewise! I remember feeling like my ears were bleeding all through out the show. I also remember a little girl, probably trying to take revenge on Zac for squirting the audiance with his super soaker, throwing a water ballon on stage and hitting Taylor causig him to trip and fall. Taylor however was very professional about it, and just got up and continued on as if nothing had happened! Its things like this people remember.
Silence was heard after a while. Hanson was thought, by some, to have given up on music and just started making the rounds of talk shows. However, you never get anywhere without keeping up the hard work. Hanson came right back with old albums finally released like, "Three Car Garage." They also released their "Live From Albertane" CD, to make music hungry fans all over the world content awhile longer. Probably hoping that another break to record new music would not set them back, Hanson was again gone from the music scene.
At last, "This Time Around" is here! Now, are beloved Hanson's are back, fighting it full force. True, their voices have deepened, but they've mastered that completely. And yes, we must not forget the haircuts, everyone is talking about the haircuts! So what if Isaac knocked off a few feet of hair, and so what if Taylor is experimenting with what length looks best. They are still the same talented performers as they have always been. And besides, so far Zac has let all of the ladies win out on his battle with the incredibly difficult question, 'to cut or not to cut.'
"This Time Around" is an extremely magnificent work of art. From the new sounds, to the wonderful calibrations, it seems to be even more than anyone would have ever expected from them. What this means is, its not just three boys fighting puberty anymore, its so much greater than that. They all have new sounds, and so many more talents. They try to experiment with different aspects to their singing and songwriting. And they also have a great band to back them up! Scott Hogan, the bass player, tries his best to be heard in the mix. Matt Rhode, the back up keyboard player, brings all new sounds to the group, and Jason Taylor on guitar, is adding a greater magnitude to Isaac's wonderful talent! Listening to this album is a great way to relax, and let your imagination take full swing. I would call, "This Time Around" the most spectacular piece of work ever created by such young and talented brothers.
The "This Time Around Tour 2000" is an absolutely wonderful show. I went to see it in Phoenix Arizona, on August 10th, 2000. And I was terrifically stunned and amazed! The crowd was awesome, and everyone was friendly. The opening act, Michelle B., I believe, was very talented all by herself. Her voice was beautiful, and her talent on the guitar was amazing. When Hanson finally came out, again the screaming began. We were all so thrilled. Our favorite boys were dressed to impress and ready to rock! Isaac, made a wonderful contribution, with his assortment of guitars which he used to make each song as unique as possible, and not to mention his deep, soulful voice. Zac still gives the drums his best. He tries to participate in as much singing as he can possibly fit in, between Isaac and Taylor. He certainly does fill his part in the trio, and you can see that he tries very hard to give it his all everytime. Taylor, not to totally leave his talented brothers in the dust, has a whole different approach to entertaining. He must pride himself on trying to completely and utterly amuse his audience. If he wasn't breaking it down on his keyboard, then he was bonging the bongo drums. if not that, he was busy playing his harmonica, or switching spots with Zac and taking over the drums, so Zac too could get his share of up front spotlight singing. The energy put forth by Hanson, while off and on stage, is simply mesmerizing. I took an aerobics class in 9th grade and the concert was almost as exhausting, not that that is necessarily a bad thing. Exercise is very good for you, but just thinking about how beat they must be after every show, tires me out! Especially Taylor, who tries so hard to be all over the stage at once. he's constantly getting the audience's participation in pogoing up and down, waving from side to side, and clapping...No wonder the Hansons are getting to be such, how should I put it...built guys! You can see where all this exercise is paying off.
Hanson will always be a superb group. They have loads of adoring fans, now growing just as they are. Over time, Hanson has matured with us, and they will continue to learn with us as well. I hope that eventually, everyone will recognize their wonderful talents, and give them all the credit that they deserve. Perhaps, if they continue as they are, in maybe a decade or two, they will even be given the honor of being admitted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Until then, their dearest fans will continue to hold them close in their hearts, and hope and pray that the, "This Time Around" album and tour will not be their last! Hanson...All we know "Is the fear has got to go, this time around."
By Carrie Cooper
August 12th, 2000
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