Production – 4.6/5 * Engineering – 5/5 * Overall – 5/5
After three years, the pop-rock trio Hanson released their sixth studio album, ANTHEM. In case you don’t know who they are…Google: MMMBop. Since 1997, Hanson has consistently evolved in their sound, tone, and overall musical delivery to their devoted fan-base of “teeny-boppers”. Their past five albums have offered every “sound” you could get out of the Hanson brand; teen-pop on their most notable record, “Middle Of Nowhere”, blues-rock pop on “This Time Around”, acoustic indie pop on “Underneath”, tribute to AIDS victims -pop on “The Walk”, soulful-James Brown type pop on “Shout It Out”, and now their latest record, rock-pop “ANTHEM“.
KEY:
(2 tapes = Meh)
(3 tapes = Good)
(4 tapes = Really Good)
(5 tapes = Awesome)
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TRACK LIST
1. “Fired Up”
I love how this song opens; sizzling hi-hats, distorted guitar, big rock snare and kick drum, and finally, Taylor capturing his inner Mick Jagger with his signature “oh” vocal. This song has a very in-your-face, heavy rock feel to it, with underlying pop vocal harmonies, that add the unique sound that is “Hanson” to it. My only problem with this song is how it falls apart in the chorus. I don’t feel that this is a complete song – it’s lacking a bit more…umph. It’s almost a “classic rock” song, but the chorus, and weak guitar solo doesn’t complete the picture for me.
2. “I’ve Got Soul”
I’ll be honest…the horns on Hanson’s last record, “Shout It Out”, nearly drove me away from being a long-time fan of theirs. They felt wrongly placed, excessive, and most importantly, completely unnecessary. Horns are good in one or two songs, but every song is close to torture. This song captures that fun, make-you-move, soulful energy that was throughout their last record, but it doesn’t go in any new directions as this new record seems to be. It seems more like a “throwback” or a “b-side” they forgot about and added it here. And for once, I feel like the horns add a good dimension to the song. Final note: MORE COWBELL!
3. “You Can’t Stop Us”
This song stars out with big, reverb (80’s style), drums, and a blues-inspired distorted rock riff, followed by a classic early 80’s drum and keys breakdown. Then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, youngest brother, Zac comes in with a killer, raspy blues-soul vocal. It completely brings the song together. I also love the way the vocals were recorded in the chorus in this song; diverse harmonies, and a really big sound (similar to “Some Nights” intro by FUN.) Then Taylor comes in next, with his version of “rough and raspy”, and a nice, light distortion on his voice. The guitar and drum breakdown in the bridge is epic. The 80’s style drums paired with the driving guitar riff and classic Hanson harmonies really take this song to the next level. From 80s imitation to Queens-inspired legendary. I think this song would’ve been a much better opener than the one chosen, since it truly captures their new “sound” perfectly.
4. “Get The Girl Back”
…And we’re back to the horns. I guess once you go “horns” you never go back? Regardless, at least this song is in the right direction. It captures their signature harmonies, and a pop-soul aspects very well, and offers horn stabs that compliment the chorus perfectly. Is it a first single? I wouldn’t have picked this as the song to launch a really hyped up album that’s completely contradicting this “new” sound…but it makes an alright filler.
5. “Juliet”
On first thought, I said to myself, “Where The Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas, and then Zac comes in with a 50’s style pop vocal lead. This is hands-down the album’s “star” track. This could make for a very good follow up single to their original, and break the mold this pop music world has been in for so long. The horns are very dramatic, yet still stay pop-driven, and Zac’s vocal shines in both sound and styling throughout the song. I can definitely see this song going number one in 1962’s Pop Charts, and today’s! There’s no crazy guitar solos, just simple pop music straight from the root.
6. “Already Home”
I love the dark and spacey, 80’s organ-styled chord progression that comes in the beginning of this song. Taylor’s lead vocal tone blends perfectly with the rock-style drums and light,underlying guitar mutes. This song is beautifully arranged and produced, and reminds me of the “airy, free” feeling I get when I listen to “No Rain” by Blind Melon. It’s the first song so far that I feel is capturing the “Hanson sound” I’ve grown to love, and a “new” element I’ve been waiting for 5 songs to appear. Again, just a simple, pop-driven song. What makes this song worth it’s stars though, is everything added in between. The spacious and wide sound the drums and cymbals give fuel to the murky, dark-sounding keys, and a straight guitar riff in the middle tied to Taylor’s strong rock-vocal lead here makes this a great contender for a single, and another stand out track for the album as a whole.
7. “For Your Love”
A much anticipated song in the Hanson “Fanson” fan community, older brother Isaac sings a strong country-lead vocal in this tragic sounding love song. His vocal carries a very sad, remorseful tone throughout the song, and the instruments intensify the sad energy. I feel this is the album’s weakest track because it totally brings down the mood all together. A good song, but not single material, possibly next album or b-side material.
8. “Lost Without You”
Again with the dark, murky organ-style keyboard…and I’m loving it! Taylor’s vocal delivery is perfect match with the drums that stay nicely in the pocket. The chorus is very “big” sounding, and reminded me of the U2 song, “Beautiful Day”. Matter of fact, this would’ve made a great song for U2…Taylor delivers it good, but Bono probably could’ve done it…well…like Bono. Regardless, this is a nice attempt at capturing their inner-Bono, and is a nice pick-me-up from the last track.
9. “Cut Right Through Me”
I could picture this song as a throw-away from their Middle Of Nowhere days. It captures that smooth 60’s pop style vocals (delivered by Taylor), organ-style keys, drums, and harmonies perfectly, and could’ve been a nice follow up to “MMMBop”. None the less, it makes a great record for today’s indie-pop scene. There’s finally an energetic guitar solo that I’d been waiting for 8 songs to hear; not everything I’d dreamed of, but it compliments the rest of the song very well.
10. “Scream And Be Free”
I love how this song comes in with that spacey feel and harmonies. The light, airy guitars and organ-styled keys pair well with the 90’s feel of the drum beat. This song has great lyrical composition, that actually makes the listener feel the energy that the song captures. I feel this could easily be a hit on today’s radio if the stations gave it a chance. It has a very Adam-Levine meets 90’s R.E.M. type feel, and a catchy, make-you-feel-good chorus you can sing along to on first listen. This song is definitely a star track on the album.
11. “Tragic Symphony”
This song starts off with a nice funk vibe – similar to the riffs throughout the last album, “Shout It Out”. It reminds me slightly of their song “Give A Little” from that album, but Taylor’s vocals add a new flavor not heard on any of their previous releases. The Michael Jackson-like vocal delivery, melodies, and overall composition in this song makes it a completely unique and fresh sound. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Taylor was the King of Pop himself! It perfectly captures that funk/pop energy that MJ was famous for, and cleverly ties in the “Hanson” feel with harmonies, breakdowns, and chord progressions. A great song to get you moving, shaking, and dancing the night away.
12. “Tonight”
I love the energy of this song – pure, stripped down pop music. I also loved that this song featured all three brothers singing a verse; a rarity in recent Hanson studio albums. The underlying distorted guitar throughout the song gives it a nice rock edge. Combined with the piano and vocal harmonies, this song is on the track to becoming one of my favorites on the album. I love the vocal breakdown in the bridge that showcases the incredible harmonizing abilities that makes Hanson a force to be reckoned with. The drumming on this song is also worth mentioning – it goes from a nice straight pop beat to a rock feel very tastefully. This song could be featured on a commercial for “Disney” with it’s magical and wondrous energy; a perfect track to fall asleep to and dream about unicorns and rainbows.
13. “Save Me From Myself”
This song blends organs, simple piano chord progressions, powerful vocals (provided by Zac) and strong harmonies right from the start and pulls you into the “Hanson” world. The drums remind me of something I would’ve expected to hear on their first release, “Middle Of Nowhere”. It displays Zac’s vocal abilities and passion perfectly well, and the underlying harmonies really make this song shine through. I also love the use of traditionally unheard of instruments – like the flute, accordion, and jingle bell sounds. This song is beautifully constructed, produced, arranged, and really captures the energy of the lyrics – sad, vulnerable, slightly depressing, explaining the changes that go with a love lost. A perfect ending to a very rock and roller coaster of an album.
Purchase Hanson’s new album, ANTHEM here!
The youre really talented .
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