Hanson: new label, new look, new sound

Hanson, one of the most down-to-earth, underrated bands out there, is back on the music scene and ready to rock. While Isaac, Taylor and Zac's first hit, "MMMbop" (1997) was both a curse and a blessing, there's no doubt that their music has matured -- along with their age -- since their first album, Middle of Nowhere. Underneath, their third studio release, is the culmination of three years of hard work after cutting ties with Island Records and forming their own independent record label, 3CG Records -- 3 Car Garage. \nWith rocking hits that will stun even the most stubborn naysayer, the self-produced Underneath is the band's best work yet. "Lost Without Each Other," with its upbeat, Motown-style rhythm, is accompanied by solo guitar riffs which make it impossible to sit still. "Get Up and Go" also proves that the siblings can really jam. It's one of my personal favorites on the CD because, well, it can turn any somber or stressful mood into one of excitement and glee. With the power pop guitar chords, tambourine and rock 'n' roll tempo, it's one of those songs you can just put on repeat for a very long time. \nSlower songs, such as Zac's soulful "Broken Angel" and the piano-driven "Believe" present the band's wide musical range and prove not all pop/rock songs have corny and cliché lyrics. "Penny & Me," the album's first released single, has a fresh sound to it and is also great driving music. Like the lyrics dictate: "Turn the radio up, push the pedal to the ground …" The harmony in "Penny" certainly brings you back to Hanson's original roots and is even more apparent when they perform the song live. \nThe brothers have always written their music and this is no different on Underneath. As Hanson took the reigns of the album's production, they collaborated with some of the industry's best, including Danny Kortchmar (Don Henley, Billy Joel) and Greg Wells (Rufus Wainwright, Michelle Branch). While some might say "MMMBop" may have stigmatized the band's potential, it did lead to three Grammy nominations and essentially established the band as a success. Seven years later, they proved this once again when they created 3CG Records to make sure the final product of their musical vision was achieved. As Isaac points out on their official Web site, www.hanson.net, "The music industry has failed to cultivate its artists. They're just after the quick buck. We want to be part of seeding an industry that grows artists with careers." Indeed, Hanson is breaking new ground in the music world with the release of Underneath. And if you just give the band's new music a shot, you just may be in for a surprise.