Remember Hanson? The three young brothers with beautiful hair who had that huge 90’s hit "Mmmbop"? Well, they’re back and they’re all grown up with kids of their own, a beer range and now a new album. Anthem, their ninth studio record, really shows how much Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have grown and matured, while still managing to keep the indie pop sound they are known for.
From the moment you press play and the rocking guitar riff of “Fired Up” starts you know the boys are no longer those pretty faced teens, rather talented musicians who are in the industry for the love of the music. The band is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and instruments and this shows throughout the whole album but especially in the bluesy, 60’s jazz sounding “I’ve Got Soul”.
“Get The Girl Back” is the first single from the album and with its motown inspiration, underground sound, clap alongs and chants it’s an anthem in its own right. This is one track worth going to a show for as it has the potential to have everyone up and dancing along.
Youngest brother Zac takes the lead next with the love ballad “Juliet”. For all those Hanson fans that have been there from the start think Middle Of Nowhere’s “Lucy” but all grown up. Lyrically, this song is one of the most beautiful and artistic and you’ll be swooning over the youngest brother wishing, you were his Juliet.
The love songs don’t stop here; “Lost Without You” is a beautifully written track reminiscent of the band’s first album. Vocally, it’s one of the best on the album with Taylor putting it all out there, “Tragic Symphony” is another track where he doesn’t hold back and you can hear the passion and love for his craft coming through in his voice. “Tonight” is the highlight of the album, a true inspirational pop song that you expect from any Hanson album. It features both Taylor and Isaac and their voices, which are so different somehow work magically together.
You almost feel sorry for Zac having to follow such a beautifully written song with the album closer “Save Me From Myself” but again it’s a totally different song with a heavy piano focus and darker with some more perfect vocal work, so really there is no comparing.
With so many different sounds and inspirations on the album each song has its own uniqueness and it’s amazing to hear how they all work so well together.
Review Score: 9.0 out of 10
Anthem is out now. The band return to Australia in August.
