July: From Mmmbop to ANTHEM, 21 Years Worth of Dancing

They are pop culture’s 90’s darlings. They made random syllables into a word that captures that promising, uncertainty of love—Mmmbop. These long-hair hippie-love boys are often remembered by this classic staple. However, unlike trends in music—Hanson is more than a 3 album deal.  Try 21 of music. I have yet to listen to that many years of music. Not to mention a new album: ANTHEM.  Let us just see how many times they can redefine our definition of infectious, rambunctious, and perfectly elated tracks. I promise it is nothing short of revere.

I first listened to Hanson because the Jonas Brothers were being compared as their “modern day” equivalent. If there is anything I love more than brotherly trios who play guitar it is the older, classic version of them. Let’s get real New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men… The new bands are not even trying to imitate their charm—one cannot fake that kind of effortlessness.  I learned one thing very quickly: music is relatable, not comparable. 

With artists that I have liked for a while, who remain consistent I always have one fear: not liking their new albums. Will I not get the new direction? Will it sound the same? Will it lose its innovation (worst)? Or will I be too ignorant to ever grasp their new level of creativity? I hate when a band or artist falls out of grace with my ears. So it is a good thing Hanson never makes me second guess. They write simple songs that turn out to be bigger.  Their freedom is secured thanks to 3CG (3 Car Garage) their independent label—active since 2003. Thanks to their hard work and genuine talent fresh music is born with each album.

Anthem starts with a bang. “Fired Up” wakes you up, literally. I highly recommend it to start the day. It captures the “not-talking-crap-from-anybody” feisty attitude of the trio. Next, is “I’ve Got Soul”. Which is so HANSON. I  imagine people from the sixties dancing in pastels and penny loafers to this jam. It is so timeless and fearless. This is definitely the dance song of the album. If you want to start a revolution in your mind or simply in your town the next track will be the theme song. “You Can’t Stop Us” is what Jack Black would dub a “Stick it to the Man” type song. It is the song I hope my generation sings as we rise against the challenges and adversity to come together in our creativity and create something beautiful. Track four has been featured on VH1 and it is so catchy it should be illegal. “Get the Girl Back” is a celebration of the opportunity to get back something/someone you lost. I warn you though once you listen to it—you will not stop. “Juliet” is simple but delightful. It chronicles the bittersweet tale of Shakespeare’s fame.  “Already Home” is my personal favorite. It focuses on the sense of loneliness we sometimes feel in life. It talks about how we think getting out or moving on will solve the problem of our jaded perspective. When in reality—we are already were we belong. We are already home. It teaches us that though we are tired, we cannot give up. We are going to do our best working by sticking with it, not running from it. “For Your Love” and “Lost Without You” are both angelic, honest, love ballads. “Cut Right Through Me” has been featured on FUSE channel.  It tells the tale of that person who is kind of like poison ivy—not good for you, but you always hang around. It is complicated, wonderful and makes for a brilliant hook. “Scream and Be Free” is my favorite—lyrically. If I tried to explain it I would dismember its’ magic. So just listen to it. “Tragic Symphony” is about that person who likes a little melancholy, a little drama to keep their relationships interesting. Hanson keeps it classy and calls them out. You have to love it. “Tonight” is golden. It sums up what we all really want—to live right now with everything because it is everything. Once you listen to this album you will be just like me: Barefoot and singing this ANTHEM.

 

“If I wait for summer to begin,  

I may never begin myself.”

Hanson, “Scream and Be Free”