Hanson - Shout it Out
Record Label: 3CG Records
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Remember that trio of Oklahoma blondes that took the radio by storm in 1997? Remember all the jokes about how puberty would ruin their careers, that they were a flash in the pan, that they'd go bankrupt, wind up in rehab, etc.
Turns out all of those predictions were wrong.
Fourteen years removed from their time in the spotlight, the rock trio Hanson are still making albums, still touring the country and still selling records. And while their omnipresence on radio may indeed be behind them, their fifth studio album (ninth overall) Shout It Out, is bonafide proof that Hanson are far from a flash in the pan. Drawing on the classic sounds of R&B, soul and blues albums they listened to growing up, Shout it Out is a breezy, sun-kissed collection of 12 hook-heavy, brass-indebted rock songs not unlike Chicago's 17.
From start to finish, Shout it Out is awash in frolicking pianos, playful guitar solos and ample amounts of horns. Anchored by Taylor 's full-lunged vocals, this is an album of soulful, viciously catchy rock n' roll. Opener "Waiting For This," sets the tone with a tickling piano line and Isaac's lively guitar work. Zest-laden, undeniably sunny and awash in optimism, it's a promising opening for a wholly satisfying body of work. Though "Thinking 'Bout Somethin," is the disc's lead single, It's successor, the groove-based "Kiss Me When You Come Home," seems a feasible choice for second single. Feeding off Taylor's impassioned crooning, Isaac's inspired playing and Zac's snappy drumming, it's a decidedly mature dose of pop perfection.
Though the band is at their best when left to their own devices, the aid of helping hands certainly does little to diminish their sound. A pristine example is the glorious harmonizing of soul singers in the gospel-influenced "Carry You There." Unfortunately, that marks the end of the the album's first half as the following three songs flatten out significantly. "And I Waited," "Give a Little," and "Make it Out Alive," seem to rely on the horn section to do most of the work. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but whereas "Carry You There," fed off the soul singers, this middle triumvirate doesn't seem to feed off the horns in nearly the same way. Instead, what could have been an engaging and memorable stretch turns into 12 minutes of filler. Thankfully the piano-driven ballad "Use Me Up," is next and hot damn, if it's not one of the best ballads written this year. Achingly tender, unarguably sincere and gorgeously arranged, it is arguably one of Zac's finest vocal performances to date.
The mid-tempo leanings of "These Walls," and the leave-it-all-on-the-table cut "Voice in the Chorus," are further examples of just how triumphant Shout it Out is. There's an unflinching sincerity, a palpable energy and an inherent conviction that drives both of these songs to glory. By the time the vocal-driven album closer "Me, Myself and I," roll around, one can't help but wonder, is this really the same band that wrote "MMMBop"? Aside from the trio's penchant for maudlin and borderline campy lyrics, there's little about Shout it Out that isn't infectious. So while for many it may be a bitter pill to swallow, the fact of the matter is, 14 years removed from their chart-topping success, the young 20-somethings known as Hanson are indeed here to stay. And as long as they continue writing albums this strong, there's no reason anyone should want them to leave.
Ouch, 5.5 for lyrics? That bad, eh? I haven't seen you score that low on something in a while. Speaking of this band, I still can't believe they're still in-service. I thought they fled the scene years ago. Good review, sir!
Ouch, 5.5 for lyrics? That bad, eh? I haven't seen you score that low on something in a while. Speaking of this band, I still can't believe they're still in-service. I thought they fled the scene years ago. Good review, sir!
The way I see it is, Taylor and the boys are in their mid-to-late 20s. They have wives and children and families. If they're still writing trite lyrics that an 8th grader would put together, then they need to be called out for it. Aside from that, this album is a smash. These guys are legit good. They just can't write a lyric to save their life. I am horribly disappointed. For a band that's been around the block and seen it all, this lack of lyrical substance is just a travesty.
The way I see it is, Taylor and the boys are in their mid-to-late 20s. They have wives and children and families. If they're still writing trite lyrics that an 8th grader would put together, then they need to be called out for it. Aside from that, this album is a smash. These guys are legit good. They just can't write a lyric to save their life. I am horribly disappointed. For a band that's been around the block and seen it all, this lack of lyrical substance is just a travesty.
Yeah, I hear you. I know lyrics should never be the only deciding factor in judging an album, but that would pretty much kill it for me.
Yeah, I hear you. I know lyrics should never be the only deciding factor in judging an album, but that would pretty much kill it for me.
It's horribly disappointing. It just doesn't engage me or inspire me when the lyrics are so bland. I know that's shallow, but that's how I am as a listener.
Good review. The low rating for lyrics surprises me as well but I could understand where you're coming from.
I realize it's as low as I've rated lyrics in a long time, but let's be real. This is not some young up-and-coming band. They have been doing this for almost 15 years. They can't keep writing these Sesame Street lyrics. It's just pathetic.
I realize it's as low as I've rated lyrics in a long time, but let's be real. This is not some young up-and-coming band. They have been doing this for almost 15 years. They can't keep writing these Sesame Street lyrics. It's just pathetic.
Wow, Sesame Street and pathetic, harsh. Ill check this out regardless even though I'm a bit hesitant now.
Last album was fantastic. I love me some good old-fashioned piano-infused pop-rock. The comparison to Chicago (circa Peter Cetera's rise to prominence) has me intrigued. I can't believe this is their ninth album, too. Can't say I'm up for checking out much of their back catalog, but I do love that last record a lot.
Last album was fantastic. I love me some good old-fashioned piano-infused pop-rock. The comparison to Chicago (circa Peter Cetera's rise to prominence) has me intrigued. I can't believe this is their ninth album, too. Can't say I'm up for checking out much of their back catalog, but I do love that last record a lot.
You should like this a good bit then. The Chicago reference is a bit loose, but it's the first thing that came to mind. I do hope you enjoy. And yes the last album was fabulous.
Honestly, I listened to that first single they had all those years ago about a 1000 times, and then the band faded from my memory up until you posted this review.
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