Hanson: Live & Electric
By: Gina Bortolussi
Issue date: 11/16/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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When Hanson dropped their record label Island Def Jam and formed their own independent label 3CG(3 Car Garage), fans were worried about when they would return with another album and tour. Fans had to wait for some time, but soon Hanson released their highly anticipated album Underneath and then shortly after, The Best of Hanson Live and Electric was put on the shelves, followed by a tour heard around the world.

To see so many fans at the Nokia Theater in Times Square dancing and singing along to every song Hanson played is pretty impressive, considering how long they have been around.They may have the most loyal fans out there, sticking it out through all the years that Hanson has been together. Walking into the new theater for Hanson's New York City stop on their Live and Electric tour may have confused fans. The twelve-year-old girls who used to follow Hanson around when they first debuted in 1997 with their album, The Middle of Nowhere are all grown up. Hanson fans seem to be more eclectic than they used to be, and some even looked like they should be at a heavy metal concert instead of seeing Hanson. This time around it looked like even boys had showed up to see Hanson play.

It is obvious that not only have Hanson's fans grown and changed, but so has Hanson with their appearance and music. Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have cut their signature long hair that they wore when their big hit "MMMBop" hit the airwaves. Hanson's sound has turned more rock, and their bubble gum image and lyrics have been transformed into songs that are mature and have depth to them.

There is no doubt that the Hanson boys have talent. With Isaac, the oldest, on guitar, Taylor the middle child, on piano, and Zac the youngest, on drums, the trio is a recipe for musical talent. Even though "MMMBop" is not the best written song in many people's minds, the fact that the boys wrote it before they had even hit puberty is still impressive. And with their release of around 11 albums, Hanson keeps proving themselves as a band that can write and perform music with professionalism and talent. With the newest album, The Best of Hanson Live and Electric, comes a tour that is bound to please and definitely delivers.

The show was absolutely incredible and Hanson played for almost two full hours. The show started and the curtains drew back to reveal Taylor on drums, a surprise since he is usually sitting at a piano, Zac in Taylor's place and singing, something he does not often do, and Isaac playing guitar. Hanson's more well known songs were obviously played, like MMMBop, which they performed lined up at the edge of the stage and acoustically, and This Time AroundÓ. The Hanson brothers also sang a cover of the song ÒFeelin Alright,Ó which they actually reference in their song ÒPenny and MeÓ and a beautiful acapella version of a gospel hymn. Songs off of older albums were played with a more electric, rock sound like the danceable and sultry song ÒLook At You.Ó Isaac really rocked out each time he had a solo on guitar, but especially on ÒLook At YouÓ which was one of the best performed songs of the night. With each song Taylor's hands moved so fast and flawlessly, it was hard to tell they were moving at all and his voice hit all the right notes. Every time Zac hit the drums, it sounded full of life and you could tell by his movements and facial expressions that he felt every beat.

The best part about going to see Hanson live is seeing all three of these guys get into their instruments and know that they truly care about the music. Seeing older songs being performed now, when the boys have all grown up, it a cool experience. Hanson have really given themselves a respectable name in the business and are true performers. Hanson is back in this music industry-live, electric and better than ever.