It's been ten tumultuous years since Hanson released their first studio album Middle of Nowhere and created a sensation that is still going strong. On July 24th they dared to show the world they were still making music their way with the release of The Walk on their 3CG Records label. While the album has been out overseas for a few months, the group rewarded the US fans with 3 bonus tracks and an upcoming tour. One listen to this album and its easy to see that they long haired, fresh faced boys have since grown into mature musicians, making music on their own terms. The album boasts fourteen tracks in a day when most artists rush to put out 12 track sub 40 minute pieces.

The album kicks off with “The Great Divide,” a strong track that the group had been using to raise awareness for AIDS research in Africa. The song opens with a strong guitar hook that reoccurs through out the song, balanced with a heavy, but not over powering piano accompaniment. The lyrics are memorable, but hard to understand at times. 


The next few tracks provide the most radio worth material on the album. “Been There Before” is one of the stand out tracks on this album. Taylor's unyielding voice and piano line give this song some real stand alone power. The underlying theme in the piece, the strength of music in ones life, speaks leaps and bounds through the voices and music of these three men.

“Georgia” is what Top 40 radio stations would be clamoring to play, if they were playing Hanson. It's a strong piano heavy track accentuated by Taylor's typical smooth vocals, but the whole piece leaves something to be desired. It's, in one word, typical.

One of the most surprising things about this album is the emergence of Zac on lead on a good portion of the record. He steps out on “Go”, “Running Man”, “Fire On The Mountain”, “Tearing It Down”, and the albums title track, “The Walk.” The drawback: the two big disappointments on the album are both Zac leads. “Go” and “The Walk”, while lyrically brilliant, are lacking musically. Both tracks may very well be amazing live, but recorded they leave something to be desired. “Fire On The Mountain” is the shortest track, but is an attention getter; the end of the song will leave you wanting more.

The most stark change of pace on The Walk is “Blue Sky.” The hard hitting guitar straight from the beginning is unlike anything Hanson has ever released before. The vocals on the track sound almost strained and rough, but it fits perfectly with the instrumental backing. I had to take a second listen to this song to take it all in, and I took a third just to enjoy it. It's by far the best offering in this eclectic set of songs.

The two eldest brothers take lead on another stellar piece, “Something Going Round”. The point/counterpoint of their voices keeps the song interesting and captivating. The instrumentals are tight and perfectly matched to the vocal track. By the end of the song you're really left asking yourself “What is that something and why do I need it?”

All in all The Walk is a good album with some stand out pieces and some real disappointments. One thing is for certain after a listen, Hanson is making music on their own terms finally, and finding their niche while doing so. There is no doubt in my mind that each track on this album has something different to offer, especially live, but recorded not all of it shines the way I would have hoped. Hanson hits the road in mid September in support of the new release, check them out if you can, and give the album a shot, you'll be glad you did.

Name: "The Walk "
Label: 3CG Records
Release Date: July 24, 2007
My rating: 4.0 out of 5

Jeni-Lynn Green is the executive vice-head of Musiqtone. You can reach her at jenilynngreen@musiqtone.com.