Hanson: Underneath : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

The moppet boogie-pop brothers of Hanson are finally old enough for us to have our way with them. They've passed that awkward stage we all go through -- the breaking voice, the zits, the ill-advised bids for blues-rock cred -- and have learned that life isn't just a bowl of "MMMBop." Now they're releasing Underneath on their own microlabel. Singing duties are divided democratically, but the best moments belong to Taylor, the Beyonce of the trio. Taylor showcases his instinctive beat-riding moans, delicious overexertions and pointed trills on the single, a mid-American strummer called "Penny and Me," and also on the ethereal ballad "Underneath" and "Lost Without Each Other," the album's most upbeat track (penned with New Radical Gregg Alexander). Brothers Isaac and Zac contribute zealous vocals, but songs such as Zac's sweetly overwrought piano ballad "Broken Angel" and the would-be single "Deeper" only highlight Taylor's absence. He might want to consider a solo project, but for now the family that plays together stays together.

LAURA SINAGRA
(RS 948, May 13, 2004)