Album Review: Hanson - Shout It Out

Welcome friend. Don't be ashamed of your Hanson love. You're safe here. One can only assume you're reading this review because, like a true Hanson fan, you still unashamedly hold a candle for one of those long-locked blonde brothers (but not Isaac, he was yuck). Hanson have been busy since 1997's Middle Of Nowhere. They've acquired three wives and eight kids between them, busted out seven more records and even brewed their own Indi Pale Ale called - wait for it - MMMHop! They also created this here album, Shout It Out, two years ago and, with Australian screaming girl tour dates imminent, it's finally now getting a release here.

We can all pretend we care about the catchy, yet predictable riffs or the safe clap-along pop melodies and well-executed three part harmonies, but you all knew that would be there because it's what Hanson always has and always will be best at. What's important is that Hanson, and Taylor in particular, are still doing the cute 'woah-ohs' that made you giggle as an 11-year-old as you wished you were Madeleine or Lucy (if you don't understand those references then get out, you're a fraud for still reading).

Zac appears as the main vocalist on a few tracks and puberty was obviously kind (15 years ago) as he's only improved. The musicianship is still tight and risk free but that's what you get with a band that have been playing with each other for 20 odd years. It's another sunshine and lollipops collection of songs made for tweens yet unfortunately it still doesn't end the ever-raging debate that could upset even the tightest yin-yang-best-buds-necklace-wearing friendship; Taylor or Zac?