Hanson: The Enduring Pop Rock Siblings

Hanson is an American pop rock band formed by brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson. The trio achieved global fame in 1997 with their infectious debut single "MMMBop," which topped charts in over two dozen countries and propelled their album Middle of Nowhere to multi-platinum status.

Early career

The brothers began performing as a group in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 1990s, initially under the name The Hanson Brothers. They built a local following through energetic live shows and self-released independent albums, 1995's Boomerang and 1996's MMMBop, which caught the attention of major labels with their blend of pop melodies and rock-influenced instrumentation.

Breakthrough

The band's major label debut, 1997's Middle of Nowhere on Mercury Records, became a worldwide phenomenon. Driven by the ubiquitous lead single "MMMBop," the album sold over 10 million copies, earned three Grammy nominations, and certified the teenage brothers as international pop stars. Their success was further solidified by a sold-out world tour and a string of hit follow-up singles.

Key tracks

MMMBop - The defining smash hit that launched Hanson to superstardom, reaching number one in the US, UK, and numerous other charts worldwide.

Where's the Love - A socially-conscious pop rock track from Middle of Nowhere that showcased the band's harmonies and earned a Grammy nomination.

I Will Come to You - A ballad that became another major international hit from their debut album, demonstrating their broader musical range.

This Time Around - The title track from their 2000 sophomore album, marking a grittier, more mature rock-oriented sound.

Thinking 'Bout Somethin' - A later-career single from 2010's Shout It Out that became a fan favorite and viral music video success.

Following their initial explosion, Hanson founded their own independent label, 3CG Records, in 2003. This move allowed them full creative control, leading to a series of albums like Underneath (2004), The Walk (2007), and Anthem (2013) that leaned further into their soul and rock influences. The band maintains a dedicated global fanbase, consistently tours, and releases new music, including 2018's String Theory, which reimagined their catalog with orchestral arrangements.

Fans of Hanson's brand of melodic, guitar-driven pop rock may also enjoy the catchy hooks of Maroon 5 during their earlier "Songs About Jane" era. The vocal harmonies and pop sensibility of Jonas Brothers share a similar family-band dynamic. For the soulful rock inflection in later Hanson work, check out Train. The enduring pop-rock appeal of One Republic also resonates with Hanson's long-term career trajectory.

The music of Hanson, from their 90s teen pop anthems to their mature independent rock, receives regular airplay on a variety of radio formats, including classic hit stations, adult contemporary channels, and pop rock radio streams.

Listeners can discover the extensive catalog of Hanson, from "MMMBop" to their latest releases, through the radio stations featured on onairium.com.