20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best Of Hanson CD

Sibling teen-pop outfit Hanson burst into the limelight in the 1990s with their infectious single "MMMBop" and their major label debut MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. Hyped on their age (the drummer, Zac, was a mere 11 years old) and their wholesome, photogenic looks as much as their music, Hanson delivered a carefully crafted take on soulful pop that looked back to the Jackson 5 and the Partridge Family. The best of the band's material is presented on this 20th CENTURY MASTERS collection, which in addition to the band's mega-hits, "MMMBop" and "Where's the Love," contains a fine sampling of the band's lesser-known but no less appealing fare, including some of Hanson's surprisingly introspective later work.
Coming straight from the heartland of America to infect the mainstream radio and television airwaves, the brothers Hanson charmed the preteen audience of the '90s with their simple, sugary pop songs. And with several records already in the bag, it's surprising that it took until 2006 to compile a proper greatest-hits survey of their career thus far. True, there was 2005's Best of Hanson: Live and Electric compilation, but that featured all new recordings of the classics, with vocals pitched noticeably lower on some songs than the originals. All of the hits are here, including the one-two punch of "MMMBop" and "Where's the Love," as well as dance remixes, fan favorites, and one cut from their Snowed In holiday album. Most fans who have followed the lads through their career will own these recordings, but for those looking to own all of the hits on one disc, it's a nice survey and most likely all of the Hanson one will ever need. ~ Rob Theakston