The Colby Echo

Issue date: 3/9/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: www.amazon.com

Forget everything you know about the band Hanson. The music lives. If you haven't seen Zac, Taylor, and Isaac since the days of the golden locks and upbeat pop, you're in for more than a pleasant surprise. Sure, they cut their hair, but that's only the beginning of their maturity. All three are all married and Taylor has three children, yet they're still pumping out pop rock music that could knock you off of your feet. This is a band that has taken control of their music by taking risks and following their dreams. After breaking from their record label in 2004, the boys created a label and started producing albums on their own. The Walk, the second album off of 3CG records, is heartfelt and inspiring. Hanson has woven pieces of their souls into the notes and melodies of each and every track. The result? A poignant rock record that has smashed expectations.

Recorded partially in Africa during their work to alleviate AIDS, the record features many tracks that incorporate an African children's choir. This creates connection and fluidity on the record, as the choir ties most of the tracks together by singing at the end of each song. The songs themselves cut with ripping guitars, passionate vocals, and warm melodies. This is a band that has put their souls on the line for their music, and after listening to this album, it is clear that their struggles have not been in vain.

The Walk opens with the track, "Great Divide," the song they released to raise money for Africa. It's intriguing, loud and powerful, and it's the perfect way to kick off the album. The second number, "Been there Before," is proof that Hanson has mastered pop music. The steady beat, the organic chords, and lyrics dripping with nostalgia make you feel comfortable and inspired. Hanson lives in their music, and this track hits the ears but touches the heart.

"Georgia," is definitely a standout on the record. The emotional melody, driven by the piano and the hooking chorus, is enough to make you melt. Other highlights from the album include "One More," a sadder, angst-ridden song that explores suicide and hopelessness. Taylor's voice is perfect for the song, and it seems to bleed passion and emotion. "Fire on the Mountain," is another song with profound and potentially political lyrics. It is an earthy tune with Zac soaring on lead vocals, and as the song dips into the last line, "Live, learn, life, love, die, dust, gone," it becomes really tangible and resonant.

The album takes a turn towards rock as it approaches the end with power songs like, "Blue Sky," "Tearing it Down," and "Something going round." The vocals are belted and the guitars are heavy. All three of these songs are aggressive and energetic, fireballs that kick the sound to life. The last track, "The Walk," seems to be Hanson's personal anthem. "On the tightrope everything's bare/ All that there is from here to there/ On the tightrope the goal is quite clear/ Don't lose yourself in your fear." For Hanson, braving a corrupt music industry has been a painful, tedious process. Their courage and perseverance, however, has put them on top. Their love for music is undeniable, and their passion is admirable and rare.

To the thousands of loyal "fansons" all over the world, The Walk is the perfect album to commemorate ten years of love and devotion. To anyone else, this may just be a good pop rock album. Either way, it's worth giving it a listen. This is the real deal.

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