Wave goodbye to ‘MMMBop’, kids, Hanson are back with a cleaner, more mature release┬á(you would hope so after nearly twenty years in the game) that could just send them into the charts once more. ThatÔÇÖs if the charts want something that sounds like Maroon 5 circa 2002 – ÔÇÿJulietÔÇÖ (complete with lyrical references to the play) and ÔÇÿTragic SymphonyÔÇÖ scream Songs about Jane. But then, who didnÔÇÖt have a soft spot for ÔÇÿThis LoveÔÇÖ?
YouÔÇÖve got to hand it to the three brothers; they certainly know how to write a good pop song.┬á┬áAnthem is packed with jangly hooks and sing-your-heart-out choruses that will stick in your head longer than the music of Ricky Martin and Taylor SwiftÔÇÖs hypothetical love-child. If that wasnÔÇÖt enough, Hanson have chucked in a bunch of cheesy, swoony ballads that wouldnÔÇÖt look out of place with a sea of waving lighters as a backdrop – ÔÇÿFor Your LoveÔÇÖ could be taken straight from a Backstreet Boys record. IÔÇÖm not complaining.
ÔÇÿLost Without YouÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿYou CanÔÇÖt Stop UsÔÇÖ provide the albums high points and although track 13 ÔÇÿ[Silence]ÔÇÖ comes across a little pretentious for a record that is pop down to its roots, you cannot deny that the Hanson brothers have done well with this one. Even if all theyÔÇÖve achieved with AnthemÔÇÖs memorable melodies is to make their way into the hearts of a new generation of pre-teen girls, credit must be given for their ability to do so once more.

Charlie Mock