Hanson didn’t follow the rules. Even back in 1997, everyone knew what was supposed to happen. They’d never match the massive popularity of “MMMbop.” They’d get dropped by their label and develop serious chemical dependencies, destroying both their youthful good looks and their fortunes. They’d resurface in 20 years, starring on some reality show in which former child stars fight to the death on a remote Pacific island. But brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac had different ideas. They indeed broke with Island after their sophomore effort’s poor sales, but turned even that into a positive, releasing a documentary of their experiences and forming their own independent label, 3CG. Since then, they’ve released several albums, with 2004’s Underneath landing at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Independent Chart. The Walk, released this summer, showcases the trio’s musicianship and exuberance, only faltering when they act a bit too mature and tread a bit too close to adult contemporary waters. — Nicholas L. Hall
This article appears in Oct 25-31, 2007.