This Time Around

While never quite as scary as The Kelly Family, Hanson nevertheless have a spooky, rosy-cheeked wholesomeness about them. A few years ago, with the release of the infuriatingly catchy 'Mbop', they flirted with the boyband thing, but listening to This Time Around, you would never guess it.

It offers a surprisingly accomplished and (wait for it) mature sound. The three brothers, now ranging in ages from fifteen to twenty, have written all the tracks on the album, and there is definitely some talent at work here. Most of the songs have radio appeal, and with their energetic and upbeat arrangements, they stick like glue on your brain.

Lyrically they aren't always up there, but the vocals are excellent, the tunes are catchy and they make full use of every instrument they can think of. Acclaimed blues guitarist Jonny Lang provides his services, as does Blues Traveller frontman John Popper on Harmonica.

Brace yourselves. Hanson have made an excellent album.