Why yes, I love Hanson, and I don't care who knows it.
I find myself saying these words often to new friends, who look at me blankly, mouths open, with both amazement and slight disgust. It's funny that after fifteen years of loving these three scruffy-haired boys, I still find myself vehemently defending my status as a Hanson fan, despite their truly talented songwriting abilities and wide critical acclaim. Now I am by no means a U2 fan, but even Bono has called them "genius." That's got to mean something, right? I think the Hanson stigma comes from people still knowing only of their "MMMBop" days, rather than their more recent six (the last three, truly excellent) albums that have classified them as one of the better Soul/Blues/Pop bands out there. And damn, they are still way too cute for their own good.
Listen to two of my favorite tracks from their new album And I Waited and Kiss Me When You Come Home.