Breakthrough success (1997-1998)
In 1996, Hanson signed with Mercury Records and began working with producers The Dust Brothers and Stephen Lironi on their first major label album, Middle of Nowhere. The album was released on May 6, 1997 and was an instant success, reaching number two on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Australian ARIA Charts. It spawned four singles: "MMMBop", which topped the charts in 27 countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time; "Where's the Love", which reached number four in the UK and number six in the US; "I Will Come to You", which peaked at number nine in the US and number five in the UK; and "Weird", which was a top 20 hit in both countries. The album sold over 10 million copies worldwide and earned Hanson three Grammy nominations for Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Hanson followed up their success with a live album, Live from Albertane, which was recorded during their sold-out concert at KeyArena in Seattle on July 21, 1998. The album featured live versions of their songs from Middle of Nowhere as well as some covers and new tracks. It reached number 32 on the US Billboard 200 and number 21 on the Australian ARIA Charts. It also included a bonus VHS tape with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
In November 1997, Hanson released their second Christmas album, Snowed In, which contained original songs and covers of classic holiday tunes. The album was a commercial success, reaching number seven on the US Billboard 200 and number three on the Australian ARIA Charts. It sold over two million copies worldwide and was certified platinum by the RIAA and ARIA.
Moving forward (1999-2003)
In 1999, Hanson began working on their second major label album, This Time Around, with producers Mark Hudson and John Shanks. The album showcased a more mature and diverse sound, incorporating elements of rock, soul, funk and gospel. It was released on May 9, 2000 and received positive reviews from critics, who praised its musical growth and experimentation. However, it did not match the commercial success of its predecessor, reaching number 19 on the US Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Australian ARIA Charts. It spawned three singles: "This Time Around", which peaked at number 20 in the US and number nine in Australia; "If Only", which reached number nine in Australia but failed to chart in the US; and "Save Me", which was a minor hit in both countries.
In 2001, Hanson faced some difficulties with their record label, Island Def Jam Music Group, which had merged with Mercury Records. The label wanted Hanson to work with more mainstream producers and writers, while Hanson wanted to maintain their creative control and artistic integrity. The conflict resulted in Hanson leaving the label and suing them for breach of contract. Hanson eventually settled the lawsuit and regained the rights to their music.
In 2003, Hanson launched their own independent label, 3CG Records, which stands for "3 Car Garage", a reference to their early days of recording in their home studio. They also released their first album under their own label, Underneath, which was recorded in their home studio and co-produced by Hanson and Danny Kortchmar. The album marked a return to their pop rock roots, with influences from classic rock and power pop. It was released on April 20, 2004 and debuted at number 25 on the US Billboard 200, making it one of the most successful self-released albums of all time. It also reached number 49 on the UK Albums Chart, their highest position since Middle of Nowhere. It spawned two singles: "Penny & Me", which reached number two on the US Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart; and "Lost Without Each Other", which peaked at number 39 on the UK Singles Chart.
Continued success (2004-2010)
In 2005, Hanson released their second live album, The Best of Hanson: Live & Electric, which was recorded during their Underneath Acoustic Tour in Australia. The album featured acoustic versions of their songs from Underneath as well as some older hits and covers. It reached number 182 on the US Billboard 200 and number 93 on the Australian ARIA Charts.
In 2006, Hanson embarked on a project called The Walk, which involved them walking barefoot for a mile before each concert to raise awareness and funds for poverty and HIV/AIDS relief in Africa. They also recorded an album of the same name, which was inspired by their experiences in Africa and featured collaborations with African musicians and choirs. The album was released on July 24, 2007 and reached number 56 on the US Billboard 200 and number 83 on the UK Albums Chart. It spawned three singles: "Great Divide", which was released as a digital download and donated all its proceeds to charity; "Go", which peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks chart; and "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'", which reached number 39 on the UK Singles Chart.
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In 2010, Hanson released their eighth studio album, Shout It Out, which was influenced by soul and R&B music from the 1960s and 1970s. The album was released on June 8, 2010 and debuted at number 30 on the US Billboard 200, making it their highest-charting album since This Time Around. It also reached number one on the US Billboard Independent Albums chart. It spawned two singles: "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'", which featured a cameo appearance by Weird Al Yankovic in its music video; and "Give a Little", which peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart.
Conclusion
Hanson is one of the most successful bands to emerge from the late 1990s pop scene. They have maintained a loyal fan base and a consistent musical output despite changing trends and challenges in the music industry. They have also used their fame and influence to support various humanitarian causes, especially in Africa. Their discography from 1995 to 2010 showcases their evolution as musicians, songwriters and producers, as well as their versatility and creativity in different genres and styles.
Sources:
[Hanson discography - Wikipedia]
[Hanson Discography Discogs]
[Hanson Albums and Discography AllMusic]
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