As the years accumulate, Hanson is sounding more like a classic rock / pop band than strictly a pop sensation. 'Shout It Out' is a good title, apt for summing-up their mood and message. Certainly, it must be great for the songwriters and musicians to have their own record label (3CG Records) from which to circulate a new CD. "Shout It Out" is their fifth studio record (three past Hanson albums were Grammy-nominated). Influenced by classic bands admired by Zac, Taylor, and Isaac, the new collection of music is both rootsy and commercial. They produced the album themselves in El Paso, Texas. The list of special guests who visited the farm where Hanson recorded is impressive. Jerry Hey, the famous horn arranger on the Michael Jackson albums made with Quincy Jones, adds some nice touches, reminiscent of his Earth, Wind and Fire years. And Mr. Robert Babbitt, the Funk Brothers bassist, surely taught Isaac a few Motown thump and bumps along the way.

The vintage melodies of their musical heroes and heartfelt delivery of their favorite singers is Hanson's aspiration. The songs off of 'Shout It Out' are all about capturing the spirit of great songwriting through a good performance. Songs which dearly reverberate with Hanson, the 1950s soul and early 'Rock Around The Clock' era stuff, influenced the swing and groove of the new tunes, homage, but still starkly original. The band recreates a fun, innocent soulful rock sound.

Critics are already praising 'Thinking 'Bout Somethin'' quite lavishly. The new single, released exclusively on iTunes, has an accompanying video. Todd Edwards of 'Hoodwinked' directed the brothers in a re-imagined scenario of 'The Blues Brothers' movie. The video creates a world that underscores Hanson's ideal, where playing music in the street can cause average passers-by to dance together. Spoiler alert: Weird Al Yankovic has a cameo and is quite fun to see at his crazy best. Nostalgia is a new terrain for the Hanson brothers. If one adds that to their already solid pop optimism, the listener is in for a real treat. Buy your Hanson tickets now, a great summer treat of music and fun.

Hanson will be performing in New York for a five-night run at the Blender Theatre At Gramercy until April 30. The big Bamboozle Roadshow in East Rutherford, New Jersey begins on May 1st. The Saturday night concert ticket is still available. (The almost sold-out Blender Theater gigs at the Gramercy are very unique shows. The band is playing each of their first four albums in order of release. Then, on the last night, a world premier of 'Shout It Out' will be the first time the public completely hears the new material.) When Hanson's Bamboozle Roadshow ends, they will take a short break and then roll-up their sleeves for a long American tour. Keep checking this website for new Hanson concert ticket information about their summer tour.

Thankfully the newly recorded material on 'Shout It Out' promises to match the bands developing style. 'Thinking 'Bout Somethin'" is a very good indication of that. It is no wonder they can't wait to showcase the new stuff live. Showing-off the classic rock underpinnings, new Hanson-penned lyrics, and basic new sound is something of which they are proud. Hanson has been doing a great job of jamming-it-out live in concert for their last four albums and are expected to do the same for their fifth. New songs like 'Waiting For This,' 'Kiss Me When You Come Home,' and the new single 'Thinking 'Bout Somethin'' are potentially great concert standouts.