Did Taylor Hanson really think he could sing that “MmmBop” song and then expect people to take him seriously at any point in his life? Even when he recruits credible musicians like former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, I still can’t see anything other than the three Hanson brothers and their wannabe-grunge haircuts accompanying their wannabe-rock pop songs.
But nonetheless, Hanson, Iha, Schlesinger and Carlos have tempted fate to form power-pop supergroup, Tinted Windows, and have just released their self-titled debut album. The eleven track-record is likely to leave you with mixed feelings about the band, because it’s easy to listen to, but the music is over in under 36 minutes, and you’re left not feeling too sure that it merits another listen.
Admittedly, there are some likable tracks here. The first single, “Kind Of A Girl” has the raw guitar sound and fast pace that make a good combination for a radio-friendly tune. The mid-song guitar solo is particularly searing. “Can’t Get A Read On You” is similarly catchy, and probably the album’s rockiest tune. “Messing With My Head” and “Cha Cha” can also be appreciated, if you’re in it for the more saccharine side of the music.
“Nothing To Me” and the very repetitive “Doncha Wanna,” toward the end of the album, are bland and pretty useless to the record as a whole.
Maybe this is just a stepping stone on Taylor Hanson’s path to becoming a master of rock and roll… but probably not… It’s far more likely that this band’s bite-size nuggets of sugary pop music will continue to be served up to teenage fans for a few more years before the music fades into obscurity. Overall, this CD is probably best if avoided.
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I kind of agree with your review of TW, but I'd listen to some of the more recent Hanson material before you go bashing their music. just sayin'...
Yeah, the very nerve of this guy. He writes a song that is number 1 in 27 countries and also number 1 on the most highly respected critics poll in the US, while still a child... and then expects to be taken seriously? What a joke.
You lost me with your first line. The guy has been putting out credible rock music for 12 years to a large and devoted fan base, which you obviously don't know even though you're writing about music...and you think he's not taken seriously because at age 14 he produced a world-wide hit? Interesting take on things.
If "MMMBop" is cool enough for House, it's cool enough for anyone. Just checked out Tinted Windows; they rock.
Tinted Windows isn't great, but you don't need to bash Hanson at the same time. They've been making great music since MMMBop.
Hanson are the most amazing band ever!!!
Tinted windows album is fantastic!! And deserves to be listened and given a chance!
I would recommend it to everyone !!
"Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, Ba du dop
Ba du bop, Ba du dop
Ba du
In an mmm bop they're gone.
In an mmm bop they're not there."
I completely agree that that is not a credible rock song. Tinted Windows is at least a step in the right direction for him.
On second thought, that song's not even coherent English, letalone credible...
Monica, you really need to do some homework before you write an article about Hanson delivering "sugary pop". Have you heard their most recent albums? Rock critics have lauded them for their roots/blues rock. And this amateur rock critic loves their new stuff. Listen to "Georgia" or "Penny and Me" - both are great songs. Seriously, don't perpetuate the same mis-informed tripe about what Hanson USED to be. We're more than a decade removed from Mmm Bop. And since then, Hanson has established the critical praise I'd expect someone like you would be aware of.
If Hanson was a venereal disease they would be Herpes: impossible to get rid of, pops up every now and again and never a good thing to see on the tips of your penis.
Just joking, I actually quite like them, and how dare you say an unkind thing about them.