1. MMMBop
In 1997 Hanson impacted the world with “MMMBop”. The track was initially released on an independent album (also called MMMBop) in 1996 but did not achieve much success, so the following year the song was re-released, resulting in a huge worldwide hit.
In an interview, Zac explained: “What that song talks about is, you’ve got to hold on to the things that really matter. MMMBop represents a frame of time or the futility of life. Things are going to be gone, whether it’s your age and your youth, or maybe the money you have, and all that’s going to be left are the people you’ve nurtured and have really built to be your backbone and your support system.”
2. Penny & me
Written and produced by Hanson and co-produced by Danny Kortchmar, “Penny & me” is the first single from the album “Underneath”.
According to Zac in an interview Penny was a reference to “Penny Lane” by The Beatles.
The accompanying music video, directed by Chris Applebaum (Semisonic’s “Closing time”, Britney Spears’ ”Overprotected”), features O.C star Samaire Armstrong.
3. I will come to you
“I will come to you” is a beautiful pop rock ballad taken from the bands’s debut album “Middle of nowhere”. It reached No 5 in the UK and No 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
4. If only
“If only” was released in 2000 as the lead single from their second studio album “This time around”. The track features John Popper of the band Blues Traveler on harmonica.
The music video, directed by Dave Meyers (Pink, Sugar Ray, N Sync), was shot in Alabama Hills, California, which is best known today for Iron Man movie scenes, but was also featured in countless film and television productions (mostly Westerns).
5. Great divide
“Great divide” is the first single from Hanson’s fourth album “The walk”.
The track was released as an exclusive single in recognition of World AIDS Day 2006 with proceeds going to the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, South Africa, a hospital that helps reduce the transmission of pre-natal HIV/AIDS.
“Great Divide is about facing what seem to be insurmountable tasks, and the hunger we all have for a glimpse of hope” explained Isaac. “When you hear the voices of African kids, singing along to the words ‘I find hope’ in their native languages, it makes the message of the song that much more poignant and chilling”.
