This "critic" oviously didn't listen to the album or bother to read the liner notes. I find it very shameful to publish this kind of information; information people rely upon and assume is well-founded, when it's not even accurate, factually or interpretively.

Kate, Lincoln, USA

Excuse me? What album did you listen to? It couldn't have been The Walk.

Kelly, mytown, USA

At least the reviewer spelled all the words right in his review. Honestly, the album is not on Capitol. Fewer than half of the songs can be considered "piano rock", turgid or otherwise. And as for "they were unlikely to give up, being brothers".... hello? Has this reviewer ever heard of The Everly Brothers?

Anyway, good job on spelling all the words correctly.

Maria, Swindon, Wilts,

Ya...definitely no choir singing on the title track buddy. As for "uninspired" anyone with any knowledge of the record would gladly report the exact opposite. The Walk is and amazing album. Some of its tracks have the best lyrics I've read in my entire life, mixed with cook classic rock vibes, three part harmonies and incredibly unique cord progressions. Do everyone a favor and dont judge a band because of some vague idea of them you have remaining from when they were barely teenagers. Listen to the album; and until then just dont talk.

Beth, Kingston, ON, Canada

I'm just wondering if you listened to the album, as there is no choir on the title track "the Walk". How can you call incredible songs like "Great Divide" and "Been There Before" uninspired? Hanson are one of the best bands around, just listen to any of their live releases. To say that only their name ensures their album's release is not only your unresearched opinion but also untrue. They are an independent band and so their name has nothing to do with the album being released. The "munchkins who sang MmmBop" comment is unnecessary. I believe you should get rid of your misconceptions. This album is NOT drab, it is uplifting, upbeat rock music and deserves 5 stars.

Maiyu, Birmingham,

This is complete rubbish! How could you give this album a 1 star, it deserves much more than this! Hanson are an amazing band and this album brillient! The walked away from the record label and created their own. The started again have released 3 albums, a documentary and been on many tours since creating their own label! I think they deserve more then what you have said in the terrible review!!

Hannah, stoke, staffordshire

I went to a Hanson concert on Saturday night in Manchester, taking along my long-suffering husband, who had the same point of view of Hanson as Steve Jelbert, thinking of them as those "teeny boppers" and remember Mmmbop only too well - he left the concert converted. Hanson have had the ability to reinvent themselves and their music, and their live performance was truly awesome. Hanson are no longer those teens I had on my bedroom walls as a youngster - they are musicians and damn good ones at that! Everyone I know who I told about the concert had the same narrow minded "mmmbop" view but after hearing "The Walk" they found very little room to argue that Hanson are fantastic.

Victoria Bennett, Chesterfield, England

I think this review is totally unfair- they're not the 11-year-old MMMBopers anymore. But reality's different, they put their hearts and tears into this huge project, they're talented musicians and songwriters. The fact is people (see: Mr. Jelbert) expect absolutely pointless easy rhymes (well, in fact it has never been so); I don't think he carefully listened to the record and he'll never admit Hanson can make really good music-is appreciating 20 year-old dads too shameful, by any chance?

Anna, Verona, Italy

It's interesting and too bad for the artists that this reviewer feels comfortable posting such a blistering review of this work without providing clear evidence in the review that he has listened to it. There is no "kids choir on the title track" (The Walk), which is the last track on the album (I don't think he got to that one). There is a choir of African school children who sing on the first track, called Great Divide; they appear on it b/c the single is a charity download to benefit a hospital in Africa
dealing with AIDS. I get the impression he listened to the single, Go, which is not characteristic of any other song on the album, then put on the first song for a few seconds and let his preconceived notions take over.
The "only their name ensures its release" remark (written as if major labels hold releasing albums to some high standard ...like what? The music of Fergie? or Gwen?) is rather silly given that Hanson are independent artists who can release anything they want.

LisaAnne, New York, USA

The fact that people are still viewing Hanson as the 'Teeny-Boppers that grew up' only serves to highlight their clear inability to appreciate them for the artists that they truely are today.
The only lack of inspiration I can see lies with Steve Jelbert's rather slap-dash attempt at a review.

Debbie, London,

Hmm, each to his own, but I do think this review is a little harsh, and wonder if the reviewer took the time out to honestly listen to the album with no pre-conceived ideas as to how it would sound. It seems that people are biasing their reviews based on the Hanson they knew 10 years ago.

Also, there is no children's choir on the opening track ;)

Steph, Aberdeen,

There is no kid's choir on the title track. Do some research before you go and review an album. You clearly haven't listened to the album properly therefore this review is pointless and not a true reflection on the album. The album has a very good mix of upbeat and slower songs and each song covers different aspects of life.

0/5 stars rating on your attempt to review albums!

Karen, UK,