Hanson

Judging from the variety of styles handled by the Tulsa kids, Hanson have not only outgrown their Tough Skins but have been absorbing lots of gospel, classic soul and lite rock. Hitting on Stevie Wonder, touches of the world beat Paul Simon jolted back in the '80s and even Beach Boys/Todd Rundgren/Chicago piano rock (see the fantastic "Running Man"), The Walk is a winning statement of purpose. Powered by a self-assuredness borne from releasing music on their own label, the bros appear to have matured into pretty cool guys. There will be no hits from this but they don't care.