Dear Editor: I was pleased to see that you reviewed Hanson’s new CD (May 26 Backtalk), and the first part of the review contained nothing worth arguing about. You got into trouble with “A few final notes.”
First of all, as much as I love Tay’s voice, Isaac also has a cool voice (as does Zac), and I didn’t think it was fair that you put him down. The reason he sang most of the leads is that these songs were recorded right after his voice changed. He had always led, and they didn’t reconsider that until they signed on with Mercury. I personally thought that Isaac did very well on this CD. After hearing his few solo lines on Middle of Nowhere, I had wondered what he would sound like by himself. I no longer have to wonder. (A side point: People seem to pick on Isaac because he’s the oldest and not as cute. I don’t think that’s fair. He is one third of Hanson, and should be treated just as nicely as the other two thirds.)
Secondly, I agree that some of their lyrics are too mature for their ages, but not the specific one you quoted. Lines like, “It all started on 77th street/When we were just 13,” or ” `Cause I’m just a man/Flawed in so many ways you see,” were a little strange to hear from them. You should know, however, that “With You In Your Dreams” was written in memory of their grandmother, from her point of view before she died. It is a serious song, not to be misinterpreted as anything else. (Also, you say if they were there when you woke up, you’d call the cops. Well, I, for one, would get an autograph first. 🙂
Rachel U., 15, Chicago
Rachel and every other Hanson fan (scads) who wrote in: How dumb do I feel about my take on “With You In Your Dreams”? I feel sooooo dumb… That’s the last time I comment on any Hanson lyrics without knowing the exact context. I should leave that stuff to the experts: you fans. Sorry about the goof.
One more thing: We’re printing Rachel’s letter because we found it very balanced, articulate and specific. To all of you who were enraged that I “absolutely trashed” the CD, “totally dissed” the guys and was basically one big meanie, I gotta say: Hold on a sec. If you still have a copy, read the review again. I liked the CD. It wasn’t trashing it to call it rough and say the harmony didn’t quite mesh yet – after all, the thing was recorded in a garage, for gosh sakes – three years ago! Look how far these guys have come. As I wrote, the boys didn’t have much time or money; they were just three regular guys at that point, not three superstars – so they used what they had to put something together to show record execs. My point was, as I wrote, that despite those setbacks, “the bros’ brilliance shines through” on the CD. Also, I have nothing against Ike; I think he’s a competent enough singer. But in my opinion, he doesn’t have Tay’s magical, lead-singer sound. And, despite what plenty of you had to say, my opinion of Ike’s singing wasn’t a commentary on his looks! Ike could be a Leonardo DiCaprio clone and I still wouldn’t be wild about his voice (at least, I hope I’m not that shallow). Anyway, it’s cool if we can agree to disagree; that’s what opinions and healthy debate are all about. And part of healthy debate is really hearing what the other person is saying. So here’s to plenty more debate!
– Devin Rose
