Hanson/David Ryan Harris

Thanks to the success of their infectious single "MMMBop," Hanson's major-label debut, 1997's Middle of Nowhere, sold 8 million copies and turned the young band of brothers into superstars. After lackluster sales of a follow-up, This Time Around, the band left the majors and started its own label. It has essentially recorded and toured as an indie rock band ever since. A collection of well-crafted pop tunes that are surprisingly soulful, its latest album, Anthem, is certainly upbeat. It also doesn't show a lot of emotional depth — even the break-up tune "Get the Girl Back" comes off as rather glib and a little too sleek. And the same goes for ballads such as "For Your Love" and "Lost Without You." (Niesel)