Hanson String Theory Listening Party!

Currently listening to Hanson's premiere of String Theory on Hanson.net! Man I love being a Fanson! They make me so happy! :)


I just hit play on String Theory Part 1 Side A. 

Reaching For the Sky: is BEAUTIFUL! Fills me with hope and inspiration! Gorgeous melody, inspiring lyrics, beautiful instrumentals. It's perfect!

Joyful Noise: So fun with the orchestra! I like it better than the original.

Where's the Love: The beginning gives me chills!! I love the accapella intro and then the strings come in....stunning! And then there is the beautiful orchestra piece near the end that goes straight into the beautiful song If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It. So inspiring! "These are the songs for the world to sing and the stories to show you what you've never seen. This is the line drawn in the sand, that turns a boy into a man."

MMMBop: Wow! MMMBop with the orchestra is actually awesome!! I was wondering what this one would sound like. It still has the peppy, fun tune of the original but with a more elegant, grown up feel. I LOVE it! What a pleasant, fun surprise!

Chasing Down My Dreams: Great song!! Another wonderful, inspiring message of following your dreams and believing in them! Making me feel happy and optimistic :) Catchy song, enhanced by the orchestra.


Love, love, LOVED Part 1, side A!! Now, onto String Theory Part 1: Side B!

Tragic Symphony: That beginning is insane!! Obsessed! And that ending! Awesome! And the transition into You Got A Hold On Me ...... so fun! I love the Latin twist ;) These two songs go so well together; never thought of that before!

Yearbook: Right as this song started I freaked out a little bit inside!! I totally forgot this song was on String Theory! Still as hauntingly beautiful as the original. Chills.

Siren Call: I've listened to this song several times already and it still made me give a little squeal of delight and excitment when those beginning "Oooo-oooo's" began :) The chorus gets me every time!! Ugh. It's so good.

Me, Myself and I: Gorgeous. Heartfelt. Heartbreaking. Beautiful.


Part 1, side B was beautiful! I could definitely feel that transition from the happy, hopeful feeling of side A, to the darker, challenging feelings of side B. Genius. Great choice of songs. I'm living for this album right now! So unique.

Now that I've listened to the String Theory Intermission it's time for String Theory Part 2: Side A.

Reaching For the Sky: This beginning is AMAZING!! The piano is gorgeous! I got chills when Taylor first started singing. "He never gave power to the sound of fear or twist of fate. He didn't care how long it took, I'll still be reaching on my dying day ..... I am reaching for the sky."

This Time Around: So cool! Ultimate fight song! "All I know is that fear has got to go....this time around." My favorite line from this song!

Something Going Round: To me, this song didn't sound that much different from the original .... still a great song but, not as mind blowing as everything else has been. That's OK though, I still like it!

Battle Cry: Another new, uplifting, powerful song! The orchestra sounds great on this one. I love this line: "Be brave, tell them: do your worst!" And the chorus: I've got a battle cry. So you can follow me. Even in darkness I'll never leave your side. I've got a battle cry! I can tell I'll be listening to this song often ... WHOA!! That transition into You Can't Stop Us was SO COOL! I love the orchestra with this song! I like it better than the original! So sick! Isaac SLAYED his solo!

Broken Angel: This song was made for strings. It adds an extra level of emotion. Beautiful.

What Are We Fighting For: Interesting choice. Again, to me, not much different from the original. But, I can see how it fits the story they are telling.


Highlight of Part 2: Side A for me was definitely Battle Cry transitioning into You Can't Stop Us! It was so well done and just flowed so seamlessly!! Such an empowering, strong point in this musical story! Time for the String Theory Part 2: Side B!

Breaktown: I HAVE BEEN WAITING ALL EVENING TO HEAR THIS!!! I want to cry!! This song has always been very emotional and personal to me. Taylor destroyed this song .... and I am using that word in the best way possible! It is MILES ahead of the original and I LOVE the original! Taylor sings with so much emotion and I'm just .... overwhelmed! I will be listening to this on repeat when I get my copy!

No Rest For the Weary: YEEEEESSSS!!! This song is amazing!! I am so happy Hanson is sharing this gem with the world! I was worried the orchestra might take away from or over power the awesomeness of this song but it really worked so well and sounds great! Yesterday was just fine but the future's all I got time for! I need to make this my mantra in life. This song is giving me so much life right now! THAT ENDING THO!!!

I Was Born: I didn't even recognize this song at first!! Whoa! I LOVE this!! This is one of the most inspiring, feel good songs ever and this version is INSANE!! Oh my gosh!! Goosebumps and butterflies and pixie dust and all the good feels in the world are happening in my heart and soul right now! It's almost like, a completely different song but it's not and I am living for this! I love it so, so much!!

Sound Of Light: I thought I Was Born would be the last song. But nope, we get his epicness that is The Sound of Light! I don't own this song (I wasn't a fan-club member when this EP was released .... I didn't even know Hanson existed then! So sad to think there was a time when I lived life without Hanson in it....) but I've heard it (Hanson Day concert) and have always liked it. But this? Wow. This is above and beyond! So awesome!

Tonight: Now I remember! Hanson talked about this during their String Theory docuseries on youtube that this was the closing number. Perfect choice. I've always loved this song. So inspiring. Don't care what's come before, tomorrow's an open door .... say what you mean and mean what you say and tonight! Chase down the dream and don't give up without a fight! And don't wait for tomorrow's daylight cause it just might be tonight! I need this reminder every single day. This makes me emotional. Those last few notes of the ending was absolute perfection! *Isaac just told us during the closing that those last notes of Tonight are the exact same notes as the first song at the very beginning! FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT!! GENIUS!!



Ummmm OK. I need a minute to wrap my mind around what I just heard.

This was EVERYTHING! Wow. I am BLOWN AWAY by String Theory!!! It was better than I even imagined it would be. The arrangements were flawless, the song choices were perfect and the way the music tells the story of life is just incredible. Everyone can relate to the story String Theory presents: We all begin as children. We are unafraid and dare to dream big. We believe that we can do anything! Then, we grow up. We become teenagers ..... and it's awful. Then adulthood. It's still hard. As we grow and change our fears replace the innocence of the belief and faith we once had. We begin to compare ourselves and listen to the world, a world that is constantly telling us how we should look, what we should believe, that we'll never be good enough, etc. Our dreams don't always come true, life doesn't go as planned. There are times we want to give up and give in. But once we discover that something that we can believe in and fight for, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our hard work begins to pay off. As we continue to press forward, learn to dream again and do our best we find joy in the journey. We have to get back to the innocence of childhood. We have to believe again.

I wish I was an eloquent writer, but I'm not. I wish I could express my thoughts in a beautiful, poetic way, but this is the best I can do. String Theory is a unique, musical experience that I wish everyone, everywhere could have. It will make you smile, clap your hands, dance and sing. It will make you think deeply and ponder. It will leave you feeling a little sad and anxious at times. But in the end, it takes you back to the joy and excitement of youth! It brings an optimism and excitement for what is to come! That life truly is what you make it, despite your challenges, circumstances and struggles.

Hanson are a HUGE inspiration to me. They inspire me to dream big! They make me want to believe in myself and go after my goals and dreams! And they make me believe that I actually can. They have proven that hard work pays off and success comes in all shapes and sizes. That happiness is found in doing what you love with the people you love. To take the road less traveled. To take risks, because sometimes they pay off. Their positivity and genuine love for what they do are so refreshing and inspiring to see. Their passion helps fuel the fire of my own passions! They fill me with an excitement and optimism that I haven't felt since I was extremely young. They bring out that inner child in me and I am so grateful for that! I limit myself far too often because of my doubts and fears and challenges. Hanson tells me that I can do it! That "I was born to do and go and be" someone unlike anyone has ever been! That I matter and am important and have a place and role in this world. They remind me to "hold onto to the ones who really care" because "in the end they're the only ones there." This has already been a reality check for me. I hope Hanson never, ever stop what they do because my soul feeds off of their passion, creativity and energy! I love them.

I would highly, highly recommend everyone listen to the introduction, intermission and conclusion of the String Theory Listening Party. They explain why they chose certain songs, what String Theory is supposed to represent and say some pretty powerful and profound things that are very inspiring. I hope those are included on the album! I could listen to them all day! They are so positive and uplifting! Such a class act. We need more people like Hanson in the world today. They are so good and honest.

Some quotes from Hanson that really inspired and touched me:

"Finding joy in spite of the challenges as opposed to having no challenges at all. Having despair doesn't mean there is no hope." - Taylor Hanson

"The fear of failure is worth taking on that fear and taking on that fight because that's where courage lives." - Isaac Hanson

I WAS BORN 25 Years Ago Today!!

I honestly can't believe my birthday is here! I have just turned a quarter of a century OLD. How is that possible!?!? I don't feel old. I still feel like I'm 21. I have had very mixed emotions about my birthday this year, most particularly my age. I'm not anywhere close to where I thought I would be when I reached such a "milestone" age. I've got get over that though. I've got to just be grateful for the many incredible blessings I have in my life. Like my family, my dog, my work opportunities, Hanson, music, I was able to attend my first ever Hanson Day and had the best trip of my life, and so much more!

Today, and for the rest of my 25th year I'm going to try to live by the message of this fantastic song:

Birthday Dedication Song: I Was Born
Artist: Hanson

I love this song so much! It has one of the most inspiring and positive messages and a fun, upbeat tune! Not to mention the music video is absolutely darling and adds so much to the message of the lyrics! Hanson nailed it once again! I honestly want to try to accept and embrace this new age and time in my life. I want to look at my birthday as if it is January 1st all over again. It is a time to set goals, work hard, progress and move forward. I want this year to be different. I want to be different. I really, really do. This song just feels so perfect for me and my birthday and my big "milestone" age. I want to discover what "I WAS BORN" to do, to go and to be. I want to reach my potential and achieve my dreams and goals. I want to go far. I want to EMBRACE who I am and who I can become. Because....

"I was born to DO something, no one's ever done, no one's ever done before!

I was born to GO somewhere, no one's ever gone, no one's ever gone before!

I was born to BE someone, no one's ever been, no ones' ever been before!"

I was BORN to DO something
No one's ever done, no one's ever done before
I was BORN to GO somewhere
No one's ever gone, no one's ever gone before, oh

A slice of the moon is my patch of green
I don't want to take it to the same routine
I want to see the sights unseen
I want the extraordinary
Everybody's waking to the same clock
I could never be another chip off the block

'Cause I was BORN to DO something
No one's ever done, no one's ever done before
I was BORN to GO somewhere
No one's ever gone, no one's ever gone before
I was BORN to BE someone
No one's ever been, no one's ever been before, oh

Don't need a map, I can't be directed
I've got a madness, don't need the method
My heart is a weapon and my mind's electric
I'll shock the world when you least expect it
Everybody's betting on the big guy
But don't underestimate the sting of the butterfly, oh

'Cause I was BORN to DO something
No one's ever done, no one's ever done before
I was BORN to GO somewhere
No one's ever gone, no one's ever gone before
I was BORN to BE someone
No one's ever been, no one's ever been before, oh
Before

There's a road out in front of me
Nobody can see
I'm paving it as I go
Gonna take it wherever it leads
'Cause I want to be someone no one has been before

I was BORN to DO
I was BORN to GO
I was BORN to BE
Someone, oh

'Cause I was BORN to DO something
No one's ever done, no one's ever done before
I was BORN to GO somewhere
No one's ever gone, no one's ever gone before
I was BORN to BE someone
No one's ever been, no one's ever been before, oh

I was BORN to DO
I was BORN to GO
I was BORN to BE someone
No one's ever been, no one's ever been before 

HAPPY 25TH!!

HERE'S TO NEW BEGINNINGS AND BEING THE BEST YOU - YOU CAN BE!!

HERE'S TO EMBRACING A COURAGEOUS AND POSITIVE FUTURE!!

HERE'S TO FACING CHALLENGES AND GROWING AND LEARNING!!

HERE'S TO TAKING RISKS AND MORE OPPORTUNITIES!!

HERE'S TO DISCOVERING WHAT "I WAS BORN" TO DO, TO GO & TO BE!!

HERE'S TO HAPPINESS AND JOY IN THE JOURNEY!!

25 YEARS YOUNG! 

A FRESH START!

A CLEAN SLATE!

Love this!

HANSON DAY 2017!!!

I have procrastinated writing this post because honestly, I have no words. Hanson Day 2017 was hands-down one of the BEST experiences/weekends/trips of my entire LIFE!!! I had the most AMAZING. FANTASTIC, SPECTACULAR TIME!!! Things could not have gone better! I had a BLAST! Hanson Day was better than I could have ever imagined!! I'm still having major withdrawals (and it's been TWO WEEKS!). I want to go back!!! I will cherish these memories and pictures for a life time! It was a dream! I have no words!

In a nutshell, here is the gist of my trip. There is no way I can even begin to try to describe the pure bliss and sheer JOY I felt. I am so incredibly grateful to have had experienced this adventure! That my sweet and amazing sister sacrificed so much to go with me. We both agreed this was one of our favorite road trips EVER! I will never, ever forget it!! All of my silly doubts and worries were the imaginations of an anxious girl who has never taken a risk. And now that I have, I feel like I can do anything! Hanson was so worth every fear, every doubt, all the money, the tears from the night before I left, everything! It was all worth it. I would do it all again just to re-live that weekend! I love this band more than ever!! I feel changed.

HANSON DAY 2017 HIGHLIGHTS:

I flew on a plane ALONE (I even had a layover) and it was as smooth as silk!
I had a blast driving with my sister, listening to music, talking about life and getting caught up, laughing and even freaking out together when we were almost caught in a tornado!!
Sitting in an underground tornado shelter with my sister. We laugh so hard about all of this now!
Finally reaching our hotel (2 hours late!) and hearing music playing from OUR room....needless to say we got a new room, lol
Registration took two seconds and I got my EP!! And we got a cute picture with the Hanson cardboard cut-out, so fun!
Meeting the nicest, sweetest fans in line for the "Group Photos" who made us laugh and feel even more excited!
MEETING HANSON!!!! SHAKING THEIR HANDS, HAVING THEM LOOK INTO MY EYEBALLS AND SPEAK DIRECTLY TO ME AND THEN BEING BRAVE AND SPEAKING TO TAYLOR!!!! I told him it was my first Hanson Day AND Hanson concert!!! Taylor: "Oh wow, Hanson virgins! You're really diving in, getting the full Hanson immersion experience!" Hahaha, oh I love him so much! THEY WERE SO NICE!!!! I LOVE THEM!!! Such a surreal experience to meet them face-to-face. It felt like a dream ..... a really, really good dream!!
Standing in line for the "I Heart Hanson Store" for almost 2 hours, in the pouring rain
Creating an umbrella "shelter" with our new "Fanson friends" :)
Buying a Hanson shirt and pin and getting a FREE Hanson shirt and Hanson stickers, lol

Hanson's actual studio where all the magic happens! So cool!!

Zac Hanson painted that record painting behind our cute cashier :) I loved him, he was so sweet :)

Love my Hanson merch!! 

Eating at a delicious local restaurant Mexicali. The "avocado fries" were delish!

Avocado fries, mmmm!

The "lectures" aka "Acoustic Storytellers" blew my mind!!! This was my very, very, very FIRST time seeing/hearing Hanson live and they were FANTASTIC!! They were funny, sweet and my sister was super impressed with their talent!!! I already knew they were talented but they blew me away!! I had been so worried that they might not be as good as I always thought they were. I was just being stupid but I thought "What if they have an off-night? What if I'm bad luck!?" Haha, I'm ridiculous I know. But it was HEAVEN!!! They started the night off by singing an acapella cover of "Rockin' Robin" which was darling and then went right into Stories! I'm so happy I was able to record so much of the show because I watch my videos regularly and they take me back to one of the happiest days of my life! They sang Strong Enough to Break which is my most favorite Hanson song ever!! Yearbook gave me chills. With You In Your Dreams was the highlight of the night!! I will never be the same after hearing them sing that one live! Been There Before with the disco ball lights and the audience participation was incredible!! Man From Milwaukee was SO MUCH FUN!! Especially when the audience all did the "Mother Bird!" bit word-for-word perfectly! Zac was so pleased with us :) Taylor SLAYED Save Me especially with the opening line "Loving you!" I died!! They sang the extra verse in A Song to Sing!!! Just such a magical night!

*Due to the length of most of my videos I am unable to post them here :( But below are a few clips I have been able to upload. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Part of Tay's incredible solo song....Kiss Me When You Come Home, he rocks!

Wish That I Was There

Musical Ride was MAGICAL!

Madeline!

Madeline part 2

Madeline part 3

After the incredible "lecture" aka "mini acoustic concert" we stopped by the bakery for a big, delicious "Hanson" chocolate cookie! It was DELISH!

Driving back to our hotel in the coolest lighting storm ever!
Eating leftovers in my bed while watching TV with my sister and going to sleep the happiest I have ever been :)
The next morning we wore our new Hanson shirts :)
We walked around downtown Tulsa and took plenty of selfies in front of all the beautiful murals

We talked to some other nice fans while waiting to take The Walk!
ZAC, TAYLOR and ISAAC WALKED RIGHT PAST US!!!

 

I participated in my very FIRST bare-foot, one mile Walk and it was AWESOME!

ZAC!!

Tiny bit of Isaac, lol

LOADS of Taylor!

 My sister and I are walking machines and made our way from the very back of the group to the front RIGHT NEXT TO TAYLOR!!!
WE GOT A PICTURE WITH TAYLOR HANSON!!! He even looked back for us when he got pushed away by other fans because he had promised us a picture! He was so sweet!! Especially since when my sister first took the picture I wasn't ready and I may have sort of freaked out a little bit. Taylor was the sweetest and said "That's OK, we can take another one!" I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
I was standing RIGHT NEXT TO TAYLOR as he gave his Walk-inspired speech
My sister is a big TAYLOR fan now and LOVED what he had to say. She thinks he is an exceptional human being and even said "Taylor inspires me to be a better person!"
We went to the "Art Gallery and Hanson History" Even though the line took forever it was so cool, especially the Hanson History!!
We got the cutest photos taken in front of the MMMBop flower!!
We ate Hanson chocolates that were DELICIOUS!!! Professionally made chocolates, I'm drooling!

SO good and SO cute!

We ate at another local Tulsa restaurant called Caz's Chowhouse

We got in line for the concert and saw Taylor and Isaac drive by in a golf cart
During the State of the Band they premiered the most adorable music video for "I Was Born!" It is PERFECTION!! The inspiring lyrics of the song coupled with the innocence and optimism of children who believe in their dreams and do what they love struck a chord with me that hasn't left my heart. I feel so INSPIRED!

 

 

ALSO: HANSON WILL BE HAVING CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IN HONOR OF THE RELEASE OF THEIR NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM: Finally, It's Christmas!!!!!!!!
THE CONCERT WAS EPIC!!!! IT WAS PURE MAGIC!! I think one of the best parts was being there in this huge group of people who were just as excited as I was and who I could sing along with and everyone knew all the words and Hanson was so on point and it was just the most fantastic concert!! The new songs were all performed flawlessly! Somebody That Wants to Love You & I Don't Wanna Go Home are my JAM!! Favorites! White Collar Crime was a BLAST!!! Hearing that song live exceeds the album version by 1000%! Dance Like You Don't Care and Roller Coaster Love were so much fun!!! And the encore performance of This Time Around was AHHHH-MAZING!! Hanson can do no wrong I tell you!

 

 

Roller Coaster Love

Sound of Light

 

Thinkin' 'Bout Somethin'

Crazy Beautiful 

Lost Without Each Other

Weird

It was hard to leave but we did a little sight-seeing after the show.
We visited the "Center of the Universe" and the "Golden Driller" statue

 

McDonald's and stories in bed with my sister ended the night on the sweetest note :)
Instead of the going to the "Hop Jam" (and seeing Hanson again :( we went to church :) Which was a really sweet experience and I'm glad we chose to go. The church is true!

We drove in beautiful sunshine and even took a detour through the Ozarks to see some beautiful nature! I love nature!!!

We blasted and sang our hearts out to "I Don't Wanna Go Home!" It was the funnest "car-singing" I have ever done!

My sisters husband had dinner ready for us when we got back. Bacon-wrapped chicken legs (that's right, I said bacon) and baked potatoes.
I cried that night. The reality that my trip had already come to an end hit me and the floodgates were open!
I ate lunch with my sister at the school she works at. Then I hugged her good-bye (and barely held in my tears)
My brother in law drove me to the airport
I flew home
Trip over :( But the memories I have made will last a lifetime!!


I still haven't removed my Hanson Day wristband. I can't bring myself to do it! I had the "BEST of Times!" The word I have used every time someone asks me how my trip was is: MAGICAL. Because I feel that word perfectly captures the feeling that was there the entire duration of my trip. It was pure magic! I truly didn't want to leave! From the music, to the food, to the people and most especially sharing this experience with my sister, it was MAGICAL!! It felt like Disneyland! I was the happiest I have been in a long, long time. One of the best parts was, not ONCE did I feel anxious or depressed. I smiled non-stop! I laughed! I sang my heart out! I fist-pumped! I was FREE. The anxieties and sadness that seem to always follow me around, was gone. It was so freeing! I felt so happy! I'm getting choked up writing this and remembering that feeling. I hope I can hold onto it and bottle it up so I can use it the next time those old, dark feelings try to come back. I'm also proud of myself! I conquered my fear of flying and traveling alone! I know I can do it now! I was able to talk and actually have conversations with me people and not feel stupid! That was magical. I could even start conversations! It was easy to look people in the eye, have a genuine smile on my face and have a conversation with people! That is something that has never come easy for me. My sister even noticed that and mentioned it to me :) Also, my sister coming to love, respect and appreciate Hanson to almost the same extent that I do, is AWESOME!! :)

I will NEVER forget this experience! It was more than I could have asked or dreamed it to be!! It was perfect. And you better believe I'm planning on Hanson Day 2018!! This is a new annual thing for me and sister who is a new Fanson! Besides, I've got to go back and take my other sister with me! She has to experience the magic too! It would be so unfair for her to miss out on this opportunity. Hey, I'm just helping a Fanson out ;)

HANSON DAY 2017, YOU ARE ONE FOR THE BOOKS!!

I WILL NEVER, EVER FORGET IT!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

THANK YOU TO THE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE I MET AND TALKED TO!! THANK YOU FOR BEING SO KIND AND MAKING ME FEEL SO WELCOMED!!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY TO MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE!!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO HANSON FOR ALL THAT THEY DID AND ALWAYS DO FOR US CRAZY FANSONS!! NEVER CHANGE AND NEVER STOP!!

AND ESPECIALLY, THANK YOU TO MY SWEET SISTER FOR GOING WITH ME!!! YOUR ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT AND OUTGOING PERSONALITY HELPED ME STAY EXCITED, POSITIVE AND HAPPY THE ENTIRE TIME!!!

DREAMS COME TRUE!!!

FANSON 4 LIFE!!!

Looking back on these posts make me SMILE!! I accomplished a goal/bucket list dream I've had since 2014. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself "You're going to get there! You get to go! And you're going to have the TIME OF YOUR LIFE!! Be patient. It's worth it! It's worth everything! All the fear you're going to feel right up to the night before, the doubts and worry and depressed, angry thoughts, ignore them. Because this is worth it!!!"


HAPPY HANSON WEEK 2015!
HAPPY HANSON WEEK 2015 RE-CAP!!
Hanson Day 2016 Re-Cap!