Taylor Hanson is ready to introduce himself all over again.
The singer-songwriter, best known as one-third of multiplatinum pop-rock trio HANSON, announced today (November 12) that he’s releasing his first-ever solo single, “Criminal,” next Friday (November 20), marking a major milestone in a career that has already spanned more than three decades.
For fans who grew up with “MMMBop” on repeat, watched the Hanson brothers dominate the late-’90s pop scene, or have continued following Taylor through every musical chapter since, the announcement feels like the beginning of something particularly special. While Taylor isn’t stepping away from HANSON, “Criminal” offers a first glimpse into what happens when the longtime frontman gets to put his own creative instincts front and center.
Described as his first step as an independent solo artist, the upcoming release leans into the fundamentals that first drew Taylor to music: live instrumentation, raw vocals, and songwriting that comes straight from the soul. The track was co-produced with acclaimed musical director and conductor Michael Bearden, whose credits include Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and D’Angelo, and recorded at legendary studios including Chaplin Studios and EastWest Studios.
For Taylor, however, the real magic has always been about making a connection.
“My job is to walk into a room and connect,” he said in a statement. “The gift of being a songwriter and a performer is you’re afforded the chance to crystallize emotions and experiences into each song. If you’re lucky, a fan will say, ‘That’s exactly what I was feeling’. That’s what I hope occurs when you listen to ‘Criminal.’”
The announcement also comes on the heels of Taylor’s recent appearance on Dancing With The Stars Season 35, where he partnered with Britt Stewart and introduced himself to an entirely new audience beyond the music world.
But real fans know that Taylor is no stranger to side projects and musical exploration. From fronting the alt-rock supergroup Tinted Windows (alongside members of The Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, and Fountains of Wayne) to collaborating with funk-guitar virtuoso Cory Wong and launching his non-profit Food On The Move. Still, stepping out purely under his own name marks a milestone moment in a career that has already seen over 16 million albums sold worldwide.
And while “Criminal” is only the beginning, there’s already more music on the horizon. Taylor is currently preparing his debut solo album, continuing to carve out space for a musical identity that’s distinctly his own while remaining part of the band that helped soundtrack an entire generation.
You can preserve “Criminal” here, but don’t forget to let us know if you’re excited to hear Taylor’s new song by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
