When you hear the name Hanson, chances are the Mmmbop Song immediately pops into your head. This earworm of a track exploded onto the music scene in April 1997, quickly becoming a global sensation. It soared to the top of the charts in 27 countries, selling over 700,000 copies in the UK alone and firmly establishing Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson as household names.
Few, including the Hanson brothers themselves, could have predicted the monumental impact of the MMMBop song. Even two decades later, its catchy melody and distinctive chorus remain instantly recognizable and endlessly hummable. Interestingly, despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics possess a somewhat melancholic undertone, especially considering it was initially conceived way back in 1993/94, when the band members were still pre-teens.
In a revealing interview, Isaac Hanson, the eldest of the brothers, shared the fascinating story of how the MMMBop song came to life. Let’s dive into the journey of this iconic 90s hit.
The Accidental Birth of MMMBop: From Boomerang Outtake to Hit Song
Isaac recounts that the genesis of MMMBop was surprisingly similar to another Hanson song, “Thinking About Something,” written much later in 2007. Both songs emerged from casual jamming sessions. Initially, MMMBop was envisioned with a 1950s vocal group vibe. It was a “fun little passing idea” that unexpectedly stuck with them. Fans who heard early versions even encouraged the band to include it on a future album.
The MMMBop song’s origins can be traced back to 1993/1994 during the creation of their album Boomerang. The “MMMBop” vocal idea was initially intended for the Boomerang track itself. However, it proved too prominent and complex to be a background element, so it was shelved. Yet, the idea wasn’t forgotten. As Isaac explains, “it was a thing that we all kept coming back to.”
MMMBop single cover
Isaac’s Persistence and Taylor’s Creative Spark
Isaac admits to being the driving force behind revisiting the shelved idea. He repeatedly reminded his brothers, “hey remember that idea, that was really cool.” This persistence paid off when Taylor finally responded, taking Isaac’s prompting and asking, “you know the idea that you keep bringing up? how about this?”
This renewed interest coincided with discussions about recording another independent album. As they began assembling material, the MMMBop idea resurfaced once more. Taylor took the initiative, suggesting, “you know that background part, hey what if you did this with the first verse?” Isaac’s enthusiastic response, “dude that’s really cool,” marked a crucial turning point in the song’s development.
From Living Room Keyboard to Global Chart-Topper
Isaac vividly recalls the moment Taylor sat down at the keyboard in their living room one late afternoon. As Isaac walked around, Taylor played what would become the foundation of the first verse of the MMMBop song. “It was like ‘ok, that works, that makes sense,’” Isaac remembers. Taylor envisioned a dynamic structure, starting with a slower, more “bittersweet” and “melancholy” feel, gradually building towards the infectious chorus.
This initial vision was captured in earlier, more stripped-down versions of the MMMBop song, found on their demo album MMMBop (1996) and 3 Car Garage: The Indie Recordings ’95–’96. However, when they crafted the final, commercially released version, it became undeniably clear that the song possessed an irresistible catchiness. “It stuck in our heads, so it’s reasonable to think it would stick in other people’s heads too,” Isaac muses. Yet, the immense global success that MMMBop ultimately achieved remained unpredictable.
Melancholy Lyrics Lost in a Catchy Chorus?
Despite the excitement surrounding the final version of the MMMBop song, Isaac harbored some reservations. He initially wished for a more gradual tempo increase from the beginning, fearing that starting at full speed might overshadow the song’s lyrical depth. “I remember feeling that people wouldn’t understand what this song is about and all they’ll hear is the chorus,” he confesses.
His concern stemmed from the nature of the chorus itself. The iconic “MMMBop” refrain is essentially scat singing, a vocal riff rather than substantive lyrics. As Isaac points out, “the lyric in the verse gets lost because the lyric in the chorus is just a vocal riff.” This, he felt, could lead listeners to overlook the “bittersweet idea” and more “melancholy” lyrical content in favor of the undeniably catchy, albeit lyrically ambiguous, chorus.
MMMBop’s Enduring Legacy and Hanson’s Diverse Music
Despite any initial reservations, Isaac acknowledges the profound impact of the MMMBop song and its place in Hanson’s musical journey. He recognizes that while MMMBop may be their most widely recognized song, Hanson’s discography is far more diverse. “I think a lot of the music that we make, despite its pop and R&B roots, there’s a lot of different songs that a lot of different people have connected with over the years.”
Ultimately, Hanson takes pride in their entire body of work, from the global phenomenon of the MMMBop song to their broader musical catalog. MMMBop remains a testament to their songwriting evolution, a “fun little passing idea” that transformed into a timeless pop anthem, even if its catchy chorus sometimes overshadows its more nuanced lyrical heart.
