After three decades of crafting infectious pop-rock harmonies alongside his brothers Isaac and Zac, Taylor Hanson is stepping into the spotlight on his own terms. The 43-year-old musician—who first became a household name in the late ’90s behind era-defining hits like “MMMBop” and “This Time Around”—has officially announced his debut independent solo single, “Criminal,” arriving Friday, November 20.
Co-produced by acclaimed musical director and conductor Michael Bearden and tracked across historic Los Angeles recording rooms at Chaplin Studios and EastWest Studios, “Criminal” marks a deeply personal creative milestone for Hanson. Reflecting on the transition to solo songwriting in a press statement, he emphasized the emotional core driving the track:
“My job is to walk into a room and connect,” Taylor 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 arrives on the heels of Hanson’s recent turn on Dancing with the Stars, where he competed alongside professional partner Britt Stewart before finishing as the fourth pair eliminated this season. While his team teases that “Criminal” serves as the “first glimpse into what’s next” for his individual catalog, longtime fans need not worry—Hanson confirmed he will continue touring and recording with his brothers while exploring this new solo chapter.
