Middle of Everywhere: The Greatest Hits cover

Middle of Everywhere: The Greatest Hits

Hanson · 2017

104 min · 26 tracks · pop rock

A nostalgic collection blending catchy pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing the evolution of Hanson over two decades.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    MMMbop Start here — As their breakout single, MMMbop encapsulates the infectious pop sound that defined Hanson's early career while showcasing their harmonies and youthful energy.
  • →
    Where’s the Love — This track illustrates Hanson's ability to blend catchy hooks with socially conscious lyrics, representing a maturation in their songwriting approach.
  • →
    Penny & Me — A standout ballad that showcases the band's lyrical depth and emotional resonance, marking a shift toward more nuanced storytelling in their music.
  • →
    Thinking ’Bout Somethin’ — Infused with upbeat energy and an infectious rhythm, this track reflects Hanson's continued evolution while maintaining their signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights Hanson's evolution but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • The album features 26 tracks, with the first half primarily consisting of their biggest hits from the late '90s and early 2000s.
  • Tracks are sequenced to alternate between upbeat songs and slower ballads, maintaining a dynamic flow throughout the collection.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
  • steady pace for road trips
  • heartfelt moments of reflection
  • catchy melodies for cheerful moods
  • varied energy for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking complex musical experimentation
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive hits collection ideal for new listeners to explore Hanson's music.
Themes
late '90s nostalgia· independent evolution· social consciousness
Career context
By 2017, Hanson had transitioned from teenage pop sensations in the late '90s to seasoned musicians with a diverse discography. 'Middle of Everywhere: The Greatest Hits' serves as both a retrospective and a celebration of their two-decade career, following their previous studio album 'Anthem' released in 2013 and reflecting their growth and artistic resilience.
Stylistic neighbors
The Mamas & the Papas· Maroon 5· O-Town

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 I Was Born 3:38
  • 2 MMMbop Start here 4:29
  • 3 Where’s the Love 4:14
  • 4 I Will Come to You 4:09
  • 5 Weird 4:14
  • 6 A Minute Without You 3:56
  • 7 This Time Around 4:17
  • 8 If Only 4:31
  • 9 Save Me 3:40
  • 10 A Song to Sing 4:13
  • 11 Penny & Me 4:04
  • 12 Lost Without Each Other 3:45
  • 13 Underneath 4:41
  • 14 Strong Enough to Break 3:31
  • 15 Broken Angel 4:45

Disc 2

  • 1 Great Divide 4:01
  • 2 Been There Before 3:33
  • 3 Georgia 3:49
  • 4 Go 4:04
  • 5 Watch Over Me 4:54
  • 6 Thinking ’Bout Somethin’ 3:46
  • 7 Give a Little 3:32
  • 8 Juliet 3:11
  • 9 Get the Girl Back 3:46
  • 10 Fired Up 3:32
  • 11 Already Home 4:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata