Taylor Hanson is stepping out on his own after more than three decades of making music with his brothers.
The 43-year-old singer, who rose to fame in the 1990s alongside brothers Isaac and Zac Hanson with their massive hit “MMMBop,” announced Thursday, Nov. 12, that he’s releasing his first independent solo single.
The new song, titled “Criminal,” is scheduled to arrive Friday, Nov. 20, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the longtime Hanson frontman.
According to a Nov. 12 announcement reported by BroadwayWorld, the track was co-produced by Michael Bearden, a musical director and conductor who has worked with artists including Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. The song was recorded at Chaplin Studios and EastWest Studios.
“My job is to walk into a room and connect,” Hanson said in a statement announcing the release.
He went on to explain that songwriting allows musicians to capture feelings and experiences in a way that resonates with listeners, adding that he hopes fans will recognize their own emotions in “Criminal.”
But longtime Hanson fans don’t need to worry that the brothers are calling it quits.
Taylor plans to continue performing with Isaac and Zac while exploring his own musical identity as a solo artist.
The announcement comes just weeks after the singer appeared on Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, where he was paired with professional dancer Britt Stewart. The two were eliminated in September, but the experience introduced Hanson to a new audience beyond his longtime music fans.
His solo plans aren’t entirely a surprise. In October, Parade reported that Hanson had signed with talent agency WME and was preparing to release his first solo album in 2027.
Still, the announcement of “Criminal” gives fans their first concrete release date for his independent music.
Hanson first became a household name in 1997, when he and his brothers released their breakthrough album, Middle of Nowhere. Its infectious lead single, “MMMBop,” became an international sensation and helped turn the Oklahoma siblings into teen idols.
The trio went on to release multiple albums and build a devoted fan base that has followed them into adulthood.
Although this marks Taylor’s debut as an independent solo artist, it isn’t his first musical project outside Hanson. He previously performed with the supergroup Tinted Windows, which also featured members of The Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick and Fountains of Wayne.
Now, nearly 30 years after “MMMBop” first took over the airwaves, Taylor is preparing to introduce fans to another side of his musical personality.
“Criminal” arrives Nov. 20, with his debut solo album expected in 2027.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
