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Snowed In
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Snowed In
Studio album by
Hanson
ReleasedNovember 18, 1997
RecordedOctober 1997
Studio(London)
Genre
Length41:10
LabelMercury / PolyGram
ProducerMark Hudson, Hanson
Hanson chronology
Middle of Nowhere
(1997) 		Snowed In
(1997) 		3 Car Garage
(1998)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[2]
Entertainment WeeklyA−[3]
Music WeekStarStarStarStarStar[4]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStar[5]

Snowed In is the first Christmas album by American pop rock group Hanson. It was quickly released following the success of their previous album, Middle of Nowhere, and was recorded in London. Snowed In was also the best-selling holiday album for 1997 in the United States, selling 863,000 copies that year according to Nielsen SoundScan.[6] It has since sold a total of 1,081,000 copies in the US.[7]

The album features a mix of traditional Christmas carols (such as "Silent Night Medley"), covers of Christmas themed songs (such as "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Merry Christmas, Baby") and Hanson's own compositions (such as "At Christmas" and "Christmas Time").

Commercial performance

[edit]

Total sales were around 2 million, though 1.2 million of these were sold in the United States. The album both debuted and peaked at position number 7 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album sales chart in December 1997, and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 15, 1997, for shipment of one million copies in the U.S.

The album also had a quick run on the Swedish albums chart and peaked at number 14.

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Merry Christmas Baby" (Lou Baxter, Johnny Moore) – 3:12
  2. "What Christmas Means to Me" (Anna Gordy Gaye, George Gordy, Allen Story) – 3:43
  3. "Little Saint Nick" (Mike Love, Brian Wilson) – 3:33
  4. "At Christmas" (Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson, Zachary Hanson) – 5:17
  5. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" (Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector) – 3:20
  6. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (Johnny Marks) – 2:38
  7. "Christmas Time" (Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson, Zachary Hanson, Mark Hudson) – 3:59
  8. "Everybody Knows the Claus" (Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson, Zachary Hanson) – 4:47
  9. "Run Rudolph Run" (Marvin Brodie, Johnny Marks) – 3:11
  10. "Silent Night Medley: O Holy Night/Silent Night/O Come All Ye Faithful" – 5:26
  11. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) – 1:49

Personnel

[edit]
  • Danny Clinch – photography
  • Matthew Cordle – piano
  • Laurence Cottle – bass
  • Margery Greenspan – art direction
  • Hanson – arranger, producer, executive producer
  • Isaac Hanson – guitar, vocals
  • Taylor Hanson – piano, organ, keyboards, Wurlitzer, vocals
  • Zac Hanson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Mark Hudson – arranger, guitar (rhythm), producer
  • Ted Jensen – mastering
  • Ian Kirkham – saxophone
  • Nadia Lanman – cello
  • Tom Lord-Alge – mixing
  • Richard Patrick – design
  • Iain Roberton – engineer
  • Chris Taylor – bass
  • Andy Wright – keyboards, programming
  • Paul Wright – engineer

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[26] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[27] Platinum 100,000^
United States (RIAA)[28] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Snowed In

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Snowed In is a album by the American pop rock band Hanson, released on November 18, 1997, by . Recorded in October 1997 at Sarm Hook End Studios in , it features 11 tracks blending covers of standards with three original songs written by the band, capitalizing on the breakthrough success of their debut studio album, Middle of Nowhere, which had sold millions earlier that year. The album opens with upbeat covers like "Merry Christmas Baby" (originally by Charles Brown), "What Christmas Means to Me" (a Motown classic by ), and "Little Saint Nick" (by ), alongside festive originals such as "At Christmas," "Everybody Knows the Claus," and "Christmas Time." Other highlights include high-energy takes on "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (by ), "Run Rudolph Run" (by ), and a medley of "," "," and "," closing with the "Silent Night Medley" and the traditional "White Christmas." The production emphasizes the brothers' signature harmonies and pop-rock energy, clocking in at 41 minutes total. Commercially, Snowed In debuted at number 7 on the chart in December 1997 and achieved platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying over one million units sold in the United States, making it one of the decade's top-selling Christmas records. Internationally, it reached number 14 in (earning double platinum status there) and number 87 in the , though it underperformed relative to the band's pop hits. Hanson supported the release with an ABC Christmas television special and a holiday tour, further boosting its popularity among young fans. Over the years, Snowed In has developed a nostalgic for its joyful, '90s teen-pop take on holiday music, with reissues including a limited-edition white vinyl pressing in 2023. It remains a staple in discussions of holiday releases, highlighting Hanson's versatility beyond their "" fame.

Background and production

Development

Following the blockbuster success of their debut album Middle of Nowhere, which peaked at number two on the and sold over 10 million copies worldwide, approached Hanson in mid-1997 with the idea for a holiday album to capitalize on the group's surging popularity and the lucrative . The proposal came just months after the release of Middle of Nowhere on April 15, 1997, positioning Snowed In as a rapid follow-up to sustain momentum during the band's ""-fueled rise. The —Isaac, Taylor, and Zac—were initially hesitant about the project, viewing it as somewhat outside their comfort zone amid their focus on original pop-rock material. However, they embraced the opportunity to highlight their musical influences from and rock 'n' roll and R&B, transforming classic covers into energetic pop interpretations that reflected their youthful, middle-American perspective. As Hanson later reflected, "It felt like something we could make our own and that we could own confidently and say, '. This is who we are.'" The band contributed three original tracks—"At Christmas" and "Everybody Knows the Claus," both written solely by the brothers, and "Christmas Time," written by the brothers—to balance the eight covers, including spirited renditions of "" (originally by Charles Brown) and "" (). Production was handled primarily by Mark Hudson, a veteran collaborator known for his work with and , alongside the Hanson brothers themselves, who received co-producer credits. The sessions incorporated playful production elements, such as vinyl-like pops and scratches on tracks to evoke a nostalgic, retro holiday vibe. Recording took place in London, England, at facilities that allowed the young band—aged 16, 14, and 11 respectively—to experiment with arrangements while maintaining their signature harmonious vocals and upbeat instrumentation. The swift timeline ensured Snowed In hit shelves on November 18, 1997, just in time for the holiday season.

Recording

The recording of Snowed In was initiated by as a strategic follow-up to capitalize on the commercial success of Hanson's debut album Middle of Nowhere, aiming to meet the holiday market demand with a Christmas-themed release just six months later. The project was proposed to the band in July or August 1997, with principal recording sessions commencing in at Sarm Hook End, a residential studio located outside , . The album's production was notably expedited, reflecting the band's rising popularity and the label's urgency to release it before the holiday season; sessions wrapped by October 1, 1997, enabling a street date. Co-produced by the —Isaac, Taylor, and Zac—and industry veteran Mark Hudson, who contributed and arrangements, the process emphasized high-energy performances and a pop-rock reinterpretation of holiday standards. Hudson, known for his work with and , helped infuse the tracks with a punchy sound, including subtle production effects like vinyl crackle to evoke a nostalgic, turntable-like warmth. Engineering duties were handled by Paul Wright as primary engineer, with Iain Roberton assisting on second engineering, while mixing was overseen by at Encore Studios in . The band members took active roles in instrumentation and arrangement, with on piano, organ, and keyboards; on guitar; and Zac on drums and percussion, alongside session musicians such as bassist and cellist Nadia Lanman for added texture on select tracks. later reflected on the sessions as one of the band's favorites due to the intense, focused energy, despite the compressed timeline that limited external distractions. This rapid workflow resulted in a 41-minute album blending eight covers of classics with three originals, including "At Christmas" and "Christmas Time," written by the brothers.

Composition

Musical style

Snowed In exemplifies within the holiday music genre, incorporating elements and influences from 1950s rock 'n' roll to create an energetic, festive sound. The album blends covers of traditional carols with original compositions by the , reinterpreting classics through upbeat arrangements that emphasize catchy hooks and rhythmic drive, as heard in tracks like "Everybody Knows the Claus" and "." Instrumentation features prominent guitars, thumping drums, , brass sections, and subtle holiday accents such as sleigh bells, contributing to a bouncy, wall-of-sound production reminiscent of Phil Spector's holiday recordings. A defining aspect of the album's style is the intricate vocal harmonies delivered by , Taylor, and Zac Hanson, which showcase their synchronization and range, particularly in segments and layered backing vocals. This is evident in the rendition of "White Christmas" and the "Silent Night Medley," which seamlessly integrates "," "," and "" with gradual builds, emotional crescendos, and smooth transitions between carols. Tracks like "" nod to Beach Boys-style harmonies, while ballads such as "At Christmas" shift to a more intimate tone with acoustic guitars, , and , evoking classic warmth. Overall, Snowed In adapts Hanson's contemporary sensibilities to traditions, resulting in a youthful yet reverent sound that balances rock energy with sentimental ballads and nostalgic covers, including nods to artists like and .

Themes and influences

The Snowed In explores themes central to the , including familial togetherness, nostalgic reflection, and the emotional warmth of seasonal traditions. Tracks like the original "At Christmas" evoke imagery of returning home amid falling snow, with lyrics describing shared smiles, wrapped gifts, and quiet moments of connection that underscore unity and peace during the festivities. Similarly, the cover of "What Christmas Means to Me" emphasizes heartfelt giving and , portraying the as a time for personal joy and relational bonds. These elements collectively convey an optimistic enthusiasm for as a cultural and emotional anchor, aligning with the band's intent to create a record that resonates with fans through shared experiences. Musically, Snowed In draws heavily from mid-20th-century pop, rock, and soul influences, reflecting Hanson's broader roots in classic sounds from the 1950s and 1960s. The band reinterprets standards with harmonies inspired by The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, gospel-infused breaks akin to Otis Redding, and rhythmic energy echoing Motown and artists like Chuck Berry and Darlene Love. Isaac Hanson described the project as "a record dedicated to our influences," emphasizing how it allowed them to infuse Christmas carols with their pop-rock sensibility, including emotional, honest vocals and upbeat arrangements that blend nostalgia with youthful vigor. This approach not only honors soul and classic rock traditions but also positions the album as a bridge between holiday canon and contemporary pop, showcasing the brothers' early exposure to their parents' record collection of era-defining artists.

Release and promotion

Marketing strategies

Mercury Records capitalized on the explosive popularity of Hanson's debut album Middle of Nowhere and the global hit "" by rushing Snowed In into production and release just six months later, aiming to capture the lucrative holiday market with a festive twist on their pop-rock sound. Recorded in October 1997 and launched on , the strategy emphasized speed to maintain momentum, positioning the album as an accessible, extension of the band's image for young audiences during the Christmas season. A of the promotion was the band's self-hosted ABC special Meet Hanson, which aired on November 28, 1997, and featured performances of tracks like "At Christmas," "," and "What Christmas Means to Me" in a medley, alongside skits, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and fan interactions to engage young viewers and introduce the . Complementing this, Hanson made high-profile appearances, including a at the annual " in Washington" event, a televised gala attended by President and broadcast nationally to amplify -themed exposure. Promotional efforts also included targeted retail push with in-store displays, radio samplers featuring medleys such as "," and merchandise tie-ins to drive physical sales during the peak shopping period, as well as a tour featuring tracks.

Singles and media appearances

No commercial singles were released from Snowed In, as the album was positioned as a holiday collection capitalizing on the band's momentum from Middle of Nowhere rather than driving new chart-toppers. However, Mercury Records distributed a promotional CD single titled "Christmas Time" in 1997 to radio stations and media outlets, featuring the original track "Christmas Time" alongside album cuts "Merry Christmas Baby," "What Christmas Means to Me," and "At Christmas." This effort aimed to generate holiday airplay without a full retail push. To promote Snowed In during the 1997 holiday season, Hanson made several notable television appearances, leveraging their teen pop appeal for festive programming. On December 13, they served as musical guests on Saturday Night Live (season 23, episode 9, hosted by Helen Hunt), performing the album's cover of "Merry Christmas Baby" in a high-energy rendition that highlighted their harmonized vocals and youthful enthusiasm. The following day, December 14, the band took part in the annual "Christmas in Washington" televised special at the National Building Museum, honoring President Bill Clinton; they delivered performances of holiday standards and original material from Snowed In, including "Silent Night" and selections like "At Christmas," broadcast on NBC to a national audience. These appearances, along with the earlier Meet Hanson special, helped sustain the band's visibility amid the holiday rush, contributing to the album's strong seasonal sales without relying on traditional single-driven marketing.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Snowed In received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its festive energy and vocal harmonies while noting its conventional production as a quick follow-up to the band's debut . AllMusic's described it as "not half bad" for a rushed project, praising its "real charm and a smart selection of songs" but critiquing the absence of the innovative producers from Middle of Nowhere, which resulted in a more straightforward sound emphasizing the band's influences. The album's covers of Christmas standards, such as the "Silent Night Medley," were highlighted for showcasing the ' synchronized vocals and emotional delivery, contributing to its enduring appeal as a staple. In retrospective assessments, Snowed In has been lauded for blending original tracks like "At Christmas" with traditional tunes, creating a nostalgic pop- vibe that has sustained its popularity two decades later.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Snowed In" debuted and peaked at number 7 on the US chart in December 1997. The album also topped the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart upon release, holding the number-one position for six weeks that year. In the , "Snowed In" entered the at number 87 and spent one week on the listing.
Chart (1997)Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)3
Canadian Albums (Billboard)14
US Billboard 2007
US Top Holiday Albums (Billboard)1
UK Albums (OCC)87

Sales and certifications

Snowed In experienced strong commercial performance, especially during the 1997 holiday season, driven by the band's rising popularity following their debut album Middle of Nowhere. In the United States, the album was certified Platinum by the (RIAA) in December 1997, indicating shipments of at least 1,000,000 copies. This certification underscores its status as one of the top-selling releases that year, topping the Holiday Albums chart. Internationally, the album also garnered accolades. It received a 2× Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 140,000 units shipped. In , awarded it status for sales exceeding 100,000 copies. These certifications highlight the album's broad appeal beyond .
RegionCertificationUnits certifiedDate certifiedSource
Australia (ARIA)2× Platinum140,0001997
(Music Canada)100,0001997
United States (RIAA)1,000,000December 1997

Credits

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1.""Lou Baxter, Johnny Moore3:12
2."What Christmas Means to Me", George Gordy, Allen Story3:43
3."", 3:33
4."At Christmas"Hanson, , Mark Hudson5:17
5."Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", , 3:01
6.""2:37
7."Christmas Time"Mark Hudson3:59
8."Everybody Knows the Claus"Hanson, , Mark Hudson4:47
9."", Marvin Brodie3:11
10."Silent Night Medley" (O / / O )Traditional (arr. Hanson)5:25
11."White Christmas"1:56
The track listing is based on the standard edition of the album.

Band members

  • Isaac Hanson – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Taylor Hanson – keyboards, organ, electric piano, vocals
  • Zac Hanson – drums, percussion, vocals

Additional musicians

  • Laurence Cottle – bass
  • Chris Taylor – bass
  • Nadia Lanman – cello

Production

  • Mark Hudson – producer
  • Hanson – producers, arrangers, executive producers
  • Tom Lord-Alge – mixing
  • Paul Wright – engineer
  • Iain Roberton –
  • Andy Wright – programming

Other personnel

  • Steve Greenberg – A&R
  • Margery Greenspan – art direction
  • R. Patrick – design

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/album/snowed-in-mw0000030469
  2. https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/12/hansons-snowed-in-is-a-perfect-poppy-hit-of-christmas-nostalgia.html
  3. https://music.apple.com/us/album/snowed-in/1440911534
  4. https://open.spotify.com/album/564uqr2elEUQySk2eKFp6V
  5. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1997-12-06/
  6. https://www.marketplace.org/story/2018/12/24/business-making-jingle-bells-rock
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/248068-Hanson-Snowed-In
  8. https://thesoundofvinyl.us/products/hanson-snowed-in-white-limited-edition
  9. https://www.myspiltmilk.com/articles/hansons-christmas-albums-give-a-peak-behind-the-curtain
  10. https://hanson.net/news/paste-magazine-listen-up-the-best-christmas-album-ever
  11. https://genius.com/albums/Hanson/Snowed-in
  12. https://poprescue.com/2015/12/11/pop-rescue-snowed-hanson-cd-1997/
  13. http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/12/listen-up-the-best-christmas-album-ever.html
  14. https://blog.hansonstage.com/2014/11/29/hanson-finally-christmas-stream-recap/
  15. https://www.mixonline.com/news/producer-mark-hudson-425169
  16. https://ew.com/music/2017/10/27/hanson-finally-its-christmas-taylor-hanson-interview/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/1875986-Hanson-Snowed-In
  18. https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/hanson-snowed-in-greatest-christmas-album-9973356/
  19. https://blog.hansonstage.com/2024/02/14/things-only-adults-notice-about-hanson/
  20. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/hanson-finally-its-christmas-video-8054598/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/5366225-Hanson-Christmas-Time
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694747/
  23. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2014/12/18/that-time-pop-sensation-hanson-did-christmas-in-washington-tv-special-tbt/
  24. https://www.billboard.com/pro/pentatonix-holiday-songs-albums-charts/
  25. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/6409/hanson/
  26. https://www.crownnote.com/album-charts/alexs-canadian-exhibit/billboard-canadian-albums-56
  27. https://tsort.info/music/jck12w.htm
  28. https://www.billboard.com/charts/holiday-albums/1997-12-06/
  29. https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1997/albums-chart
  30. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/18162
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