Released in 1997, it features slicker studio production compared to their previous indie efforts Boomerang and MMMBop.

"Yearbook", one of the album's more dramatic songs, was not performed live until the recording of Middle of Nowhere Acoustic on May 5, 2007.

"MMMBop" became a major hit, reaching number one in the United States and at least eleven other countries.

The album earned Hanson three Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year.

David Browne of Entertainment Weekly said of the trio: "... lack of guile is Hanson's most endearing quality.