The New Kids on the Block had the "Right Stuff" back in the 1990s, and they are back and "Hangin’ Tough" in 2008.
The New Kids are back with their latest album, The Block. Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood have kept their youthful and somewhat explicit lyrics, but now they have a new and more mature sound that should connect to their growing audience members, now in their late 20s.
Like with their music from the ’90s, you can roll down the windows, turn up the stereo and jam to the songs. What separates this music from the band’s past is the sound of the member’s voices. Their voices are shaping the beat, not just the recording studio.
To make the album seem more up to date the group brings an r’b sound to the music. Songs such as "2 in the Morning," which features a line referenceing Grey’s Anatomy and "Single," featuring Ne-Yo, bring a much-needed freshness to r’b music.
The Pussycat Dolls are featured in the song "Grown Man," and the girls do a nice job with the background voice. Even though most of the songs still talk about sex and love, the members have graduated from the teen icons they were and have been shaped into men who bring out another side for their fans.
Those of us who grew up with them remember Donnie with the torn up light blue jeans, Joey with the young, immature vocals, Jordan wearing the same hat while performing "I’ll Be Loving You," Danny singing as low as he could go and Jonathan standing shyly in the back. The boys have grown up and are now The New Men on the Block.. Be sure the catch NKOTB on Oct. 16. at the Toyota Center.
