Music Review

03 December 2008 23:08 BST

New Kids on the Block: The Block

Interscope, out now.

In a nutshell

Surprise comeback fails to excite.

What's it all about?

They're back. Not content to disappear into reality TV obscurity, the original boyband has reunited after 14 years. A comeback tour has generated huge hype in the US and this album is set to support the New Kids on the Block's attempt to recapture the phenomenal success of their heyday.

Who's it by?

NKOTB were formed in 1984. Ten years, four albums, several top ten singles, a cartoon series and countless lunch boxes later they disbanded.

But now Donnie Wahlberg is taking a break from Saw films to reform the band, alongside brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre and Danny Wood.

At their height, the New Kids were earning more than Madonna and even Michael Jackson, with the catchy Step By Step becoming their biggest selling track in 1990.

As an example...

"Girl we gotta concentrate, on how we're gonna consummate, so let's conversate, 'cos I think it's time that we became one love" – Sexify My Love

Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys

Not high. NKOTB won two American Music awards back in 1990 but this effort is unlikely to generate the same sort of interest. It's too similar to other offerings to attract a significant new audience and too much of a departure from the band's original tone to captivate those who adored them first time around.

What the others say

"2 In The Morning makes a questionably cheesy reference to TV's Grey's Anatomy, but is the kind of late-night RnB soul made for couples in need of some soothing" - Associated Press

So is it any good?

Those who grew up in the 80s and early 90s have been enjoying a run of nostalgic comebacks lately, with Transformers hitting the big screen and Take That demonstrating exactly how a pop group should go about a reunification.

But while the recent success of Gary Barlow et al lay with their ability to update their sound while staying true to their roots, the New Kids on the Block seem to be aiming for more of a reinvention.

Something of an R 'n' B vibe dominates the album, more reminiscent of classic Craig David than classic NKOTB, seeming to draw inspiration somewhat ironically from the likes of Justin Timberlake, who himself came from the boyband mould the New Kids created.

The band's name has lost its relevance by now - it can hardly be considered new after 24 years and the majority of members have kids of their own. The tone of the record reflects the fact that they have grown up, with tracks like Sexify My Love and Grown Man - a collaboration with the Pussycat Dolls – a far cry from the innocence they were once renowned for.

Yet there are times when a more jovial sound shines through. Summertime is the first single to be released from the album and is an upbeat, catchy pop number. The stand-out track, however, is Stare At You - a hidden gem towards the end that evokes a more romantic sentiment than the innuendo-filled numbers preceding it.

Nonetheless, The Block is dominated by a new sound that offers nothing original. It isn't terrible and is sure to draw a passing interest, but you can't help but think that by sticking to their roots, the New Kids would at least have given us a cheap, nostalgic thrill before they retreat once more as the hype wears off.

5/10

Andy Mackay

"As a longtime diehard New Kids fan starting in 1988, I can tell you that this album is AMAZING and the fans are gathering behind it big time. With a mostly sold out US tour, numerous television and radio appearances, the members of NKOTB are celebrating their past and present with us. One can only hope their is a future. With an extremely solid outing of The Block and a tour that garuntees to be huge, I see more from the group before finally disbanding for good. This is not some grubby Spice Girls reunion." - Jason Pham

"I love The Block! It's hot and I listen to it all the time. Of Course I have been a fan since they first came out and I will continue to be! I Love NKOTB!!!" - Joanna Brown

"Sorry, but try letting us who buy the albums decide what we think The Block like, before you try to pass any comments, Let us hear them for ourselves first please!!!!??????" - Caron McConnachie

"Good review. Well I must say I don't understand why people hate these guys? They don't have the best voices but the songs on this new CD are very catchy. I hated these guys when they were huge but unlike a lot people I grew up. The CD is pretty good. The production includes Timbaland, Redone, Ne-Yo and a few more stars. I guess people expect more from the biggest boy band of all time!" - JP Smooth

"I find this article very incorrect. Although you have the details right, your thoughtw on people's opinions are very wrong. You don't understand the hugeness of this. All us fans from back in the day are still goin' strong and to add to that we have ten, 11, 12 ,13 yr old children ourselves now, and they have become fans now as we did back in the day. They now have 2 generations of screamin girls pining for them. As I see it they have more fans than before. See we may as first generation fans have adored them and thier music as it was 20 years ago, but we grew up too, and our tastes in music have changed. I love the new music. I think they did an awesome job collaborating with everyone they chose to work with. That is the sound of today. So when you write an article, please find out real opinions of people before you report the opinion. It just is a pile of crap without it." - Cheyenne Sambrone