New Kids On The Block
The Block

Review By Joe Walker

New Kids On The Block aren’t new anymore, and they've been around block a number of times. Since the band came to a halt, each member has matured. Three have re-teamed with members Danny and Jonathan for reunion album for the ages. The quintet can, surprising, hold a tune; the guys are more polished now than in their audio-engineered teenybopper days. Working with such noted producers, writers, and arrangers as Ne-Yo, Timberland and Teddy Riley makes their 14-year reinstatement a welcomed one. Un-welcomed is the number of songs geared toward younger ears.

The Polow da Don-produced "Single" (featuring Ne-Yo) has a great sound, but it’s not sonic fit for these new kids. Teaming them with the Pussycat Dolls on "Grown Man" wasn’t ideal either. But again, it's not a bad sounding song; it's just not flattering to their maturity. This album's most intriguing number features NKOTB's urban predecessors and biggest rival: New Edition. "Full Service" rings like a pop music choir with 10 vocalists seasoned in their style sharing harmony and a historic musical moment. "The Block" is worth grabbing for that song alone. Overall, the album is good for a listen. It would have better had they gotten deeper and more personal. They have years to draw from. Instead, they made an album they thought the offspring of their hardcore fans would like.