More Block Business (#1's - New Kids on the Block)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	#1's - New Kids on the Block
Date:	23/07/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: all the hits

Disadvantages: Christmas songs

New Kids On The Block surely bring back fond memories for many people. The interesting thing is, they recently launched a comeback. It went down well in the US, but sadly failed to ignite the UK.

Donnie, Danny, Joe and brother Jon and Jordan make up the group. They were at the peak of their fame in the early nineties.

Highlights

'You Got It (The Right Stuff)' paved the way for the careers of N Sync, Backstreet Boys and to an extent, Take That. A hook laden pop song with a surefire chorus and superb chord changes which utilise all the group's vocals. Playing with a chanty 'uh oh oh oh oh' refrain, the song will get stuck in the head and is definitely one which stands up well today.

'Please Don't Go Girl' is alright, if not a little whiney in places. The sentiment is in the right place, but the song is just too plodding and downbeat to want to play repeatedly.

'Didn't I Blow Your Mind' is average, though the chorus is a letdown and the guys seem like they are getting bored a minute or so in. It needed more oomph behind it. Much better 'Tonight' which has touches of the Beatles about it, it is my favourite track on the album, thanks to some amazing swung sections and a brilliant hook. It will make you think it's 1965 again.

Disc two ups the ante with a pulsating remix of 'Call It What You Want' which gives the group some dancefloor clout. Then there is the newer effort 'Dirty Dawg,' which tries to be cool and funky and fails to hit the mark.

'Games' works better, with a street vibe and tough vocals from Donnie, it would work well in a disco. Towards the end of the album, there are some Christmas fillers which might put you off, but there are 36 songs on here, so you cannot complain. All the big hits are included and the cover artwork is tasteful enough. Fans should invest in this.

Summary: Fun pop