New Kids on the Block released their first album in over a decade. What “Still Kids” means for the band and Blockheads
This record celebrates the Boston-born boy band and its fans after four decades of pop music acclaim. As it should.
May 17 marked the return of iconic Boston boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) with their first studio album “Still Kids” in over a decade and first project with BGM.
As exciting as the news is, “Still Kids” reminds listeners that while NKOTB are pioneers of pop music and show no signs of retiring from ‘the block,’ they are still the playful pop dreamers from Boston they have always been.
A follow up to their 2017 EP “Thankful,” “Still Kids” is not only a mature love letter to NKOTB’s faithful fanbase — the Blockheads — but is a refreshing addition to the pool of new releases in their genre sure to appeal to today’s intersectional pop singer-songwriters like Teddy Swims and Charlie Puth.
What this means is the New Kids sound like new kids — primarily in terms of pop-centric production tendencies but elements of other genres can be heard closely on “Still Kids” too: including synthpop, rock, R&B and even some disco intertwined in each song. Additionally, their effective use of retro classic samples and creative callbacks to the band’s earlier songs, as well those of their strong industry connections (“Old School Love” features notable vocals from Taylor Dayne) is a genius approach to pose this question to fans: Did ya miss us?
A lot has changed over the years, but what has not changed is NKOTB’s commitment to presenting themselves in a respectable, dignified manner. Other boy bands can’t say the same. After all, the last thing anyone wants to hear is a 1980s boy band trying to sound like what is popular and completely losing their identity in the process.
“What Does this Song Sound Like?” is a game passionate music lovers are quick to play during any new release and “Still Kids” provides a great gameboard to do so. Listeners may pick up on the consistent nod to the vocal and sonic synthpop details within The Weekend’s “Blinding Lights,” which appears numerous times on the album.
With lush 80s dance pop influences that defined the beginning of NKOTB’s career infused with modern perspective, some of the boldest moments on “Still Kids” transpire on tracks like the electric “Dance With You,” dreamy “A Love Like This,” and high-spirited “Summer Love,” which is a strong selection arguably dedicated to the Blockheads — who the band will festively reunite with on their Summer Magic Tour, which begins in just a few weeks.
Even if someone isn’t privy to the pop goodness NKOTB produces, there are a plethora of pieces on “Still Kids” that will not turn off longtime fans nor turn away new listeners.
For example, the hip hop-leaning “Get Down,” which features ‘80s music pioneer colleague and Philadelphia’s very own DJ Jazzy Jeff spinning sample justice to an ever-present Diana Ross 1980 hit, could be a hot pick. Wahlberg's acknowledgement of regional and pop culture dance trends, as well as specific dance directions in this song, will amp up the energy at the band’s live shows this summer while connecting to various identities that make up the Blockhead family.
The album’s lead single “Kids” is paired with a fun music video, capturing each New Kid in their element: channeling their youth, classic choreography and the silliest aspects of their personalities — appealing to both the young and the young at heart — reminiscent of any boy band’s playful anthem of freedom. Think “Year 3000” by Busted (widely popularized by The Jonas Brothers) or One Direction’s “Live While We’re Young.”
One of the strongest tracks on the album “In The Night” competently channels Laura Brannigan, the “Fame” soundtrack as well as a “Top Gun” lyrical reference and it is as sensational as that combination suggests.
Bon Jovi fans would appreciate the electronic mid-‘80s homage in “Runaway” dazzled with Jordan Knight’s enchanting falsettos — largely inspired by The Stylistics’ Russell Thompkins Jr. — adored by Blockheads and captivated by many for years.
NKOTB has found a way to stand the test of time and tempo. The band comes from humble beginnings, including fractured families grappling with divorce, alcoholism and the tough turmoil of Boston’s yesterday. “Still Kids” celebrates their journey like never before.
In its entirety, the album rests in the reflection of the life NKOTB has shared together as a band and equally alongside their beloved Blockheads. The group’s extraordinary fan support transcends decades, continuing to be at the forefront of the music (“Long Time Coming”) and its personal presentation. This is made most clear throughout “Still Kids.”
The album’s vibrant opening track “Magic” is accompanied by a joyful dancing video compilation featuring Blockheads, while “Pop” references retro NKOTB lyrics (“Still my popsicle, still my favorite girl”) and ‘80s pop flair to take themselves and listeners down an interactive memory lane — a corny yet sweet treat for Blockheads.
Aside from attending live shows, the biannual NKOTB cruise and other meet and greet events, the Blockhead agenda typically includes collecting neon-colored NKOTB memorabilia, themed trips to Boston, mimicking the band’s distinct choreography, engaging with social media fan pages and claiming a favorite New Kid. Playing “Still Kids” at maximum volume will be the next phase in their Blockhead journey, and thankfully, it's worth it.
As long as NKOTB continues to publicly acknowledge their fan family (“Stay”), the Blockheads — both the ‘OGs’ and ‘Baby Blockheads’ (Gen Z Blockheads) — will continue to reciprocate the mutual devotion.
For a boy band that could’ve stayed apart permanently following their disbanding 30 years ago, these “five bad brothers from the Beantown land” have come together — handsome as ever, strong as ever, creative as ever and most importantly, united as ever.
Record producer Maurice Starr, who formed NKOTB to create the “white version” of Boston boy band New Edition, should be proud of the group’s career longevity “Still Kids” highlights in 2024. Though the band has since parted ways with Starr, to be a generationally successful product of a Black man’s creative vision for the entertainment landscape should at least be mentioned in conversations detailing NKOTB’s highs.
It is without question “Still Kids” is a straightforward pop album and the production itself is pretty polished. But it is NKTOB’s profound gratitude that shines through each track, making this such a tasteful record. Who would’ve ever thought we’d be here after 40 years?
NKOTB is going on the “Summer Magic Tour” with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Paula Abdul this summer.