When New Kids on the Block burst onto the music scene in 1986, they were met with skepticism. Few anticipated the staying power of this teen quintet, crafted by mastermind Maurice Starr. Their initial self-titled album, while introducing the group, didn’t fully capture the magic that was to come. Critics and some listeners were unsure if these fresh-faced kids from New England, with their clean-cut image and somewhat awkward early attempts at hip-hop infused pop, would resonate beyond a fleeting moment.
However, 1988 marked a turning point with the release of Hangin’ Tough. This album wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a cultural phenomenon, solidifying New Kids on the Block’s place in pop history and defining the boy band era. Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood showcased a maturity both in their lyrics and vocal performances. They proved their ability to deliver both smooth, harmonious ballads and high-energy anthems, shedding their initial squeaky-clean image for a more nuanced, edgy appeal. They weren’t exactly “bad boys,” but they certainly had grown beyond their manufactured beginnings.
New Kids on the Block group photo promoting their best songs, a retrospective on their hit music featured on Billboard.
Over three decades, seven studio albums, multiple chart-topping hits, and even a hiatus, New Kids on the Block have not only endured but thrived. They’ve proven that dismissing boy bands as fleeting fads is a mistake. These “kids” evolved into “men,” and their music continues to resonate with fans who grew up with them, as well as new generations discovering their timeless pop sound. From heartfelt ballads to energetic dance tracks and even successful forays into a second act of their career, NKOTB’s discography is rich with memorable tunes.
Here, we delve into 10 of the best New Kids On The Block Songs, celebrating the tracks that cemented their legacy and continue to be beloved by Blockheads worldwide. This list focuses on their original work and does not include their collaborations with Backstreet Boys as NKOTBSB.
10. “I Wanna Be Loved By You”
From their debut album, “I Wanna Be Loved By You” offers a glimpse into the early charm of New Kids on the Block. Imagine the five young members introducing themselves with spoken-word segments, reminiscent of The Floaters’ “Float On,” before launching into a plea for affection. While it might sound a bit dated now, for teenagers in the late 80s, this song was pure magic. The combination of earnest lyrics, smooth harmonies, and dreamy synth waves in the chorus was undeniably captivating and established their strength in crafting memorable hooks.
9. “Remix (I Like The)”
“Remix (I Like The)” marked NKOTB’s return in 2013, and it served as a refreshing reminder of their ability to stay relevant. While it might not have reached the chart-topping heights of some of their earlier hits, this comeback single possessed the same infectious energy and surprising punch as contemporary hits like the Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker.” The song is an ode to a woman who has transformed herself, and the updated funk-rock vibe, combined with classic soul-inspired vocals, feels both modern and nostalgic. It’s easy to imagine artists like Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson taking note of this track’s innovative blend of styles.
8. “Dirty Dawg”
“Dirty Dawg” represented a bold step for New Kids on the Block. After parting ways with Maurice Starr, they embraced the new jack swing sound, a genre rooted in Black music. On paper, this pivot could have been risky, but NKOTB navigated it with surprising success. They captured the alluring blend of sensuality and edginess that defined new jack swing. Jordan Knight’s signature “oooh” at the 1:30 mark is a standout moment, showcasing the influence this era had on artists like Justin Timberlake and his future solo endeavors.
7. “Summertime”
Before the NKOTBSB phenomenon, New Kids on the Block made a notable return to the top 40 in 2008 with “Summertime.” The song’s production, with hints of RedOne and Nasri (known for their work with Chris Brown and Justin Bieber), gave it a contemporary pop sheen. However, the core appeal remained NKOTB’s signature harmonies and vocal blend. Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, and Joey McIntyre seamlessly transitioned their velvety vocals to the radio-friendly pop landscape of the late 2000s, proving their timeless appeal.
6. “My Favorite Girl”
While Maurice Starr often held the sole songwriting credit for early NKOTB tracks, “My Favorite Girl,” a standout from Hangin’ Tough, was co-written by Jordan Knight, Danny Wood, and Donnie Wahlberg. This album cut is a prime example of why New Kids on the Block transcended the typical boy band trajectory. While not aiming for Prince-level artistry, “My Favorite Girl” delivers genuine 80s funk-pop with skilled, soulful vocals. It demonstrated that their talent extended beyond being merely a manufactured pop act.
5. “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)”
“I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” was the ballad that propelled New Kids on the Block from teen idols to mainstream pop stars. Jordan Knight’s Bee Gees-esque falsetto soared over a soft, adult contemporary backdrop, creating a romantic and timeless feel. This song achieved a significant milestone: it became their first No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 and the first chart-topper by a teen group since The Osmonds in 18 years. It solidified their position as serious contenders in the pop music world.
4. “Tonight”
“Tonight” is arguably NKOTB’s most ambitious and musically adventurous single. Within the first minute, it incorporates a flamenco guitar intro, a mellow, falsetto verse reminiscent of Alan Parsons Project, and a pre-chorus with echoes of Sgt. Pepper’s. This eclectic mix, surprisingly for a teen-pop single, reached the Hot 100 top 10. Even three decades later, “Tonight” remains a fascinating and enjoyable anomaly in the pop landscape of its era, showcasing their willingness to experiment.
3. “Hangin’ Tough”
“Hangin’ Tough,” the title track of their breakthrough album, is an anthem of resilience and attitude. It blends stomping arena rock elements (the main riff shares similarities with “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”) with Whodini-inspired rap-singing and catchy “Tarzan Boy”-like “woah-oh-ohs.” While its chart-topping success in 1989 might seem unusual considering the other No. 1 hits of that year (“Batdance,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire”), “Hangin’ Tough” is undeniably unique. The “Tougher Mix,” which was popular on radio, even included a surprising operatic mezzo-soprano interlude, adding to its quirky charm.
2. “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”
“You Got It (The Right Stuff)” is perhaps the quintessential New Kids on the Block song, encapsulating their core appeal. It features vibrant pop production, an irresistibly catchy bubblegum hook, and just enough hip-hop influence to differentiate them from earlier pop groups like The Osmonds. The iconic dance moves in the music video further cemented its place in pop culture. A standout moment is the bridge where Jordan Knight deviates from the expected lyric to deliver a spoken-word “You know what you did,” adding a touch of playful attitude. This song hinted at the solo success Knight would later achieve, even with songs penned by figures like Robin Thicke.
1. “Step By Step”
“Step By Step” stands as the pinnacle of New Kids on the Block’s discography, a song that even critics who were initially dismissive had to acknowledge. It seamlessly merges a Motown-esque melody and lyrical structure – the “STEP ONE!” count-off section is both playful and reminiscent of classic Supremes or Temptations tracks – with a lush, contemporary production style that could easily fit within the catalogs of ABC or Pet Shop Boys. “Step By Step” remains a timeless pop classic, showcasing their musical maturity. While the music video, with Donnie Wahlberg’s Public Enemy t-shirt and motorcycle entrance, might have subtly foreshadowed the band’s eventual shift in image and the changing times, “Step By Step” serves as a perfect career apex and a definitive example of their pop genius.
