 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Block
- By New Kids on the Block
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
They're back -- all-grown up, sexy, and confident.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that believe it or not, the original boy band has reunited, and this time they're all grown up. There's a lot of sexual innuendo and implications -- getting a dirty groove on the dance floor, making a sex tape, a little masochism, giving some "grown man" and "sexifying" love -- so it's not the pegged-pants-clean-quintet of yesteryear.
What's the story?
After almost 15 years since their last album, The New Kids on the Block have returned with a surprisingly solid, grown-up album with THE BLOCK. It's full of upbeat dance tracks and club bangers with collaborations from T-Pain, Pussycat Dolls, Akon, Timbaland, Ne-Yo, and Lady GaGa.
Is it any good?
Even if you weren't an NKOTB fan back in the day, (c'mon, it's OK to admit it if you were) you'll find yourself rooting for the grown-up boy band from Boston. Instead of a lame reunion on the MTV Awards, Jordan, Joey, Donnie, Danny, and Jonathan decided to do it their way, in the studio first. With contemporary synth work and their classic vocal talents, NKOTB has given something fans -- both old and new alike -- can enjoy and relate to, albeit a little bit sexier this time around. "Summertime", the first single, is a nostalgic, easy-beat mix boasting their still-sweet harmonies. The soulful "Grown Man" (with the Pussycat Dolls), "Twisted" (Timbaland), and "Full Service" are seductive, sexy grooves that stay in your head, and 30-something fans will get a kick out of "Dirty Dancing" when it refers to the beloved, classic lovebirds Baby and Swayze. A few songs, including a simple love ballad are more a taste of the old NKOTB for those still pining, but the rest of the album is a modern, sleeker style -- with club beats and all. Like fine wine, NKOTB has definitely improved with age, and they've proven they still have the right stuff.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the buzz that always surrounds a band "reuniting." In the case of NKOTB, do you think the majority of society wants to see them succeed or fail, as has-beens? Why? Do you think their style can translate into today's music? What do you think about a band who changes their style to fit the popular brand?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
NKOTB is back, but they are not the bubble gum pop group we all remember. The majority of the songs on the block are associated with sex in one way or another. Some songs are worse than others. There is very little profanity on the album, so that is a plus. I have allowed my older children 13 and 16 to listen to the majority of the album, but my younger children 4 and 9, i skip over probably half the album.
As a fan of the group, I have enjoyed the album personally.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Artist: | New Kids on the Block |
| Release date: | September 2, 2008 |
| Label: | Interscope Records |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already listened to it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
