Caution: Objects in your rearview mirror are older than they appear.
Let's face it: In the rearview is where boy bands should stay. Not all devastatingly successful phenomena are meant to launch a resurgence. Even fewer garner enough enthusiasm to actually warrant such a return. That said, New Kids on the Block are back on the block.
The band is again fully intact and, by the looks of it, defying both good taste and male-pattern baldness. With "The Block," New Kids on the Block continue to carry the torch for awkward Caucasian rhythm and blues.
Of course the timing of this thing wasn't so hot. There's the age factor - the youngest "kid" here shares his birth year with Watergate. Still, the guys put their respective projects on hold. You have to admire commitment.
The leadoff single "Summertime" proves the most conventional, and in turn, digestible of "The Block's" 13 tracks. The layered harmonies reek of pop cliché, but let it slide. The Kids pioneered this ear candy during the Reagan administration.
"Grown Man," with soulful vocals courtesy of The Pussycat Dolls, is actually acceptable as well despite its refrain, "I'm gonna give you some grown man." Believe it or not, this is a high point for pickup lines on the record.
"Put It on My Tab" is notable only in that it features Akon, whose heavily processed vocals come off like Daft Punk robo-rap. If my copy wasn't free, I too would ask him to put it on his tab.
Hype or no, "The Block" doesn't have the material to sell like "Hangin' Tough" or "Step by Step." Yet the members of New Kids on the Block no longer need record sales to grow their bank accounts. That's what Social Security's for.
