The Bottom Line
New Kids on the Block, one of the top boy bands of all time, are back with their first new music in 14 years. It will be welcomed by those looking for late 80's nostalgia, but there is nothing new or exciting here. Enjoy the harmonies and gentle vocal breakdowns, but this slight little song isn't built to last.
Listen to "Summertime"
Pros
- Classic boy band harmonies
- Clever lyric setup
Cons
- Reeks of creaky nostalgia
- Lack of maturation of the sound or style
Description
- Written by Nasri and Donnie Wahlberg
- Released May 2008
- Interscope Records
Guide Review - New Kids on the Block - "Summertime"
Once upon a time a quintet of teenage boys was assembled in Boston and, with the help of producer Maurice Starr, they took the world by storm in the late '80s and early '90s. By 1994, New Kids on the Block were breaking up, and they would become just a nostalgic memory for their hordes of teen fans. 14 years later, they are back with the same name, although none can claim to be either new or kids. The sound has changed little, so it is likely to ride into the charts on a wave of nostalgia. Those teen fans are now aduts, but they still listen to the radio. Just don't expect any revelations listening to "Sumertime."
The most memorable New Kids on the Block hits of the past had a heavy dose of rhythmic snap and aggressive vocals making them both exciting and catchy. However, "Summertime" simply melts into a somewhat sticky, sweet goo. The harmonies, while pleasant, never match the beauty of Backstreet Boys at their best.
"Summertime" is destined to be a quick novelty hit with a pleasant presence on summer pop radio. A new album is due in the fall, and that will go a long way to determine the durability of this New Kids on the Block reunion.
