Album: The Block
Artist(s): NKOTB (New Kids on the Block/The Block)/Nynuk (Note: Even listed in the Urban Dictionary)
Drop Date: September 2, 2008
Blades: 10
Grades: A+
Bottom-line: Worth the purchase.
Review: Welcome back NKOTB! I must say I was nervous to see what would become of this reunion and was happily surprised that it even happened. Over 14 years has passed and there has been a project that all five men found worthy to return to the music scene as a group. Jordan, Joseph, Donald, and Daniel were not completely gone from entertainment, but to see all of them and Jonathan together on the same stage is amazing. The Today Show performance had me nervous for them but excited at the same time. How would they pull it off? Would they sound decent? Would anyone throw a hip out of place? Glad to say that all those fears were quickly placed to rest once things got up and running. I’ve been online hunting down anything “New Kids” ever since People.com released the comeback video. NKOTB, or The Block, seemed to have not only aged well but have grown as a group. Cute White boys have evolved into Sexy White Men. Enough gushing and fantasizing and on to the review!
The Block (Deluxe – because nothing else would do!!) is on point. Unlike many artists that attempt to regroup and re-enter the W.O.S., these fellas have figured it out. No need to relive the past when the future has so much to offer. NKOTB was able to bring their life experiences to their music. They were not men trying to relive their teenage lives, but rather men bringing fresh music to their fans. The Block showed groups how it should be done. No need to find five 12-year-olds to sing to 30+ women. Shit, I’m tired of feeling dirty or grossed out when some under-aged play thing sings a love song. Also, NKOTB shows the older fellas that it’s ok to sing to women as thought they are, well, women! I like to be wooed every now and then. No need to talk to me like a hooker in EVERY song. Now-a-days guys seem to given up on seduction in music and have taken raunchiness to a level it never needed to go.
Whatever happened to the sweet sounds of woo? What happened to those songs that made a woman feel sexy, loved, wanted, appreciated. Those songs that improved a bad day; or the songs that made one want to light some candles and jump in a tub of bubbles? Well whatever happened NKOTB remembered us ladies past puberty.
Thanks to the Internet I was more than intrigued; I was excited to hear what the album would be like. Summertime made me a bit weary because I was unsure if it was my teen NKOTB surrounded by half-dressed chicks. Once the Single video came out I was ready for more. Click, Click, Click was another song released online and it opened the album. A great way to hit the senses and get the sexiness started. The fellas sound great and Wahlberg brings his rap game back. He has GREATLY improved since the New Kids on the Block album. Seems like he has practiced and it has all been worth it. The next up to bat was 2 in the Morning. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!! SEX-Y!!! SEX-Y!!! Did I forget to mention SEX-Y!!!??? This song is so right for them and the lyrics to this song (as well as entire album) makes me grateful that I listened so intensely. Yes fuck Grey’s Anatomy ’cause we could drag this out all dyamn night!! Whoa! “Do you wanna fight, wanna say good night, if you tell me you want it this could be over.” Sing it fellas!
Next the fellas have me quoting “nobody puts baby in the corner” with their song Dirty Dancing. If only I felt like hitting the clubs again, I would seriously dirty dance on some cutie. This song is hot and just right for a club that caters to those over 28. Twisted makes me feel justified for having my handcuffs, blindfolds, and goody bags. “Tell me where to kiss it…” Damn McIntyre. Do the damn thing you sexy mofo!! He’s gone from beggin’ a girl to stay to twisting her up in love. Now the next song has Wood making the ladies stars. Lights, Camera, Action has the freak in you wanting to bring out your best in front of the cameras. I’m ready for my close up Mr. Wood!! Ladies, practice your lines ’cause this could get interesting. Officially Over took things where they needed to go. When there’s a break-up and folks want to hang around; play this tune. “Too late to shed tears ’cause there is no love left here” pretty much sums things up for me. This album makes me want to hold on to this reunion for as long as possible.
Ballads have always been NKOTB’s specialty and they did not disappoint. Star At You is another track to add to MP3 players across the world as it speaks to the heart of the listener. I never like to be stared at like a monkey in a lab, but when NKOTB explains why they stare, how can I resist? This brings me to Single. One question, if someone has no money then what is it they should do? The songs begins with the chant “If you ain’t got no money,” then goes into “If you’re independent get your money girl.” Am I the only one lost on this? I hope they just did the chants because they sounded good – because a broke bitch (male or female) has no business in a club – PERIOD. NKOTB and Ne-Yo did the damn thing on this song. This and Closer made me pay more attention to Ne-Yo and his talents as a song writer. The lyrics and music are an amazing blend and the harmonies are incredible. This gets constant play and I created my own damn ringtone!!!! Yes, all that’s needed is that dude to play his position and pretend to be the boyfriend until the song goes off… DJ, turn this mutha up!!
Star (of Star and Buc Wild) put me on to Lady Gaga. NKOTB made me love her crazy ass. Big Girl Now is a hot collaboration and brings Lady G to a new audience. NKOTB were on their grind when seeking out the best folks for collaborations; yet again they’ve rarely done anything half-assed. Grown Man was a song I had to listen to twice as I had to overcome T.O.P.C.D.S. (Tired of Pussycat Dolls Syndrome). Once that was accomplished all was well. I too began to wail like Nicole and started askin’ my man for some grown man!! “Tell me what you want!”
Another hot collabo was the two Maurice Starr teen groups meshing to bring us Full Service: NKOTB and their predecessors, New Edition. I was wondering what happened to NE with the multiple revivals and Bobby Brown turning Country and opening a Bed & Breakfast with two White women after his divorce from Whitney Houston. I wonder if my full service can come with a lap dance since I’m told that I don’t even need to get out of my seat. Even Akon’s happy ass was on this album telling bartenders all over to put it on his tab. Hold the alcohol while making the Piña Colada and get the lady whatever she wants, I like the sound of that. Donnie seems to shine on Put It On My Tab as Akon lays it out there for the ladies to enjoy the night as he sends love their way.
The deluxe also has a special key to the World of The Block for those who want to get deeper into the madness.
I will not be made to feel bad about liking this group. Fuck the critics and the nay-sayers. They have doubted you guys from jump and are still lost and confused. While they praise Rolling Stones for wheeling themselves on stage in wheelchairs, these asses have the audacity to make 30+ people feel old. Fuck Off! Most of the critics are 50 and up, what type of shit is that? Father time calling Teen New Year old…. Asses…
The NY concert is on my list as I have my outfit already picked out. This will be the first time in over a decade that I wanted to see anyone perform live off Broadway. The concert review will be posted ASAP!!
Nynuk –> New Kids on the Block –> New Kids –> NKOTB –> The Block!!! 
10 blades and an A+ goes to this album. No handcuffs as I purchased the actual Deluxe (pre-ordered) and still found deals! Great music at a great price.
blades: 
Loading ...
Kicking off this new segment for Bootlegged Reviews is the song Ah, Yeah! submitted by the indie artist, Flawless. This pop/dance single that has what it takes to get a party started and has a professional feel that many Indie projects lack. Coming from Queens, New York, Flawless shines on this track. Formerly signed to
Ashley Judd seems to have added her happy ass to the long list of folks in denial of the monster that their precious industry (the W.O.S.) has created. Judd has taken it upon herself to reiterate the obvious while ignoring the giant wizard puppeteer behind the puppets.
espite the truth that there are no set programs, more than half of the shows are unconfirmed, the first week or more have only been previews of what MIGHT be shown, and more than half of all television viewers have yet to see anything on the OWN Network, mainstream
2010 has been another year where the WOS Celebs have stepped their game up in the category of bullshit, hot mess, and sloppiness. Yesterday, two WOS young bloods were in battled in another Internet War of Words. Twitter has become the "safe zone" to attack folks behind a computer and have the fans directly involved. Instant bullshit brought to everyone's and anyone's computer screens - whether asked for it or not.
As many gleam over the multiple of things that has been added to her list of "deeds" which deed became her turning point. ... Negating her sexuality (that has little to do with her public actions as far as I'm concerned) what is really going on with her? ... She doesn't seem to read or comprehend some of the books she pushes through her "book club" being that two frauds have been discovered. She only "confronted" one of the frauds because the other media began to question her intelligence and if she and her cohorts even fact checked their information.