Bostonist: New Kids On "The Block" Should've Grown Up a Little

1nkotbfan

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:29:37 -0500

First, you're entitled to your opinion, but I just have to laugh at the words used to describe the songs. I've been Blockhead for 19+ years, and this new album for me is wonderful! I love every song on The Block. Rather than feel demeaned, I feel empowered by NKOTB's new tracks. It's fun! Not to mention the fact that most of the fans grew up as well, average age 30--and we're loving every minute of this reunion! Try listening beyond the song titles and surface meaning! The more I listen, the more I like each and every track--and relate to the lyrics! The Block has taken over my iPod :) and I couldn't be happier!!!

toesinthesand

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:45:21 -0500

wow, you have issues. you are analyzing this cd wayyyy too deeply. like an above commenter said, they're a boy band, for crying out loud. not some deep philosophical singing group. yeesh. it's a freakin hot CD and i love doin you-know-what with my husband while listening to it, so stick that up your women's studies classes and smoke it!

adp

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:31:08 -0500

I am amazed at your offhand comment about a "pedophilia" vibe. A serious accusation like that should be treated with more respect, not with a juvenile, unimaginative phrase like "creepy, much?" Did it not occur to you that "Grown Man" might be a lighthearted boast claiming that the singer is a grown man compared to the mere "boys" that have come before him?

1Mimi1

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:58:38 -0500

Interesting review. I disagree with your opinion on the CD and group on many levels, especially as a wife, mother of 2 small children, pediatrician, and Blockhead since '89. 1) There is absolutely no content on the CD that is "pedophillic". PCD are not little girls, they are beautiful mature women. The collaboration is perfect. The Kids are clearly targeting their "old" fanbase (women like me in their 30's) with lyrics referencing Greys Anatomy, Dirty Dancing, and relationships that are ready to take sex into a deeper level. After all, usually when you are ready to bring out the video camera (Lights, Camera, Action), this means there is plenty of trust in the relationship. There is nothing inappropriate in their lyrical content. 2) I do not think their material feeds into the stereotype of a young insecure girl who needs approval. 2 in the morning is the perfect example. Stare at You is respectful and describes a long-time relationship that keeps getting better with time. Big Girl Now, Sexify my Love, Grown Man, and Full Service are certainly sexually charged, but are not offensive. The lyrics are HOT, sexy, and lots of fun. Big Girl Now is clearly a metaphor referring to their fanbase. Sexify is, duh, about taking a new relationship to a sexual level, which is completely natural for this age group. The guys and their fanbase are not teenagers anymore. Who wants to wait?! Janet Jackson did the same thing. In Control, she admonished "Let's wait a while". In Rhythm Nation (when she was no longer a teenager!), she sang "Someday is tonight". Grown Man is a bit raunchy, I admit, but again, its fun and sexy, and catchy. I thought I was a prude, but I guess not compared to some people. Full Service is one of my favorite songs on the CD: the NE collaboration is killer, and the style of the song is reminiscent of old 90's dance music. Also I dont understand why I should be offended by the word "girl", especially since this is a term historically used by the group for 2 decades. I dont think twice about it, and trust me, I have a great deal of self respect. 3) It seems to me that the critic is more disturbed by the fact it is NKOTB singing about sex (because they are in their 30's!), than the actual lyrical content or the musical quality of the CD. I hate to break it to you, but people in their 30s have sex, lots of it! For NKOTB fans, hearing our first crush sing about sex is hot. I am not 14 anymore. Sure, I don't let my children listen to them, because this music is for ADULTS, like me. 4) If a critic does not like the CD because they think the music is generic, boring, stylized, unoriginal, or the vocals are poor with no talent, that is FINE. If you feel the lyrical content lacks depth, OK that is fine too. NKOTB are not Sting or Dylan, no one is saying that. If the music does not catch your attention or make you want to get up and dance, that is great. But please don't make these men look like creepy, dirty pedophiles, when there is absolutely no basis to make that horrific analogy. As a mother and a pediatrician, I take offense to this critic even coming up with that comparison.

Libbygirl06

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:37:08 -0500

Well, um wow!!! You've made me speechless...a feat not easily accomplished...ask anyone...but other than that, you've also made me ANGRY!!! How can you put down this album the way you do? I have to agree with GeorgiaPrincez...and I've listened to the album over and over since it came out. I do not find ANY of their songs offensive, degrading, pedophilic (ok that's reaching!!!)...I find the songs to be fun, some romantic, some tear-jerking, but not offensive..NO! C'mon, 20 years ago they were all bubble gum and pop...now they've grown up and so have their fans....so do you think that as 30 - 40 year old women we want to hear them singing about their first crush?? C'mon that's done...these are grown men singing about grown up things....there are worse things being sung on most rap albums nowadays...so please, I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinions, and you know what they say about opinions....

Libbygirl06

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:36:20 -0500

GeorgiaPrincez

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:01:56 -0500

IF this CD made you feel uneasy, you MUST be a prude! Are you one of those women who gets embarrassed when people talk about sex? Sex is a part of life, people EVERYWHERE have sex. People like sex, and as mentioned above, "Sex Sells"... get over it! I did not find one song on the CD that degrades women in any way. I actually find that it celebrates women. This CD was meant for the fans (GIRLS) that were fan from 20 years ago who are now "Big Girls" and have experienced the things that are mentioned in the songs, from our man letting us down (Single) to our man thinking that we are the most beautiful woman in the world and wanting to take a "Mental shot of the moment" (Click Click Click). You should be ashamed of yourself! and,.. you better hope those Boston fans don't come looking for you.

nkfan4ever

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:51:57 -0500

As I read this blog I questioned whether this writer really put thought into her piece. I wonder since when did it become wrong or derogatory to use the word "girl." That is a word that is used to refer to any female of any age, in no way was it derogatory. Another problem with this article is that it seems that the writer didn't even listen to the words of all the songs, she didn't even listen to all the songs on the album! No where in this article does she mention the songs, "Click, click, click," "Close To You," "Stare at You," "Don't Cry," or "Officially Over," "Single," and "Twisted" (which is a song about heartbreak, not sex). Every single one of those songs are heartfelt. I mean come one I want one single person in the world to find one thing wrong with the song "Close To You." They obviously wrote that song for all their families. They are saying that even though they will be gone for a while, they will always love them and will be back. I don't understand what is up with all the haters out there talking about that since the guys are in their 30's that they shouldn't be singing this type of music. There is nothing wrong with this album and there is nothing that is inappropriate or immature about the songs. The guys (or should I use "men", do people find the word boy or guy derogatory?!!!) are grown up now and are singing differently. This album was not made for all the haters, it was made for the group first and foremost and they also made it for their fans who have stuck with them since the beginning. Why don't you and all your hater friends leave the guys alone. They are a great group and don't need you putting them down and insulting them. And before you write another article on a CD or something, make sure you really do your research and make sure to actually listen to the songs/lyrics carefully before you start typing!

fauxhawk

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:00:46 -0500

Apparently you have been hiding under a rock for the last few years if you have a problem with grown men singing about sex. Did you give this much of a scathing review to Usher for his cheating inspired album, or to Akon for "Smack That" or even Ne-Yo for "Because of You"? I noticed that this review does not mention the songs Stare at You, Don't Cry, or 2 in the Morning and I am wondering why? Maybe because they have more serious lyrics and don't fit the model you wanted when you set out to blast the New Kids. If 30 something Mariah Carey can still get away with selling her albums by using her scantily clad body and sexy lyrics to men, then get off the New Kids backs. We 'older' New Kids fans may have grown up and had kids of our own, but it doesn't mean we have become prudes. Don't be so quick to pat yourself on the back for this feminist article- you don't speak for all women, regardless of what you'd like to think.

staceykay

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:56:39 -0500

Ok, I understand that some people might find The Block too sexually charged. Personally I don't see anything wrong with it. I'm a grown single woman of almost 36 and I happen to like sex. A song is just that, a song. They are for enjoyment, entertainment, some times for good causes and some times to let a loved one know how you feel about them, but most of the time, it's just a song! Somehow the author of this article forgot to mention or maybe didn't really listen to the words of all songs on The Block like, 2 in the Morning, Stare at you, Click, Click, Click, Don't Cry, Officially Over, One Song and Close to you. You have to buy the Deluxe itunes version of The Block to get Close to You. 2 in the Morning talks about trying to work out an issue in a relationship and not blaming either party. It oozes the idea of, please talk to me and let's work this out. Stare at You is one of my favorites and is a beautiful song, melodically and lyrically. I mean, that look, when you know someone is truly in love with you and the look you give when you're truly in love with them. The kind of love that involves respect, admiration and acceptance of you just the way you are. Click, Click, Click. I mean I don't care who you are, how can you not want the man you're in love with be so into you that he watches you put on your make up and waits for you patiently while you get ready and then wants to take pictures of you because he thinks you are that beautiful? Don't Cry, OMG! Sad, but romantic at the same. Not deep? Pa lease! To think that the person you love may not be here tomorrow and taking time to realize that, not sweating the small stuff and appreciating that person, because they may not be here in the next second. Not taking them for granted. Need I say more? Officially Over, my favorite on the CD. Stating that this person was one of a kind, there's nothing that can define everything she meant to him. Obvious admiration, love and respect for someone they were once in love with, but still having the strength to let go when he's been betrayed and everything has been done to try and make it work. One Song, completely harmless. Basically, fun, nice beat. A song saying it just takes one song and we'll be in love. Not realistic, but a fun fantasy. Not objective to women. Close to You, I mean come on. Possibly a song to their wives or girlfriends stating they'll be gone for a while, but they'll be back and it will be so worth the wait. Close to your hands, your lips, your hips, your legs, your laugh your words, close to the way your body fits on the bed, close to the only one I can't resists. The lyrics are actually very beautiful and they are smart men if you ask me. Going off on tour, you'd better write your girl a song and mean every word of it! :) The last time I checked, women do have all the parts mentioned in this song, and it's ok to talk about them! You wrote, "the only song on The Block that deems “love” important enough to include in the title is "Sexify My Love,". Maybe you didn't really listen and hear every song and all the lyrics on the CD. The use of girl comes from slang and is used widely to refer to a mans woman, wife, girlfriend, etc. Some times used by women to refer to their female friends. I have not felt one time listening to this CD that they are objectifying women by having sexual content or degrading us by using the word girl instead of woman. In writing songs if you think about it, you have to some times use words that go with the rest of the lyrics or rhyme or just sound right or better. For instance, does this sound better to you, "Cause it's 2 in the mornin woman". I think not. That's not cool. Therefore, girl was inserted so it would not sound moronic. It wasn't used to make us feel we all of a sudden can no longer vote! Maybe there is some repression here. Some people were taught not to talk about sex or express themselves in anyway when it comes to sex. To the point of making some people not like sex and where you can't break away from that idea and live life and find out sex it good, it's what people some times bring to it or not bring to it that can make it bad in every sense. It's the job of the parent to worry about and teach their kids what is right and wrong. There will always be Hollywood and other things in the world to influence people. If a parent has done a good job, kids will make the right choices and what is right for themselves, but not without human mistakes. Music is one of the best and most popular ways to express feelings and thoughts about sex. No matter how confident, independent or secure you are, every woman should be told once in awhile that she's a hottie and that she's attractive. What's so wrong with that? BTW, my favorite more upbeat song on The Block happens to be Grown Man and it is a great dance song and maybe it's for more sexually open people. It's a hot song. The fact that you hear and rip apart the lyrics before you think of dancing first is just so prudish to me. But yet...you talk about the song Dirty Dancing as one of your choices as an ok song, but then you had to find something wrong with it. Crazy again, is slang. Not always used as in mentally crazy. Have you never heard, girl, u crazy. Or that's just crazy? Crazy as in crazy silly or driving me crazy. Not literal madness. Dirty Dancing the movie had a lot of sexual content. Go back and watch it, you probably don't realize for it's time, it was pretty steamy. A great classic pop culture movie with sexual content and a great song with classic pop culture references and sexual content and you like it. Now that wasn't so unpleasant was it? The Block is the bomb. You boys are so nasty. I love it!

RKMK06

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:57:25 -0500

I think whoever wrote this article should be ashamed of themselves. I think it is absolutely ridiculous to say that any one of these songs had a "pedophilic feel". I know that they started out when they were young teenagers and there songs talked about first loves and really they were cheesy but it was perfect for there ages and what they were experiencing at the time. In all of there interviews prior to releasing this album they ALL mentioned that this was going to be a MATURE album. I don't believe they intended to be for kids or teens. They did it for there fans who are any where from 20 to 40. The Jonas brothers are great. They are awesome role modles for kids with there virginity rings and everything, but they are for kids not adults like the NKOTB fan base. Out of the 5 members of this band 2 are happily married and 4 have children. SO I think that if they want to sing about sex that's great because its obviously something they've experienced as growing up. I don't believe you mentioned the song "Click Click Click" Well any NKOTB fan would know that this is the song that got the band back together. It talks about how a man is just staring at a woman admiring her and doesn't want to lose the moment. Nothing sexual. Just about memories. DOnnie said that it was a song that all the guys could relate to. And it is Fabulous! About NKOTB working w/ the Pussy Cat Dolls...I know that The Pussy Cat Dolls work with Timbaland a lot and Timbaland helped with this album. The song is great. "big Girl Now" with Lady GaGa is one of my favorite songs and if you looked at the cover of the cd you will see that she also help write "Full Service" What a talented lady! Its amazing that she is 22. And no I don't think she is too young to work with them. SHe did a great job on that song and I really don't think anyone could've done it better. I think its terrible to say that these men haven't grown out of there horny teenagerdom. I have watched all of there interviews and when anyone of them talks about there kids there eyes just light up. If you read the thank you's in the block CD JM talks about his wife calling her the love of his life. I think it is very sweet and I think he can sing "sexify my love" with out it being creepy. I think that you just need to do a little more research or if the cd bothers you don't listen to it. I think the Cd was ment for true mature fans and not disney channel watchin kiddos. These guys are amazing and very talented they've still got it! I can't wait to see them in Dallas Oct. 19th.

dianna4utolove

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:07:40 -0500

OK, so I was just reading this article and I found myself getting really irritated. As an NKOTB fan since the age of 12, I (and many many other people) have been waiting for this day to come when we could see all the "BOYS" back together. I am a 30 year old married mother of 2. I don't take offence to them using the word "girl" or them talking about sex. I personally would rather be considered a girl. I take more offense being called "MAM". I do think they are trying to appeal to a wider age range. It is actually smart on their part. I have lisened to THE BLOCK, and like every CD I have ever baught there are songs that I love and there are songs that I just skip over. I do however like almost every song on it. I didn't find it offensive or degrading at all. I didn't hear the word "bitch" or "ho" on it. So what it comes down to is this: Men will be men. They are intouch with their sexuallity. I know my man thinks and talks about it A LOT and if he didn't I would probably wonder if there was something wrong with him. "SEX SELLS". They are selling out everywhere, so they must be doing something RIGHT! So, what I say to the writer, don't hate! They are making a lot of us GIRLS (WOMEN) happy. They are taking us back to our childhoods! I got my tickets to the September 28th show in the mail the other day and it made me feel like a kid again. So, I thank THEM for that.

mello

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:38:57 -0500

I find it hilarious that so many critics think it's creepy that men in their 30's would talk about sex in their songs. Hate to break it to you but as someone who's 30, I can guarantee you that people over 30 talk about sex and are having sex (GASP!). I also have no problem with the use of the word "girl" on a lot of the tracks on The Block. Should they say "adult female" instead? My favorite song from back in the day is Please Don't Go Girl so me taking offense to the word is stupid. It's just a word and is used to refer to females of all ages. Should we get the word girlfriend banned if the "girl" in question is over 18? Sounds ridiculous right. So does most of this review. I enjoy listening to The Block and so do a lot of my girlfriends. Ooops did I offend anyone?

miss_ava

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:33:56 -0500

I love this album. Why is everyone acting surprised that they're older? Well of COURSE they're older! I'M older! I'm sorry but does "Big Woman" sound better? I'd have to give that a big thumbs down. I don't really need to read so deeply into the lyrics. It's true that the album is a lot more personal and honest to the New Kids this time around but at the same time, I will always remember that their songs are fun to listen to. If people take them too seriously, then they won't "get it." Their little references will always remind me that their sense of humor is hilarious! I don't need them to teach me any lifelong lessons through song. They already taught me plenty of those when we were both younger. Today, I just want to be entertained and I am. I'm surprised that you're surprised this album has a sex-themed tone to it considering that's pretty much what most songs sound like nowadays. The best thing about this album is that it really shows how versatile they can be, but they chose to stick with their signature. They've ALWAYS sung about girls. I love that about them. I don't expect them to go around singing about anything else but. Besides, a lot of their fans like that their songs seem to speak only to them. My favorites are "Big Girl Now," "Full Service," "2 in the Morning," and "Sexify My Love." Critics will always say what they want to say. I'm so tired of the whole "Act your age!" scolding from all the critics. They started out as a boyband(who usually sing about girls) so why should they change? And can you guarantee me if they went a completely different direction in music, that critics won't scoff? I don't expect everyone to love the album. Hey, not even all the fans love it! It just bothers me when people tag them on their age or say that their lyrics are "creepy." Let's not forget the queen Madonna prancing around in her underwear with Justin Timberlake or Mariah Carey telling her 27 yr old husband to touch her 38 yr old body. Eith way, the fact lies herein that they've already accomplished something I've always hoped they'd accomplish, which is that their good name, New Kids on the Block, can still come out on top these days.

fautedemieux

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:40:14 -0500

For days, I've been reading nasty comments in response to NKOTB reviews from fans who just cannot accept that some people aren't going to like what they like and have the right to express that. One such comment suggested that they'd respect the reviewer more if they actually listened to the CD before judging. And, here you have it, someone who actually listened and put thought into their review, and it's still pissing the blockheads off. I agree with this review 100%. There's growing up and being a man, then there's acting like a sex-obsessed little boy. There's growth, and then there's trying way too hard to be relevant in a youth-oriented music industry when you're middle-aged. I expected more from the guys than "sex, sex, sex" with someone named "girl." Maybe the next CD will provide a nice balance and give me something to respect.

ahnjk

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:04:55 -0500

wow...you are taking this way too seriously. As a 27-year-old professional woman who once wrote I heart New Kids in puffy paint on her t-shirt in the third grade.. .I love this album and think it's pretty damn hot. Yes, the lyrics are anything but deep and inspirational but they are a boy band for crying out loud. I have plenty of other albums that I listen to for that. They've always been known for singing fun, sexy dance songs that you can shake your butt too and have a good time. I'm not offended at all and I consider myself to have plenty of self-respect. I guess there are two kinds of people in this world, those who "get it" and those you don't. Call me crazy, but I like the idea of my first ever crushes growing up to be beautiful men who are offering to give me some "full service." PS - If you are looking for something a little more romantic and mature....I would try any of Jordan, Joey or Danny's solo CD's. I'm willing to bet you would be pleasantly surprised.

mariah

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:38:39 -0500

You should be ashamed of yourself using NKOTB as a platform and example for your feminist anti-male rants. For one thing, 'Grown Man' is refering to how THEY have grown, as are several other songs on this album. it is NOT intended to be pedophilic (and the fact that you chose to make that claim is as disgusting as you seemed to feel about the album overall). 'Girl' is considered an anti-pronoun of sorts. It is used instead of indicating an actual person, not as a derrogatory term and it is a term the group has used since its inception. It seems you either are not adept at picking up patterns or are not as well versed in the bands catalogue otherwise you would have noticed this. 'Big Girl Now' is a song with, in many ways, direct reference to the fans. Both the fans and the group itself have grown and matured, and THAT is the point of the song. And if you want to use 'Looking Like Danger' to prove the bands' opinion that that the stand by the idea that women, when not a mere object, are whore-ish temptresses, tell me who does the term golddigger apply to, men or women? If you insist that some men are horny pigs, then you must also remember that some women use their sexuality in order to gain their own selfish interests. If you are going to be anti-male, at least have the decency to explain that niether side of the gender divide is perfect. And plenty of the tracks on this album demonstrate their respect for women. '2 in the morning' is an honest account of wanting to make a relationship work. 'Stare at you' is probably the best example AGAINST your rant with lyrics stating that "it's not the way you look that brings me to my knees, it's the way you look at me'. Misogynistic? I think not... Frankly, your insistence that these women in these songs are in "need" of NKOTB's approval is preposterous. 'Single', which I'm sure you also object to on these grounds, is merely a song insisting that there ARE good guys out there, even when yours lets you down. I'm sorry that a statement like that falls on deaf ears. You have NO reason to beat up on NKOTB just because some guy objectified you or disdained your anti-male attitude (heaven forbid). People like you are the reason women will not advance, because you refuse to treat men as you want to be treated.

Rick Sawyer

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:23:32 -0500

I find it somewhat hilarious that this post seems to have been sponsored by NKOTB (see banner ad above).

SarahDoodle

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:01:50 -0500

I am not sure how you can judge whether its overly sensitive, unless you've listened to the album in its entirety.

DarthCupcake

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:36:17 -0500

I like this review! I'd hardly call it "overly sensitive." The kinds of messages that we are sending out in the culture that we create and celebrate shapes our country. It shapes the kids growing up, and it shapes how others see us. I know I don't want men thinking of me as a hottie who needs a grown man to affirm my value. I agree that the lyrics sound pretty damn sleazy--I don't think there's anything "grown up" about them. I don't think there's anything wrong with actually taking a look at what's going on in music. There's nothing wrong with choosing not to, also, but I've personally been very much enjoying the analytic posts that have been popping up. The more intelligent dialog in the posts is what sets Bostonist apart from other locals, and I hope this sort of writing will continue.

SarahDoodle

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:14:26 -0500

Wow, You need to take yourselves a little less seriously. Pop music is fun and upbeat and sometimes silly. Nobody asked you to be a defender of all women. And if you want to volunteer for the job, there are other artists far more worthy of your criticism. I think The Block is great. Its fun and it speaks to the fans, who like the guys have aged right along with them. Creepy? Not so much? You don't mention 2 in the morning or Stare at You....because they don't fit into your "new kids are immature (and horny)" line of thinking Your Review: Overly sensitive.