The Block - Redo

Once Upon A Time...NKOTB Decided to reunite. My review of that slice of music magic is below.  I took the liberty of touching it up. Color commentary, if you will. Enjoy.

There are, as of yet, two versions of the album, The Block. The original, with 13 songs and the deluxe version with I think 18 songs and perhaps some DVD stuff. I got the 13 track album because as has been true in the past, there is usually a reason they didn't originally plan on those five extra tracks, right. Usually remixes or something of the sort.

Now I had heard Summertime of course, I nearly cried every time the song came on or the video showed. I had also heard a ragged bootleg of Single, with Ne-Yo, and even in raggedy ass form I liked it. A Lot. I purposely took time listening to every song, making my decisions whether to love or hate it. I actually had to take two runs because I was, for whatever idiotic reason, expecting 13 new Step By Step's. Dumbass. So here is a rundown:

1. Click Click Click;

So this is the song that Donnie just knew would be the song to bring them back together. Um. Why? Ok I do like it, I like the idea but I pay attention to Lyrics. I mean..I pay attention and it kind of blurs the line between loving someone and just wanting that mental picture of them to keep you all day and actually taking photos of them for your viewing pleasure. Setting that aside, I dig the melodies and the groove is pretty decent, so I'm gonna say: B-

2. Single;

So I love Ne-Yo and I think late 08/2009 will be his year, hopefully [sadly, it was not. Oh he had a good year but never quite hit]. However. There are FIVE....FIVE! Men in the New Kids; do we need a sixth man to sing with you, for real? I like the song though, I just think they could have done it without him. Anyway it's a club deal, just let's go hang at the club and I'll be your man for a minute. So, to be fair the lyrics are good, the melodies are there and the beat is pretty awesome. I'll say: A-

3. Big Girl Now Feat. Lady Gaga;

So I don't know who Lady Gaga is yet [Now, who doesn't know who she is, am I right?] though I saw her on an episode of the Hills and watched long enough to glean that she is Interscope's new big deal, but I love this song. It's kind of like you as a fan meeting them and being like, I loved you back when I was nine...now I'm a big girl, let me show you what's up. I really love it. Lady Gaga at first sounds exactly like Ashlee Simpson which was weird but I like the tone of her voice. I hear a lot of Donnie on it but its not a bad thing [I used to question Donnie's 'singing' talent] and the addition of Lady Gaga, for me was perfect. I Say: A+

4. Summertime;

Ok this song IS THIS ALBUM, this reunion. Because it's really about that time in your life when you loved something no further than right now and it didn't matter as long as it loved you back. For me and tons of fans, 'it' was of course the New Kids. It's about that summer we fell in love with them, with their music, its about looking back at that time and remembering how fucking great it was. [It really was a fucking great time. Ahh] The melodies are awesome and of course the beat is sick. The little do wop breakdown is ill and I know the onstage routine will be fantastic. I say: A++

5. 2 In The Morning;

I...love this song. Because it's like exactly how you feel when you have a fight; like can we get this all done and said and move on? Oh, no we have to drag it out all nite? Ruin our whole nite? It's about that feeling when you know something isn't right and it just won't be until its dealt with. Yes that is this song. The writing is on point, I love the flow of it and some of the lines are fantastic 'Gotta Know If You're Mad At Me/Before Grey's Anatomy'. Classic. It's a mid tempo, as a matter of fact I wouldn't call any of the songs ballads, which is surprising; but I dig it and like I said the writing is just spot on. I will say: A+

6. Grown Man Feat Pussycat Dolls

So...again there are indeed Five men in this group. So we need five more women to make a song work? [Now we all know it was really just one voice, Nicole] I'm not thrilled with this one. I mean if it comes up on the Ipod, I leave it on, but I don't know. It doesn't do for me what some of the others do; as if they're trying to prove too hard that they are indeed Grown Men. Dude. Most of you are pushing 40, god love ya, we know you're men. The beat is pretty sick though and I can't deny my love for Nicole [you know, the only pussycat who actually sang], so I can respectfully give it a: B-

7. Dirty Dancing;

Love it. Another club song that reminds you of being at the club and getting kind of crazy with someone even if you know you shouldn't. I love it. My favorite line of all just might come from this song: 'Ohh, it's so crazy/she's like Baby/I'm Like Swazye.' Fucking awesomeness at it's very most awesome, no? I dig it. It's basically about getting dirty at the club despite having a man/woman at home, so I shouldn't indulge but I can't help myself. I love all the 'pretty lips and big ol' hips' and 'pretty eyes and big ol' thighs' references too. Makes a big girl feel some love. Overall I say: B+

8. Sexify My Love;

I like what this song is trying to say, really I do. But. Sexify. Really? I mean...that's all you could come with after 14 years? Really. Really? I like the song but every time I hear 'Sexify' I just giggle a little and want to skip the song. I do love, love, love Joe's bridge though because his voice is just the right tone to make it sound sexy and not silly. Over all I can only say: C

9. Twisted;

Quite possibly my favorite NKOTB song..ever. In the history of ever. Not sure why. But I fucking love the chorus and I love the hook and...yes. I love what it's saying really; it's kind of like, to me anyway, you've been hurt so much you need me to hurt you to make you feel. Deep, lol. No really though I love it and it might be because Timbaland does his magic, not sure; however unlike some previous work he isn't overwhelming the song with himself so it's just the perfect mix. I definitely say: A++++

10. Full Service;

One more time folks...five guys...do we really need five more to sing one song? So on this one, maybe yes. Because it is only two of the biggest, bestest boy bands ever. NKOTB &; NE together at last. I think most fans who were aware of both bands back in the day were waiting for just such a song. It's hot folks; hot. The NK boys are wise enough to let NE be the ''urban'' voice while they for once play down their own 'urbaness'. But anyway the beat is sick and the lyrics make me want to find out just what gas station/bar they might be working at 'I'll lift the hood and look up under/From the front and to the bumper/ Roll the window up and lock the door/Cause I'm gonna bring rain and thunder'....um, yes. A+

11. Lights, Camera, Action;

So this kind of feels like Click, Click, Click Part Two, only written better. I love some of the sassy lyrics and am pretty certain Jordan Knight could make me do a sex tape if he wanted. Or Joe for that matter. Maybe even Donnie. And lately, Jon too. Never Danny though. Anyway, it's really exactly what it says, let's have some dirty love and film it for our own viewing pleasure. It's tongue in cheek though so it stops just sort of being bawdy. Again Joe serves one of my favorite lines, an ad lib you might not even hear at first, after a Jordan line 'No body double needed/cuz I do all the stunts on my own/Believe that' <--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">

<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">12. Put It On My Tab;

So I loath Akon something terrible and am saddened they felt the need to add him to this song, though I do indeed barely hear him. It makes me give the song an unfair chance I dislike him that much. I like what the song is trying to say, although it contradicts itself midstream. You're a cool chick and these cat's don't see it, so put it on my tab...then let me holler at you. This is basically the song. To me it feels like the writing is stilted and it just changed course midway, instead of keeping with the you do you, girl, vibe it completely changes and it just doesn't feel right to me. So I sadly say: D

13. Stare At You;

Arguably the only real ballad on the whole album, save the deluxe with its sappy melodramas. I was actually hoping for more ballads but in the end I like that they just had one, because it's a pretty decent one, not too sappy but if you've ever truly been just taken with someone, this song is kind of exactly how you feel when you see them. I love this line: 'It's not the way you look that brings me to my knees/It's the way you look at me'. Crushes my heart. Oh and...this one is great too: 'What do you see?/I can't figure it out.' because its likely how everyone feels when they are really in that deep, stupid, sappy love with someone they think is just...awesome. LOL. So I dig it and Jordan showed up on this one, folks. I say: A.

Bonuses: The Deluxe Edition Tracks
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">14. One Song:
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">This one was one of my least favorites, maybe its the overall house feel to it. The unnecessary autotune of JK. I mean..he has serious pipes. Leave them alone. It just sounded like it was maybe trying too hard. But I still find myself dancing to it if I have it on, so I don't hate it at all. It's pretty much a 'Donnie' song, kind of on the dirty side but they're grown men, so who care at this point.  I say: C
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">15. Don't Cry:
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">Another mellow song, but not quite a ballad. It took a few listens for this one to grow on me. But I love the melody and Joe and Jordan's voices just work so well together. The lyrical content is great too, and I have to assume this one might have been written from experience. The lead in to the chorus is great and the trade off between the two makes the song work for me. It's a great relationship song, which is what they're good at delivering. I Say: B
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">16. Officially Over:
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">This is like that moment when you realize...yep it's done, you're through, it's over. We've all felt that at some point in time; either in a relationship at work, etc. I love the keys on it, and the lead into the chorus and can just see fans singing along with it. It feels like a very honest song, Joe completely owns it in my opinion and I really feel, again, that it flows with the rest of the album. It should have been track 14, lol, or it should have replaced another mediocre one. I'll say: B-
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">17. Looking Like Danger;

It kind of reminds me of Beyonce's Ring The Alarm, at the beginning, and it definitely catches your attention right away. It's almost like another part two, this time to Dirty Dancing, but I like it all the same. It's just about that person that is enticing and you know they are nothing but trouble. We've all had those in our lives. The beat is infectious and I love the melody, with JK owning most the leads and sounding sexy and bad ass. I feel like it flows with the rest of the album and could've either been on there or perhaps replaced a track.. I say: B+

18. Close To You:
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">
<--joe a="" ad="" and="" anyway="" br="" dig="" for="" i="" it="" lib.="" line="" makes="" me.="" s="" say:="" that="" whole="" would="">The second actual ballad. I didn't love it but it was just because I was so amped up by the rest of the songs. This also sounds like a part two, to Don't Cry. The finger snaps and the piano are great touches and the soft melody works. I just felt it was such a downer way to end the album, but ballads are great. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it, and if I'm feeling down, I do like to tune it on and let them cheer me up with some sweet sanging. I Say: C+

Overall I give the album a very solid A+. I was at first unsure because it was all completely new stuff, but once you get over that, and realize it's been 15 fucking years so of course it should be new, you'll enjoy it. I am not jazzed with the cover art, as they all look like they're in the sun, save for Jon, and makes for awkward photos. The inner stuff was better, in my opinion as far as cover photos. I love that they all have babies, again save for Jon, and they all thank them and what not. I don't get the bit at the end where Donnie is talking to his daughter about his group. Anyway I dig it and suggest if you are now or ever were a blockhead, go get that shit!

Music....Rewind

Once Upon A Time....music was my life blood. Life line. Life, period. As young as maybe ten, I can remember wasting all my time in the record stores. All my money too. There was a time when my expenses were literally music related only: tape decks, tapes, head phones...new headphones, batteries for tape deck, then I elevated and got a Walkman, so then it was cds, batteries for the super cool Walkman. New headphones. You get the drift.

At one time I had cases full of cassettes. Hundreds of CDs. Countless mix tapes that I spent literally days making. They usually had themes. Yeah, I was that kid. Then Lime wire and Napster came along. Mp3's....man I was a kid in a candy store. I can still remember making an MP3 cd with hundreds of songs and being blown away. I had everything from Elvis to Madonna, to N.W.A. on those bad boys.

For the most part, I am a tried and true pop tart. I think I coined that phrase, musically speaking, when I was in the throes of boy band/pop princess hysteria. My first true love, musically, was New Kids On The Block. I was 7 or 8 when Hangin' Tough came out. I remember sitting on my front porch with my best friend, playing that thing on repeat. In the late 90's, something magical happened. A boy band came out. No, not who you think. Hanson came out. Now...I was not a fan, at first. Something worked for them and they got huge; which ushered in the previous hysteria I mentioned.

Within a year or two, pop was ruling the radio. Spice Girls. Backstreet Boys. Then, another five piece changed my life. Literally. *NSync, for whatever reason, was the group that resonated with me. It felt like New Kids all over again. My best friend and I found something in them that now, as teens and into our 20's, we could identify with more. I was a Justin Girl. She Jockeyed between JC and Chris. After their massive success, the pop scene ERUPTED.

There was seemingly a new boy band every few months. Five. LFO. O-Town. 98 Degrees. The list literally goes on for days. Then Britney Spears took court and more magic happened. After her success, the same thing happened. Christina. Jessica. Mandy. Pink. Then Destiny's Child and girl groups were the next hot thing. For a big chunk of the 2000's, there was plenty of pop to spread around. Now, of course not all of it was good music. Some bands put out one or two hits then vanished, much like the new wave scene in the 80'S. Even some of the bad music was great though. It didn't need to have substance, didn't have to. It was fun, it made you want to dance and really what more do you need from music? Sure it's great when its deep and movies you, but there's room for it all.

I started this music blog awhile back I posted a few reviews then the music landscape changed. There is so little good to talk about. The music now is so bad. Not the good kinda bad, either. So I figured for fun. I'd revamp some of my original posts from those first few years, but also I plan to take it back. Go over some of that music that I loved. Review an album one song at a time as a I reminisce on the best decade of my life, musically. I will do new reviews too, but this is really just for me, so who cares?

My first post will be and updated review of the album that spurned me into action.