MUSIC REVIEW: NKOTBSB – New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys Compilation

NKOTBSB
New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys Compilation
Columbia/Jive/Legacy
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys joining forces is an EPIC union. The frenzy these two boy bands caused in their day is undeniable and to have them team up now is going to be a mega boy band revival. NKOTB and BSB fans will be rejoicing over this compilation that includes five hits from each group, two original joint songs and a mash-up track that is an extended version of the mix they performed at the 2010 American Music Awards.

All songs from both groups were chosen by their fans through online voting which makes this album a dedication to their fans who have continued to support them over the years. The tracks from NKOTB are “Step by Step”, “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”, “Please Don’t Go Girl”, “Hangin’ Tough” and “I’ll be Loving You (Forever)”. The Backstreet Boys featured songs are: “I Want It That Way”, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”, “As Long As You Love Me”, “Larger Than Life” and “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)”.

But that’s not all. Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, Donnie, Danny, Nick, Brian, A.J. and Howie came together to produce two original hits: a ballad called “All In My Head” and the up-tempo “Don’t Turn Out The Lights (D.T.O.T.L.)”. “All In My Head” was originally going to be used in a previous BSB album, but with NKOTBSB at the helm you can hear the influence from both sides. I don’t see this as being released as a single, but it’s still catchy enough to be a crowd-pleaser on their tour. The second original song, “Don’t Turn Out The Lights (D.T.O.T.L.)” is the right balance of pop goodness and dance beats. The fact that almost every guy has a solo in the song is what makes this a true NKOTBSB track. Being able to recognize immediately who is singing what brings nostalgia along with that excited feeling you get when you hear a new song from one of your favorite musical artists.

The last track is the Mash Up which as mentioned above is almost exactly the same as their 2010 AMA performance. However, this track also features “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” (BSB) and “Please Don’t Go Girl” (NKOTB). Unlike the AMA’s, it does not feature the breakdown for the dance sequence and “Step by Step” is shorter (it does not have the step countdown). After doing some research, I found that the mash up on the album is the the same one they performed at the 2011 Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Special. While I like all of the songs used in both versions, I tend to prefer the mix they used at the AMA’s. This is mostly because it features all the dance hits and that’s what a mash-up should do and the flow between each song is perfect where I feel the addition of the ballads on the compilation’s extended mix is somewhat out of place. This is definitely a matter of personal preference as both versions will surely be well received by fans.

This album is a great teaser for the tour they will be embarking on this summer. The idea of putting together a compilation of fan selected songs plus a few original tracks was brilliant. It not only sets the stage for their tour, but also a possible full-length album of original songs from NKOTBSB. Until then this will hold you over with the classics and some new favorites.