Search - Jordan Knight :: Performs New Kids On The Block

Knight is still "Hangin' Tough"

music_note23 | Canada | 04/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD far exceeded my expectations. I was/am a New Kids fan, and I thought that remixes with only one of the group singing them would be a disaster. Lucky for me, I was wrong. This CD has taken classic hits and modernized them, making them accessible to a whole new generation. With new arrangements, hip hop beats, and Jordan's still-amazing voice, this album is definitely a winner. Here's a review of the individual songs:Step By Step: 8/10 This song is really different from the original, but it's got its own style. Definitely a great trackBaby, I Believe In You: 8/10 Since Jordan used to perform this as a solo in concerts with NKOTB, it's not a stretch that he'd do it here and do it well. The piano on this song is amazing!Please Don't Go Girl: 7/10 While Joe McIntyre does it better, this is still a decent version. Jordan can hit the high notes as well as Joe anyday.Hangin' Tough: 9/10 By far the most different from the original of all the songs on the CD. Now slower, with a smooter beat and an added rap, it's still a winner!If You Go Away: 10/10 One of my favorite songs on the disc, it sounds so soulful now that it's not overwhelmed by 5 part harmonies and a loud backing track. Another great piano song too.My Favorite Girl: 9/10 Very true to the original melody, with an added kick to make it brand new.You Got It (The Right Stuff): 9/10 This song has been totally redone, with a gorgeous new arrangement.I'll Be Loving You (Forever): 10/10 Definitely my fave NKOTB song ever, and this remix has definitely outdone the original. Still gorgeous, with added sounds and more prominent piano. Love it!Let's Try It Again: 7/10 I wasn't a fan of the original, but this version I'll listen to. Sounds like a different song!Cover Girl: 6/10 Probably the worst song on the CD, since Donny Wahlberg did such a great job on the original. Still decent, however.This One's For The Children: 8/10 Faithful to the original, since Jordan was the leader on it as well. New spoken intro fits the song perfectly, and makes it totally relevant to today.Didn't I (Blow Your Mind): 8/10 This song definitely sounds better here, not so shrill and childish. A great remix!Valentine Girl: 7/10 I despised this song as a kid, and it's still not a favorite, but this is better than the original.Tonight: 7/10 Again, not fond of the original, but again, this song really benefited from the update.I'll Be Your Everything: 10/10 Not an NKOTB song, but Jordan did the original demo for Tommy Page, and here it is! His version is better than Tommy's, and will definitely attract all the girls' attention. Overall, this CD is well worth the money. It's fun, it's fresh, and it fits today's music to a tee. If you don't already own this, pick it up ASAP! You won't regret it!"

A Blast From The Past - With a Twist!

Ms. S. Bailey | London, UK | 06/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jordan Knight released this album in 2004 as a tribute both to his leagues of fans and to his fellow NKOTB band mates and has done a more than credible job of it! Lets face it, a lot of the New Kids songs when listened to now have that 80's cheesy feel to it, but I feel JK's remixed this double album with great results. His talent has matured beautifully over the years and it's evident in his renditions of the hits "Baby I Believe in You", "Please Don't Go Girl" and "I'll Be Your Everything" in particular. Whilst "I'll Be Your Everything" wasn't a New Kids song, JK did actually write it when he was 16 and lent it to Tommy Page who had a No.1 hit with it in 1990. In my opinion JK's version far surpasses Tommy's!



Most of the tracks remain loyal to the originals in sound and beat, but there's a couple of the songs I have to mention as being so far away from New Kids it's unreal, but they work fabulously! On disc 2 - the European Remix disc, JK's cover of "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" actually has a bangra-style dance beat to it, which I like even more than the original! I often listen and do the "living room boogie" to it! The other track particularly of note on that disc is "Hangin' Tough" which has got a fantastically rock feel to it and in my opinion is far better than the original - even without Donnie singing vocals!



In summation I'd say that although this album revisits and remixes the New Kids 80's massive hits, it certainly has a style of it's own that fits well in todays music scene! Listen with an open mind and you'll love it!"