- May 17, 2024
New Kids on the Block return with Still Kids, their first album in 11 years, released today. This 14-track album, featuring singles like “Kids” and “A Love Like This,” marks a new chapter for the iconic boy band. Donnie Wahlberg describes it as their most mature and fun album yet, full of hope and possibilities.
New Kids on the Block Are ‘Still Kids’ as They Drop First Album in 11 Years
New Kids on the Block are back, and they’re proving that they’re still the same vibrant group that fans fell in love with decades ago. Their first album in over a decade, Still Kids, drops today, May 17.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
The 14-track album, announced in March, kicks off with the new single “Kids,” an Eighties-style pop gem about making the most out of every moment. Before the album’s release, fans got a taste with another single, “A Love Like This,” which dropped in April. Still Kids features a few special collaborations, including DJ Jazzy Jeff on “Get Down” and Taylor Dayne on “Old School Love.”
“This album, more than any other, is bringing the New Kids and the fans full circle,” Donnie Wahlberg said when the album was announced. “It’s about hope and possibilities and being ourselves. It’s the most mature album we’ve ever made. Yet it’s the most fun and most comfortable album we’ve ever made.”
The Creative Process Behind Still Kids
Wahlberg took the reins as the album’s creative director and co-wrote half of the 14 songs with Lars Halvor Jensen and his production company, Deekay Music. Joey McIntyre, another key member of the band, contributed as a writer on six tracks, working closely with songwriter and producer Sean Thomas.
Joey McIntyre shared his thoughts on the new album, emphasizing the significance of creating music that resonates with both the band and their fans. “It says a lot about any band to make a record that has energy and passion and lightness and fun and depth,” McIntyre said. “After almost 40 years together? It’s crazy.”
Returning to the Spotlight
Still Kids marks the first full-length release from New Kids on the Block since 2013’s 10. While the group did release an EP, Thankful, in 2017, this new album represents a significant return to form for the band.
The album’s tracklist is a mix of new sounds and nostalgic vibes, featuring songs like “Magic,” “Summer Love,” and “Long Time Coming.” Each track offers a blend of upbeat rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing the band’s evolution while maintaining the essence of what made them iconic.
Ready for the Road: Magic Summer 2024 Tour
To promote the new album, New Kids on the Block will embark on their extensive Magic Summer 2024 tour. The tour kicks off on June 14 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and wraps up on August 25 in Noblesville, Indiana. The tour will also feature performances by Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
The tour is set to bring a fresh, energetic vibe to the stage, with the band performing new tracks from Still Kids alongside their classic hits. This blend of old and new is sure to delight longtime fans and new listeners alike.
New Kids on the Block 2024 Tour Dates:
- 06/14 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
- 06/15 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
- 06/18 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
- 06/19 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake
- 06/21 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
- 06/22 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis
- 06/23 – Prior Lake, MN @ Mystic Amphitheater
- 06/25 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
- 06/26 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP
- 06/28 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
- 06/29 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre
- 07/01 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Theater **
- 07/02 – Wheatland, CA @ Toyota Amphitheatre
- 07/03 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
- 07/05 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
- 07/06 – Palm Desert, CA @ Acrisure Arena
- 07/07 – Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
- 07/09 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
- 07/10 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
- 07/12 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
- 07/13 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
- 07/14 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion
- 07/16 – Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater
- 07/17 – Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater
- 07/19 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
- 07/20 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
- 07/21 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place
- 07/25 – Charleston, SC @ Credit One Stadium
- 07/26 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
- 07/27 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
- 07/28 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park
- 08/01 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
- 08/02 – Hartford, CT @ XFINITY Theatre
- 08/03 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
- 08/04 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
- 08/08 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
- 08/09 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion
- 08/10 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
- 08/11 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC
- 08/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at the Mann
- 08/16 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
- 08/17 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
- 08/22 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
- 08/23 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
- 08/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
- 08/25 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
A Rich Legacy in Pop Music
Formed in 1984, New Kids on the Block consists of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. The group became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s, selling over 80 million records worldwide and earning a place in the pop music pantheon.
Their hits like “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” “Hangin’ Tough,” and “Step By Step” dominated the charts, earning them legions of dedicated fans. The group has consistently proven their ability to evolve with the times while maintaining their signature sound.
Reflecting on Their Journey
Donnie Wahlberg reflected on the group’s journey, noting the significance of their new album in bringing their story full circle. “This album, more than any other, is bringing the New Kids and the fans full circle,” Wahlberg said. “It’s about hope and possibilities and being ourselves. It’s the most mature album we’ve ever made. Yet it’s the most fun and most comfortable album we’ve ever made.”
This sentiment is echoed by Joey McIntyre, who emphasized the importance of creating music that resonates with both the band and their fans. “It says a lot about any band to make a record that has energy and passion and lightness and fun and depth,” McIntyre said. “After almost 40 years together? It’s crazy.”
A New Era for NKOTB
With the release of Still Kids, New Kids on the Block are not only celebrating their past but also looking forward to the future. Their new music and upcoming tour signal a new era for the band, one that is filled with excitement and renewed energy.
The Magic Summer 2024 tour promises to be a highlight for fans, offering a mix of classic hits and new favorites. As the band takes to the stage once again, they’re ready to prove that they’re still kids at heart, bringing the same enthusiasm and joy to their performances that they did when they first started.
Collaborations and Creative Input
The making of Still Kids was a collaborative effort, with contributions from various artists and producers. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Taylor Dayne brought their unique styles to the album, adding depth and variety to the tracks. The involvement of Lars Halvor Jensen and Sean Thomas in the songwriting process also played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound.
The Significance of Still Kids
Still Kids is more than just a new album; it’s a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and their ability to connect with fans across generations. The album reflects the band’s growth and maturity while staying true to their roots.
Joey McIntyre encapsulated the essence of the album perfectly: “This album is new, we’re definitely harking back to the good old days, but it definitely reflects that we’re not 18 anymore. But I think there’s that spirit. As we get older, we’re always reaching back. We want to have that fire and that curiosity we had as kids.”
Looking Ahead
New Kids on the Block have proven time and again that they have staying power. With the release of Still Kids and the upcoming tour, the band is poised to continue their legacy and introduce their music to a new generation of fans.
Their ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining their core identity has kept them relevant in the ever-changing music industry. As they prepare to hit the road and share their new music, NKOTB is ready to show the world that they’re still kids at heart, full of energy and passion for their craft.
NKOTB Milestone
Still Kids marks a significant milestone for New Kids on the Block, showcasing their growth as artists while staying true to their roots. The album is a celebration of their journey, filled with energy, passion, and a sense of fun that fans have come to expect.
As they embark on the Magic Summer 2024 tour, NKOTB is set to deliver unforgettable performances that highlight their new music and classic hits. The band’s enduring appeal and dedication to their fans ensure that their legacy will continue to thrive for years to come.
With Still Kids, New Kids on the Block have crafted an album that resonates with listeners old and new, proving that they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the world of pop music.
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