With all five members of New Kids on the Block now firmly in their fifties, its difficult to say that theyre "Still Kids," but the title of their 2024 album -- their first record in 11 years -- isnt a nod to their calendar age: its a statement of commitment from the group to the group itself. Certainly, Still Kids finds NKOTB on comfortable footing as they balance bright dance-pop and throwback soul with unabashed adult contemporary balladeering. Its the same combination that turned them into superstars back in the 1980s but the quintet is determined that Still Kids wont be solely an exercise in nostalgia. Make no mistake, theyre happy to look back at the past, inviting fellow 80s stars Taylor Dayne and DJ Jazzy Jeff into the studio for cameos. The group also finds space for Elijah Wahlberg and Griffin McIntyre, the sons of Donnie and Joey; their presence underscores NKOTBs status as middle-aged men but also gives the record a warm sense of continuity. Similarly, Still Kids plays upon familiar New Kids sounds and styles, yet the group makes sure that the music sounds clean, sparkling, and bright, tipping its hat to trends without succumbing to youthful pandering. Heard from a certain angle, "Kids" and "Dance with You" could pass as modern club hits but the reason they work is that everybody concerned, from the performers to the producers, keeps the focus on melodic hooks; these are pop tunes, not dance cuts. In other words, Still Kids finds New Kids on the Block playing to their strengths, winding up with an album that sounds fresher than expected and is arguably tighter than their big hits of yore. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Rovi