New kids on the block's hangin' tough (Bloomsbury Publishing)

"Hangin' Tough," the second album by the New Kids on the Block, has sold more than seventeen million copies worldwide since it was released in 1988. But it has been dismissed, derided and used to 'torture' a drug lord into surrendering. In 2008, the New Kids reunited after fifteen years out of the limelight. Today, hundreds of thousands of grown women still flock to New Kids' concerts to hear-and go crazy for-the songs they first heard when they were teenagers. Is this mere nostalgia or can the science of music help explain the enduring success of "Hangin' Tough"? What is it about this album that made it so special? Musically speaking, is "Hangin' Tough" actually any good? Journalist and New Kids fan Rebecca Wallwork sets out to analyze the quality of "Hangin' Tough" with the help of musicologists, critics, producers, singers and other experts. Forget the fans, the dancing and the merchandise. For once, NKOTB will be judged on something that's never been explored in depth before-their music.