NEW LP
New sealed copy. 2025 35th anniversary reissue.
Step by Step is the fourth studio album by American boy band New Kids on the Block, released in June 1990 via Columbia Records. Following the massive success of Hangin’ Tough (1988), it aimed to maintain and expand the group’s popularity through a mix of pop, dance, and ballads, supported by a major marketing campaign and worldwide tour.
The album debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. Lead single "Step by Step" became the group’s biggest hit, spending three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Columbia reportedly ordered more than two million copies in advance. A concert video of the same name saw over 500,000 preorders and was a success in markets like Brazil.
Musically, the album blends upbeat pop with ballads and touches of disco, reggae, and rock. Tracks like "Games" add a harder edge, while "Tonight" shows a more experimental side. Lead vocals are shared, especially by Jordan Knight and Donnie Wahlberg, with lyrics exploring romantic and emotional themes.
The release was part of a broader merchandising strategy that included dolls, trading cards, pillowcases, and a Saturday morning cartoon. While some tracks nodded toward maturity, the overall sound remained tightly focused on mass appeal.
Critical reception was mixed. AllMusic noted attempts at a tougher tone but found the album formulaic. Entertainment Weekly pointed to its synthetic production and teen-focused lyrics, while Rolling Stone saw the genre shifts as market-driven rather than organic, though it acknowledged the group’s polished harmonies.
TRACKLIST:
A1 Step by Step
A2 Tonight
A3 Baby, I Believe In You
A4 Call It What You Want
A5 Let's Try It Again
A6 Happy Birthday
B1 Games
B2 Time Is On Our Side
B3 Where Do I Go From Here?
B4 Stay With Me Baby
B5 Funny Feeling
B6 Never Gonna Fall In Love Again
