Unnecessary Comeback Corner: New Kids On The Block

Donnie Wahlberg, left, and Jordan Knight of the New Kids on the Block perform at the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards on June 15, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. (Malcolm Taylor/Getty Images)

A confession: I initially abhorred Summertime, the first single off the forthcoming album by erstwhile late-'80s boy band heartthrobs New Kids On The Block, but as the season has grown... well, more summery, so too has my heart warmed (somewhat) to the song. And now, fresh off the digital block, comes a sneak peek (if ears can "peek") at the next track off The Block (yup, it's the title of their CD).

Single (I believe the title is meant to be a cheeky double-entendre, since it appears to be directed at the single ladies in da house and is itself a musical single) is a collaboration with neo-soul crooner Ne-Yo. In the interest of giving those washed-up Bostonian boys the benefit of the doubt, I would like to believe that, like Summertime, perhaps Single will grow on me. But judging from my initial gagging response to the treacley, whiny new jack swing-ish sludge that is this song, I highly doubt it.

The best thing I can say about Single is that it reminded me of that Auto-Tune-mocking TI/T-Pain/Snoop Dogg cartoon clip that was floating around cyberspace a little while back. But not necessarily in a good way.

--Sarah Liss