Just got back from "The Block"

So I'm just now coming down off the high of my own "(The) Block" party, as my favorite group off all-time released their first CD in 14 years...
That's right: The New Kids On The Block's first release since 1994, entitled "The Block" (my blue deluxe version of which is seen here), dropped on Tuesday.

A big New Kids fan since 1988, I've been counting down the days for this new CD for months. I eagerly awoke early yesterday morning, headed to Target to buy their exclusive CD/DVD combo, and hurriedly threw it into my car stereo for the ride home.

I wasn't disappointed. The New Kids are back, baby!

Not sure what to expect from Jordan, Jonathan, Danny, Donnie and Joe — though the guys had released singles "Summertime" and "Single" off "The Block" earlier this summer — I was quickly thrilled when I listened to this latest offering, from Track No. 1 to Track No. 17.

Now, he forewarned: These aren't the old New Kids. No, you won't find lyrics like Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ... the right stuff! on "The Block." Instead, just like their fans, the guys have grown up — Jon and Donnie, for example, are now 39 years old! — and sing about more mature topics.
That being said, here's my lyrical favorite line off the new CD, as sung by Donnie on "2 In The Morning": Gotta know if you're mad at me before "Grey's Anatomy."

Fun. Topical. Fast. Slow. "The Block" touches on all the aspects of the New Kids phenomenon that made them huge stars 20 years ago. Check it out!

With my iPod fully loaded, "The Block" will be required listening until I see the guys for a pair of sold-out concerts later this month.