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Hangin' Tough is New Kids on the Block's second studio album that was released on September 6, 1988 by Columbia Records.

Tracklisting[]

  1. You Got It (The Right Stuff)
  2. Please Don't Girl
  3. I'll Be Loving You (Forever)
  4. Cover Girl
  5. I Need You
  6. Hangin' Tough
  7. I Remember When
  8. What'cha Gonna Do (About It)
  9. My Favorite Girl
  10. Hold On

Album Background[]

Originally, New Kids on the Block's record label had already planned to end their contract after their debut album in 1986 garnered little commercial and critical attention which nearly led to their failure.

However, Maurice Starr (the group's producer) diligently persuaded the label to let them record for a second album.

"Hangin' Tough" led New Kids on the Block to success due to the emergence of their music to radio airplay and creation of music videos for each released single, showcasing the group's visual appeal.

The group's popularity was eventually built as they made TV appearances and embarked on promotional tours.

Chart Performance[]

"Hangin' Tough" topped the Billboard 200 and peaked at #40 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA.

Critical Reception[]

"Hangin' Tough" received positive reviews from music critics.

Reviews from Dan Heilman and Bil Carpenter of AllMusic said: "Good songs collected by New Kids mastermind Maurice Starr highlight this smash, including 'I'll Be Loving You (Forever)', 'You Got It (The Right Stuff)', 'Please Don't Go Girl', and the title track. Tight, warm, even soulful harmony on the ballads."

Robert Christgau, gave a grade of C+ to the album, stating: "At five million and counting, this isn't the rank offense its demographic tilt would lead you to expect—auteur Maurice Starr has positioned two exceedingly cute up-tempo hits atop two overly balladic sides. Really, why shouldn't a black svengali mastermind the safe white R&B ripoff for once? Funkier than the Osmonds or Milli Vanilli. As hip as New Edition."

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