The Backstreet Boys, NSync, and countless other teen boy pop groups owe an eternal debt to the New Kids on the Block. Forming as a pop quintet in the mid-'80s, they became an instant sensation, releasing several smash albums before their popularity waned in the early '90s. They would return in 2008, no longer the fresh-faced teens with a powerful marketing machine behind them, but grown men who had honed their skills and could still impress their fans.

After trying his hand at managing (and being fired from) the new jack soul quintet New Edition, producer Maurice Starr started again from scratch. Substituting five white teen boys for the African-American soul singers in New Edition, Starr stumbled on a recipe for success. The group was made up of many talents that would go on to pursue successful solo careers. The original lineup included Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, Jon Knight, Danny Wood and Joe McIntyre. They debuted in 1986 with a self-titled record that didn't attract much notice. Their follow-up, however, 1988's Hangin' Tough, would turn them into overnight sensations.

The album was a number one on the Billboard 200, and about seven of its tracks fell in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, with two number ones, "Hangin' Tough" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)." They also released a Christmas album which went double-platinum. 1990's Step By Step sold more modestly, but was still a huge hit.

By 1994, the band's appeal had began to wane, and they tried to jump on board the hip-hop band wagon with Face the Music. The album's title seemed to be a subtle suggestion as to the band's future.

They would disband, reforming for 2008's critically panned The Block, which was a number two on the Billboard 200.