New Kids: Every Teen Sensation Rolled Into One

It’s easy to see why New Kids on the Block, who sold out three shows at the Forum over the weekend, are selling like every teen sensation of the past two decades rolled into one. They sound like every teen sensation of the past two decades rolled into one. They combine the sweet soul style of the Jackson 5 circa “I’ll Be There” (which they performed on Saturday) with the dancey R&B; of New Edition, the arena power-pop of Duran Duran and even a hint of the good-natured rowdiness of the Beastie Boys.

But none of this matters as much as the fact that lead singer Jon Knight is cuter than Donny Osmond in his pre-pubescent prime, and that on one song--girls, steady now--he actually stripped off his shirt to reveal his chest! Another New Kid, Donnie Wahlberg, showed off his chest quite often, but he doesn’t seem as sincere as Jon. When Jon sings “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” in that dreamy falsetto, it’s like he’s singing it just for you.

Critics who are bemoaning the success of the Kids’ “Hangin’ Tough”--it’s the year’s best-selling album--should lighten up. Except for some shameless pandering (“I don’t have a girlfriend right now, but maybe one of you could be my new girlfriend”), the Kids are rather good as teen idols go. Besides, unless Allan Carr makes a Village People-style movie about them, they’ll be forgotten within two years. If Carr does make a movie, make that one year.