Download of the Day 7/31: "Single" by New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo

After the surprising success of the New Kids On The Block reunion, its time for their new single.

The pop quintet succeed the top 40 hit "Summertime" by teaming with R&B sensation Ne-Yo on "Single", their latest single.

Yea, its really named "Single".

The song is produced by the same guy who produced Usher's #1 "Love In This Club". Polow Da Don. It's obvious, because its sounds A LOT like that song. I'm guessing he's the new Stargate in that way. Anyway, the fact that its produced by him means that it actually sounds really good. It's the lyrics that kinda blow. The verses are decent, but the chorus is a real eye-roller. "Pretty mama, if you're single...so while the DJ plays this single....". Get it? Playing on the two meanings of single? Cheesy, huh? I thought so too.

I was surprised by how good everyone sounds on the record. Of course, Ne-Yo is the best vocally, but Joey can definitely hold his own. I didn't really recognize the other voices, but they were okay; the harmonies were also pretty smooth.

This song is definitely better than "Summertime", but that may be because of the production. If you can get past some of the really corny lyrics, you have yourself a sure crossover smash. Since they can't do the bubblegum pop anymore (a la "The Right Stuff"), maybe they can do the blue-eyed soul thing. If this is any indication, they could actually pull it off.

Rating: 6/10

NOTE: The "single" will be released August 12th