Those who have seen the music video that accompanies NKOTB’s new single “Remix (I Like The)” may be shocked to learn they own a wicked sense of humour. The clip itself sees an unassuming fan - played by “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” actress Artemis Pebdani - strutting her stuff a little too exuberantly at a pool party. While it’s a brilliantly self-aware nod to the now mature groupies they’ve no doubt encountered on their recent world tour with the Backstreet Boys, the song itself is a perky slice of dance-pop that sounds - whisper it - surprisingly fresh.
Unfortunately, it’s also a complete anomaly on 10, which is their - you’ve guessed it - tenth album and first since 2008’s The Block. Opener “We Own The Night” sets the tone more accurately; a sludgy and dated ballad that includes clichés about candles “burning in the wind” and the world’s unstoppable rotation which, now that they're well into their forties, feels more creepy than cute. Worse is a toe-curling rap on “Miss You More”, which hears them declare: “I wish I could kiss you, but we had crazy issues that were popping up like tissues” over plinky beats and a lighter-waving string section.
Of course, it would be foolish to think that NKOTB are making music for anyone other than their hardened fans, of which they still have a surprisingly large number. The production is slick but reassuringly safe throughout (with the exception of electro-swizzling cut “Crash”), the songs catchy and filled with enough nostalgia to see them through their upcoming tour with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men. In that sense, 10 is an album long-timers would be proud to add to their collection.
Watch the video for "Remix (I Like The)":