The New Kids on the Block reunion album titled “The Block” showcases new material geared toward a more mature fan base.

The New Kids on the Block was a popular singing group that inspired the phrase “boy band” back in 1984. The group members are Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre and brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight. The performers released four albums while enjoying a lot of success before disbanding in 1994.

The new CD, “The Block,” has 13 tracks. The titles include “Lights, Camera, Action,” “2 In the Morning” and “Grown Man,” which features the Pussycat Dolls. Almost half of the songs on the album feature collaborations with the music industry’s youngest talents, such as Akon.

The New Kids on the Block seems to have noticed that the current trend of mainstream music is to pack the singles with as many guest artists as possible. However, a couple of the band’s catchier tunes like “Click, Click, Click” and “Summertime” are sure to climb the charts.

Many things have changed since the 1980s when the New Kids on the Block first came out. The members are all middle-aged men with “kids” of their own. Plus, the group has switched from Columbia Records to Interscope Records for this new release.

Former boy band fans might be disappointed by the reunited New Kids on the Block because its innocent adolescent lyrics have been replaced by more mature content. The title of one of the tracks is “Sexify My Love.” The group has changed its tone to distinguish itself from its former teen image.

The New Kids on the Block does not have to do too much clarifying; listeners can take one look at the album and realize these guys are all grown up. The photos on the album have the men dressed like the Blues Brothers in black suits and sunglasses.

When comparing New Kids on the Block songs from two different decades, the songs barely sound like the same group made them. “Step by Step,” from 1984, had a much more pop/rock feel, while “Summertime” has a much more hip-hop style.

The group should be complimented because it is adjusting to current popular music trends, but it has compromised its original sound. The band’s new style is most comparable to the short-lived male group LFO.

New Kids on the Block is not the first group to attempt a reunion. Groups like the Spice Girls, the Police and the Backstreet Boys are among the others that have given their collaborative music careers another shot. However, oftentimes it is difficult to get all the members to agree to work together again. The New Kids on the Block seem to have done it, though.