Danny Wood from NKOTB (New Kids On The Block) releases duet with upcoming country artist Jessie Chris.
Listen to Danny Wood
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Listen to Jessie Chris
NKOTB, 10 Years Into Their Comeback
I grew up with the New Kids On The Block, which already sparked another in blog I wrote. They were a whirl wind pop sensation – too big to ignore. You either loved or hated them, but you couldn’t avoid them. NKOTB were all around. The group had comic books, bubble gum, hot lines to call, and whatever else you could think of. As a fan, I hated them for it, because I had to make daily tough decisions on what to buy and what I really couldn’t afford.
But, all kidding aside. Their commercial success was no joke. Over 10 years ago, ‘The Block’ made a successful comeback which is still ongoing. It looks like everyone is so much happier and appreciative, this time around.
Throwback To Other Times
The fact that their return lasted this long demands respect. Back then, I remember, Danny Wood and Donnie Wahlberg wanted to enter the hip hop scene. But, no matter how much they wanted to, no one wanted to be seen with them. But now, years later, Salt N Pepa and Naughty By Nature join their upcoming Mix Tape Tour (with Debbie Gibson and Tiffany). They’re also on “80s Baby”, a new track to promote the tour. Somehow, that would’ve never happened back in the 90s.
Old Wounds Never Heal
Apparently, that non acceptance in hip hop – and stories like being manufactured – left open wounds, as this throwback post by Donnie reveals:
I love how social media can show you the personal side of these stories.
Danny Wood Solo
Anyway, while NKOTB are reminiscing at the moment, Danny releases music of his own. His duet “Bodyguard” came out, last week, a duet with upcoming country singer Jessie Chris.
Personally, I think Danny’s voice sounds a bit strained and thin. As a result, he’s not easy to listen to sometimes. It’s quite a challenge getting it to work on pop songs. So, his music needs a few plays for me to get used to. Nevertheless, Danny released solo albums more frequently than any other New Kid-member. Mostly, he draws inspiration from rock, pop, sometimes even blues music. The rough edges in his vocal work better combined with a guitar. Also, in comparison to NKOTB, his lyrics are much deeper. I can imagine why he’s so productive. He expresses himself through his work.
“Bodyguard”
Danny is also the New Kid-member struggling the most for commercial solo success. I’m not sure if the track “Bodyguard” changes that, despite the song being the most commercial that I’ve heard from him in a while. I found myself still singing it the next day.
Danny wrote the track and, just like in many of his solo songs, there are personal references in the song. For instance, he mentions his mother’s passing, which is not uncommon for him to speak on – He lost his mother to breast cancer and started a foundation raising money for patients and survivors.
Jessie Chris
For Jessie, “Bodyguard” is her fourth single. Jessie was named an artist to look out for, last year by Billboard. It’s her mission to stop bullying at school. She toured high schools with her song “Rome” on an anti-bullying campaign (listen below). This caught Danny’s attention, whom approached her with the song “Bodyguard”, which is all about the protection you feel when you feel loved or supported by friendship. It makes her mission come full circle, too.
Listen To Danny Wood
All songs I mention in my music blogs can be found on my Spotify Playlist, “Featured Music Blog Songs”