nkotb haven
1986: debut album
In April 1986, Columbia Records released the group's self-titled debut album. The album,
almost exclusively written and produced by Maurice Starr, featured mid 80s bubblegum
pop material. The first single, "Be My Girl" received minor airplay around the group's
native Boston, but failed to capture nationwide attention. The album's second single,
"Stop It Girl," fared even worse. The New Kids went on tour around the New England
states, singing wherever Starr could book them: in bars, school dances, and clubs.
Nevertheless, Starr remained diligent and persuaded the label to allow the group to
record a second album. The album, however, would later go on to be certified triple
platinum by the RIAA, largely on the strength of the popularity the group attained with
their next album.
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