AMG Review of Face the Music

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

The New Kids return after much ridicule and doubt with the defensive Face the Music, and, surprise! -- it isn't bad at all. Sure, they've changed their style a bit -- their new jack R&B is a bit rougher, the lyrics are a touch nastier, and their hip-hop sounds a little more real -- but none of it sounds fake, and the best tracks on the album might impress even the most jaded listener.