Burning The Ground Exclusive 1990
“Step by Step” is a song by American boyband New Kids on the Block, released on May 10, 1990 as the first single from the album of the same name (1990). It is the group’s biggest-selling hit single. The lead vocals were sung by Jordan Knight. Danny Wood sang “Step 1”, Donnie Wahlberg sang “Step 2”, Jordan Knight sang “Step 3”, Joey McIntyre sang “Step 4”, and Jonathan Knight sang “Step 5”.
“Step by Step” was initially recorded by one of Maurice Starr’s other groups, The Superiors. It was released as a single in 1987 on Motown Records but was unsuccessful. On the other hand, the New Kids’ cover of the song was a massive worldwide hit, becoming one of the biggest-selling singles of 1990. The New Kids on the Block’s cover spent three weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually certified platinum; it also spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart, in total “Step by Step” spent five weeks at No. 1 in the North American charts. It also peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and was also a top 10 hit in the Australian, French, West German, Irish, and Norwegian charts.
The accompanying music video for “Step by Step” was directed by American director Larry Jordan. Donnie Wahlberg’s brother Mark Wahlberg also appears in the video.
SIDE A:
Step By Step (12″ Club Remix) 5:24
Step By Step (7″ Version) 4:28
SIDE B:
Step By Step (Instrumental) 4:21
Valentine Girl 3:58
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Step By Step | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1990 | Step By Step | U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | #48 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 73376
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Executive-Producer – Dick Scott (3)
- Mastered By – Howie Weinberg
- Remix – Sidney Burton
- Remix, Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Maurice Starr
NOTES:
Special versions from the LP “STEP BY STEP”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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I remember getting this vinyl (if only to impress my fellow teenage girl friends who were going crazy for NKOTB at the time). Since I had to get it as an import I was disappointed that the “12” Club Remix” wasn’t more of a remix. I didn’t feel there was any “remix” element to it. It simply felt like an extended version of the radio/album version. It was still catchy and stuff but I just wasn’t wowed. It didn’t matter however since every time I played it, the girls loved it and that was good enough for me. The remix… Read more »
You’re welcome, Shan thank you for taking the time to comment and leave your thoughts and memories. I agree with you the C+C mix is awesome. 🙂
I’ll piggyback on what ING and Jeff said. I wasn’t exactly their target audience, but I could appreciate the catchiness of their tunes. And this one has it in spades… Thank you Paul for continuing to throw us curveballs!
You’re welcome, Retro Hound 🙂
As ING stated perfectly below, I too wasn’t the demographic for New Kids On The Block. I’m more of a New Wave/Alternative and Electro fanatic, but that doesn’t mean I’m above not to admit liking other genres of music. This was and still is, a fabulous song. Thank you, Paul, for your varied tastes in music. You always have something for everyone to enjoy!!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff 🙂
“Tonight” is at least 10 times better than this track.
I love “Tonight” sadly it was overlooked and did not get the remix treatment.
So…. I was not a New Kids fan as I was clearly not in their demographic at the time, being thoroughly into British bands that would eventually be called “alternative.” Although when they first had hits it was like “they’re white??!!” As I had been a fan of New Edition, their sound had matured, whereas NKOTB were very bubble gum to me. I was working at a record store during their hottest point and all the junior high girls were infatuated with them and would beg for the promo merch. Then this song came out, I absolutely loved this song-… Read more »
I have always been a New Kids fan but when this song was released I absolutely loved it! no wonder it was a massive #1 hit for them so catchy and danceable. I loved their recent track “80s Baby” which they performed with Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Salt ‘N Peppa, and Naughty By Nature. They are awesome live.
80’s baby was a blast! Fun video too!