Hangin' Tough (song)

Last updated

"Hangin' Tough"
Hangin' Tough single.jpg
Single by New Kids on the Block
from the album Hangin' Tough
B-side "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)"
ReleasedJuly 3, 1989
Genre
Length
  • 4:18 (album version)
  • 3:54 (7-inch remix)
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Maurice Starr
Producer(s) Maurice Starr
New Kids on the Block singles chronology
"I'll Be Loving You (Forever)"
(1989)
"Hangin' Tough"
(1989)
"Cover Girl"
(1989)

"Hangin' Tough" is a song by American boy band New Kids on the Block, released as a single in 1989 through Columbia Records. It was the fourth single from the group's second album of the same name (1988). The lead vocals are sung by Donnie Wahlberg.

Contents

"Hangin' Tough" peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on September 9, 1989, and topped the UK Singles Chart, where it became the first new No. 1 single of the 1990s yet the lowest-selling No. 1 hit up to that point. [1] It is their only No. 1 single in Ireland and reached the top 10 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Background

There are two distinct renditions of the song: the original album version, which includes a keyboard solo; and the remixed version, which is arguably more recognizable and is commonly included on Greatest Hits albums. The remixed version features a guitar solo and heavier instrumentation.

Track listings

US, UK, and Dutch 7-inch vinyl

A. "Hangin' Tough" (7-inch remix) – 3:54
B. "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)" – 4:24

UK 12-inch vinyl

A1. "Hangin' Tough" (Tougher Mix) – 3:32
B1. "Hangin' Tough" (LP version) – 4:16
B2. "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)" – 4:24

UK maxi-CD

  1. "Hangin' Tough" (7-inch remix) – 3:54
  2. "Hangin' Tough" (Tougher Mix) – 3:32
  3. "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)" – 4:24

UK 12-inch vinyl

A1. "Hangin' Tough" (Tougher Mix) – 3:32
A2. "What'cha Gonna Do (About It)" – 3:54
B1. "Hangin' Tough" (LP version) – 4:16
B2. "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)" – 4:24

Charts

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [19] Gold35,000^
Canada (Music Canada) [23] Gold50,000^
United States (RIAA) [24] Platinum1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

In other media

• The song was used in Regular Show Season 2, episode 7 “High Score”.

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