"Hangin' Tough" is a song by American boy band New Kids on the Block, released as a single in July 1989 through Columbia Records. It was the fourth single from the group's second album of the same name (1988). Maurice Starr both wrote and produced the song and lead vocals are sung by Donnie Wahlberg. "Hangin' Tough" peaked at 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 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. It is their only No. 1 single in Ireland and reached the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Luxembourg 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 "Hangin' Tough" (7-inch remix) – 3:54 "Hangin' Tough" (Tougher Mix) – 3:32 "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
Weekly charts Chart (1989–1990)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100) 2Europe (European Hit Radio) 25Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) 16France Airplay (SNEP) 54Israel (IBA) Search "New Kids on the Block" for Israeli chart history.18Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)Radio Luxembourg Singles. January 14, 1990. 1Spain Airplay (Top 40 Radio) 24UK Airplay (Music & Media) 8US Cash Box Top 100 2Zimbabwe (ZIMA)* Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000 8
Year-end charts Chart (1989) PositionAustralia (ARIA) 75US Billboard Hot 100 49 Chart (1990) PositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100) 93UK Singles (OCC) 57
Certifications and sales
In other media • The song was used in Regular Show season 2, episode 7 “High Score”.
• It was on the soundtrack for The Wizard along with You Got It (The Right Stuff).
References
External links Joey McIntyre discusses "Hangin' Tough" - RetroRewind interview Official video