Released July 3, 1989 Recorded 1988 | Format CD single, 12" | |
Length 3:54 (single remix)4:18 (album version) | ||
"Hangin' Tough" is a 1989 single from New Kids on the Block which was released on Columbia Records. It was fourth single from the group's second album of the same name. The lead vocals were sung by Donnie Wahlberg.
Contents
"Hangin' Tough" peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart on September 9, 1989, and it topped the UK Singles Chart where it became the first No. 1 single of the 1990s. It was their only No. 1 single in the Republic of Ireland and made the Top 10 in Canada, Australia 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.
"Hanging Tough" was used in the 1989 film The Wizard as well as on the Regular Show episode "High Score." In 1991 it was used as the entrance theme for the tag team of Tony Williams and Brian Lawler in the Memphis, Tennessee-based United States Wrestling Association. Alvin and the Chipmunks released a cover version in 1991 for their album The Chipmunks Rock the House.
Track listings
US /UK / Netherlands Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM
UK Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM
UK Maxi-CD
- Hangin' Tough [7 Remix] 3:51
- Hangin' Tough [Tougher Mix] 3:32
- Didn't I (Blow Your Mind) 4:24
UK Vinyl, 12"