You Got It (The Right Stuff)

Album: Hangin' Tough (1988)
Charted: 1 3
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Better known as "The Right Stuff," this was the second charting single for the New Kids On The Block, after the ballad "Please Don't Go Girl." It led to New Kids mania in 1989, as young girls swooned for the popular boy band. The song is remembered for its "oh, oh, oh, OH, oh" hook and for its video, which includes some dance moves their fans loved and their detractors ridiculed.
  • Like the other songs on the album, this was written and produced by Maurice Starr, who also played all the instruments on the album. Starr was the architect of New Edition, and followed a similar formula in guiding the New Kids to even greater stardom.
  • The awkward title is probably to avoid confusion with "The Right Stuff," a pop tune released earlier in 1988 as Vanessa Williams' first single.
  • Weird Al Yankovic did a parody of this song called "The White Stuff," where he sings the praises of Oreo cookies and their white cream filling. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Cliff - Burkesville, KY
  • This was the song that broke the band in the UK. "Hangin' Tough" was released there as a single first, and it stiffed, peaking at #52. But "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," released as the next single, caught fire and went to #1. "Hangin' Tough" was then re-released and followed to #1.

Comments: 3

  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxThis song is fine, but I'll take Bryan Ferry's song of the same name over this one.
  • Megan from Stevenson, AlThis song was playing when I gave blood for blood assurance!!! HA! I was singing along...IT WAS AMAZING! It actually calmed me down. lol Love this song!
  • Andre from The Bronx, NyThe "Right Stuff" song is great, the Kids look great and the dance moves on the video and moreso in person were eye-catching and admirable. Guess what? Two decades later by popular demand the NKOTB are back big time on a successful national tour with the same great songs, great looks and great dance moves. It worked then; it works now! --Dre
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?