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

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

In The Cards

In The CardsSong Writing

Songwriters have used cards and card games to make sense of heartache, togetherness, and even Gonorrhea.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.