Popular American Boy Band Under Scrutiny For Allegedly Copying TXT Songs
Netizens are alarmed by the beloved American boy band New Kids on the Block‘s alleged copying of TXT.
According to netizens, New Kids on the Block (also known as NKOTB) has copied not one but three TXT songs so far.
nkotb having 3 similar songs to txt on their new album lemme search further bc this is a bit…
pic.twitter.com/utz60TV4nc— dia (@soobloop) July 6, 2024
One of the first songs that made netizens raise their eyebrows was New Kids on the Block’s “Magic,” released on their eighth studio album, Still Kids, in 2024. MOAs noticed similarities to TXT’s “Magic,” released on their 2021 album The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE. Both contain a portion with the lyrics, “It’s just like magic.”
@axxelify and they just collabed with seventeen so its likely they know txt.. ERM #txt #tomorrow_x_together #kpop #beomgyu #txtmoa #neverflop #newkidsontheblock #flopped #nugu #wannabe #fyp #foryou #fypシ゚viral #foryoupage
My sister was supposed to go with me to the #NKOTB concert but she got sick so my 13-yr old daughter had to go in her stead. Poor girl was surrounded by GenX and Millennials. But is it just us or does NKOTB's Magic (chorus part) sound so much like TXT's Magic? pic.twitter.com/0p7kuCmBT2
— Kristine Flor 🇺🇲🌽 (@kflau) July 7, 2024
Yet, MOAs began to notice more similarities in New Kids on the Block’s recent songs. For example, a portion of their new song “Magic” sounds similar to TXT and Anitta‘s “Back for More.”
GUYS THEY GOT BACK FOR MORE TOO
creds : @1800TAESTYNUT pic.twitter.com/zvDgAvLk1H— ry ꨄ (@_yawnzjunnie) July 6, 2024
here’s JUST the vocals, so you can see how similar it is vocally to magic and back for more as well pic.twitter.com/fpCmXgPGSN
— ry ꨄ (@_yawnzjunnie) July 6, 2024
@soobinna_ if bighit doesnt sue their old ahh ill do it myself. #txt #newkidsontheblock #moa @TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Additionally, Still Kids contains a song titled “Runaway.” In 2019, TXT released “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away).”
Clips comparing New Kids on the Block and TXT’s discographies have gone viral, triggering a debate. Many feel that TXT was “copied.” However, some pointed out that it’s likely the producers, not the members, who are “at fault.”
Others feel that New Kids on the Block was likely “inspired” by TXT rather than stealing from the group. Some didn’t hear many similarities, only noticing a couple of the exact words used.
Song similarities aren’t entirely uncommon in the music industry, from the same songwriters and producers to hearing a portion of a song and forgetting it. Yet, the accusations of straight-up copying can be severe since they are allegations of plagiarism.
First of all, TXT’s “Magic” still gets American radio play today since it’s an all-English song. It’s not uncommon to hear it in public establishments, such as a restaurant, hotel, or store. So, most Americans have heard the song at some point, whether they realize it or not.
What is most concerning about the allegations against New Kids on the Block is that they do have a connection to K-Pop. Donnie Wahlberg is a known ARMY, an outspoken fan of BTS, TXT’s labelmate. He’s also known to rock BTS merchandise.
I saw NKOTB a couple months ago and no BTS played. But ya’ll know Donnie is a huge ARMY…always rockin the BTS shirts! pic.twitter.com/9ppjc29F36
— 🔎 Seesaw Enthusiast ⁷ 🔍 (@ElleEmmeEnne) July 19, 2022
This was back in 2019 & Donnie was rocking a BTS shirt bk then too pic.twitter.com/AWLrTCVRmK
— Chriss The FloorStuffie⁷ (@JordanyaScomich) November 23, 2021
Last year, New Kids on the Block even collaborated with other HYBE artists, SEVENTEEN‘s Joshua, DK, and Dino, for a remix of the 2008 single “Dirty Dancing.”
Only time will tell if HYBE chooses to pursue legal action against New Kids on the Block regarding the alleged plagiarism of TXT’s discography.
