Joey McIntyre, Stay the Same | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 14^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2026), we highlight “Stay the Same” by New Kids on the Block standout and solo artist, Joey McIntyre.

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 14^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2026), we dive into “Stay the Same”, the one-hit wonder by Joey McIntyre.

There is nothing I would change about you either, Joey McIntyre (Joseph McIntyre, b. 1972). Admit it, ladies and gentlemen: Joey was/is an incredibly handsome.  It’s the eyes, isn’t it? More than his dashing good looks, the New Kids on the Block member and solo artist is talented.  Post-NKOTB, he released a gold-certified debut album, Stay the Same.  The main attraction from the 1999 album is the fourth track, also titled “Stay the Same”. “Stay the Same” peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. McIntyre wrote “Stay the Same” with Joseph Carrier.  Carrier, Dan Shea, and Walter Afanasieff produced it.

“Stay the Same” is an ultra-smooth, R&B-infused pop ballad. It fits the late-90s/early-00s aesthetic perfectly. Joey McIntyre brings it. He sings radiantly with a beautiful tone.  Throughout much of the song, he sings with ease and performs warmly. When he dips into his falsetto, it’s as sweet as those stunning blue eyes of his 🤩. He masterfully brings the tuneful melodies and the dedicated lyrics to life. Encouraging, Joey asserts in the pre-chorus, “I think that you could be whatever you wanted to be / If you could realize all the dreams you have inside.” Word. The chorus is the section to beat:

“Don’t you ever wish

You were someone else?

You were meant to be

The way you are exactly

…You’re better off by far

And I hope you always stay the same

‘Cause there’s nothing ‘bout you I would change.”

Utterly sublime! McIntyre brings more punch and power to the bridge.  The instrumentation during the bridge is also beefier, keeping the same energy as the lead vocalist.  “Believe in yourself / You will come alive,” he sings, and adds, “Have faith in what you can do / You’ll make it through.” Preach, Joey! He kills it during the final chorus, which features a timely modulation, backed by a high-flying gospel choir singing the most memorable section of the song.  The choral arrangement is on point. “Stay the Same” was our handsome pop artist’s sole hit.  But Joey McIntyre did his big one, nonetheless. Strong vocals, tuneful melodies, encouraging, uplifting lyrics, and well-rounded pop/R&B production make this a surefire winner – a superb one-hit-wonder!

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Joey McIntyre » Stay the Same » Sony BMG Music Entertainment » 1999

Joey McIntyre, Stay the Same: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 14 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony BMG Music Entertainment; Alexa Popovich, cottonbro studio, ds rexy, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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