The Greatest Boybands Of Our Time [VIDEO]
Mar 11, 2014 23:48
What is the perfect boy band formula for success? Judging by this list, it's all about finding the right balance between wholesome good looks, catchy songs, and crazy fans. Here are some of the most memorable male vocal groups of our time:
This was a famous band of brothers who took the world by storm in the late '60s and early '70s. Their clean-cut image, talent, and energetic pop-rock sound led to 'Osmondmania.'
This legendary band might have been the one who started it all. Brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine founded the original band (Bruce Johnston became a full-fledged band member after Brian stopped touring). They've since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 before scoring a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.
The year was 1964 and members of this English band; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr had taken the United States by storm. The Beatles would soon hold the top five positions on the Billboard singles chart, becoming the only musical act to ever do so.
How can you not swoon over their bell-bottoms and 'fro fashions? The late Michael Jackson wasn't just known for his 'king of pop' status. His career started out as the young lead singer of The Jackson 5, crooning alongside with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon.
The Monkees is best described as a rock band made for TV. The initial idea was to create a TV show "about an imaginary band that wanted to be The Beatles, but was never successful." But thanks to their upbeat tunes, these actor-musicians managed to actually earn a spot in boy band history.
Founded by Puerto Rican producer Edgardo Díaz, the idea was to form an ever-young all-boy group where the members would rotate, and members were replaced as they grew older. The group had been active and evolving since 1977. Ricky Martin was a Menudie back in the '80s, and we all know how that helped boost his career.
If you like high voices and awesome moves, then you'll love this Boston boy group. Original members included Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and the notorious Bobby Brown (who was later replaced with Johnny Gill). It was also around this time that the phrase “boy bands” was first used to describe manufactured all-male singing groups.
This five-some featuring Donnie Wahlberg, Jon and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood were hot stuff back in the day thanks to their catchy beats. They would later reunite and team up with Backstreet Boys for a 2011 tour.
Their style of music has been described by some as "hip-hop-doo-wop." In 1992, the group took home Favorite Single R&B/Soul from the American Music Awards and Best R&B/Soul Single and Song of the Year from the Soul Train Music Awards.
With their smooth voices and sultry harmonies, Boyz II Men had five No. 1 singles, with each setting new records for the most weeks at number one on the charts. They were originally a quartet, but bass singer Michael McCary left the group in 2003 due to health issues. Baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman are still performing to this very day.
This Canadian pop/rock band composed of brothers Scott, Clint, Bob and Dave Moffatt (Bob and Clint are identical twins while Dave is a fraternal triplet). Their catchy songs were featured in movies like Never Been Kissed and Teaching Mrs. Tingle.
Take That is an English pop group consisting of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams (who had a bit of solo fame). In November 2010, Williams reunited with the group for their Progress album and a 2011 tour.
Possibly the girliest-looking boy band ever, brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac only gained commercial success in 1997. And even though they've grown up, they still continue to tour and play for all their grownup "Fansons."
Their biggest hit "I Swear" won a Grammy Award in 1995 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and enjoyed an eleven-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a seven-week run at No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart. The song has been named by ASCAP as one of the greatest love songs of the 20th Century.
Memorable hits: I'll Never Break Your Heart, Quit Playing Games (with My Heart), I Want It That Way, Backstreet's Back
No boy-band list would be complete without this legendary band featuring Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, A.J. McLean, and Howie Dorough. They were, at one point, the best-selling boy band in history with over 130 million records sold worldwide (an impressive feat, considering that MP3s weren't even out yet).
As one of the most successful bands in Ireland and the United Kingdom, these guys were mostly known for covering other famous songs. Baby face Ronan also had some solo success with his song "When You Say Nothing at All," which was recorded for the motion picture Notting Hill.
This English boy band consisted of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Simon "Spike" Dawbarn. The band apparently couldn't cope with the fame; one member delved into alcoholism, another suffered agoraphobia and the pin-up/lead singer became more and more insecure about his looks. Sad really.
This was the band that seriously gave the Back Street Boys a run for their money. Lead heartthrob Justin Timberlake has since had a triumphant solo career, but he did briefly reunite band members JC Chavez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone to perform at the 2013 MTV VMAs.
The name stands for "Lyte Funky Ones." Other than that, the only thing that made this group stand out is that they rapped instead of sing the lyrics to their PG-13 songs. So yeah, you can still file this under the boy band category.
Not to be confused the New York hardcore band, this British R&B boy band achieved success in the 1990s with eleven hit singles, including four Top 10 successes in the UK Singles Chart.
Memorable hits: Invisible Man, The Hardest Thing, Because of You, I Do (Cherish You)
Although they never quite reached the same fame as 'N Sync and Back Street Boys, brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons still managed to churn out plenty of hits. Nick Lachey was also featured on then-wife Jessica Simpson's track "Where You Are."
BBMAK was an English pop group consisting of Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Stephen McNally. Together they sold three million albums and spawned two Top 10 and Top 40 singles worldwide.
This British boy band was formed by the same team that managed the Spice Girls before they launched their career. They enjoyed remarkable success worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom, most of Europe, and Asia, selling over 10 million records worldwide.
An Irish boy band that was signed on by Simon Cowell, they sold 40 million records and gained considerable international recognition before disbanding in 2012. During the first farewell concert, all 85,000 tickets sold out within a record-breaking five minutes, while the finale was screened live in cinemas worldwide.
B2K (which stands for Boys of the New Millennium) rose to popularity with R&B ballads and club-worthy dance tracks. Since then, band member Omarion has had a decent solo career in singing, acting and judging America's Best Dance Crew in 2010.
This was a short-lived American boy band formed in 2000 from the MTV-produced reality television series Making The Band. But poor O-Town, the band didn't stand a chance, no thanks to bad management by sleazeball Lou Pearlman.
This English R&B Brit Award-winning group consisting of members Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe released three studio albums, all of which peaked at number one in the United Kingdom. The group also worked alongside artists such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Lil' Kim.
We're betting that brothers Kevin, Joe, and Nick will probably forever owe Disney for making them a household name. With four albums, over 8 million in sales, a very successful tour and two Camp Rock movies, these guys were definitely made to be stars. They went on a hiatus for a while to grow up and do other things, but they're now back with a new single called Pom Poms.
The English-Irish boy band consists of members Max George, Nathan Sykes, Tom Parker, Jay McGuiness, and Siva Kaneswaran. They even have their very own reality series on E! entitled The Wanted Life. But they still can't hold a candle next to...
As the current reigning kings of pop, this English-Irish boy band are following in the steps of the Beatles by becoming the new "British Invasion" in the United States. With their sugary sweet songs and pretty boy looks, it's no wonder they've managed to sell over 19 million singles and 10 million albums (and counting).
50s - 70s:
The Osmonds (1958–Present)
Memorable hits: One Bad Apple, Down by the Lazy River, Crazy Horses, Hold Her Tight.This was a famous band of brothers who took the world by storm in the late '60s and early '70s. Their clean-cut image, talent, and energetic pop-rock sound led to 'Osmondmania.'
Beach Boys (1961–present)
Memorable hits: I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, Good Vibrations, California Girls and so much more.This legendary band might have been the one who started it all. Brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine founded the original band (Bruce Johnston became a full-fledged band member after Brian stopped touring). They've since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 before scoring a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.
The Beatles (1960–70)
Memorable hits: WAY too many to count, but you can view the full list here.The year was 1964 and members of this English band; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr had taken the United States by storm. The Beatles would soon hold the top five positions on the Billboard singles chart, becoming the only musical act to ever do so.
The Jackson 5 (1964–1990, 2001, 2012–present)
Memorable hits: I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I’ll Be ThereHow can you not swoon over their bell-bottoms and 'fro fashions? The late Michael Jackson wasn't just known for his 'king of pop' status. His career started out as the young lead singer of The Jackson 5, crooning alongside with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon.
The Monkees (1966-1971)
Memorable hits: Last Train to Clarksville, Pleasant Valley Sunday, and Daydream BelieverThe Monkees is best described as a rock band made for TV. The initial idea was to create a TV show "about an imaginary band that wanted to be The Beatles, but was never successful." But thanks to their upbeat tunes, these actor-musicians managed to actually earn a spot in boy band history.
Menudo (1977–1997, 2007–2009)
Memorable hits: Hold Me, If You're Not Here, I'm Going Back To The PhilippinesFounded by Puerto Rican producer Edgardo Díaz, the idea was to form an ever-young all-boy group where the members would rotate, and members were replaced as they grew older. The group had been active and evolving since 1977. Ricky Martin was a Menudie back in the '80s, and we all know how that helped boost his career.
80s:
New Edition (1983–1989, 1996–1997, 2002–present)
Memorable hits: Candy Girl, Cool It Now and Mr. Telephone ManIf you like high voices and awesome moves, then you'll love this Boston boy group. Original members included Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and the notorious Bobby Brown (who was later replaced with Johnny Gill). It was also around this time that the phrase “boy bands” was first used to describe manufactured all-male singing groups.
New Kids on the Block (1984–1994, 2008–present)
Memorable hits: Right Stuff, Step by Step, I'll Be Loving You ForeverThis five-some featuring Donnie Wahlberg, Jon and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood were hot stuff back in the day thanks to their catchy beats. They would later reunite and team up with Backstreet Boys for a 2011 tour.
Color Me Badd (1987–2000, 2010–present)
Memorable hits: I Wanna Sex You Up, I Adore Mi Amor, All 4 LoveTheir style of music has been described by some as "hip-hop-doo-wop." In 1992, the group took home Favorite Single R&B/Soul from the American Music Awards and Best R&B/Soul Single and Song of the Year from the Soul Train Music Awards.
Boyz II Men (1988–present)
Memorable hits: End of the Road, I'll Make Love to You and One Sweet Day (feat. Mariah Carey)With their smooth voices and sultry harmonies, Boyz II Men had five No. 1 singles, with each setting new records for the most weeks at number one on the charts. They were originally a quartet, but bass singer Michael McCary left the group in 2003 due to health issues. Baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman are still performing to this very day.
90s:
The Moffatts (1990–2001, 2012)
Memorable hits:Miss You Like Crazy, Until You Loved Me, MiseryThis Canadian pop/rock band composed of brothers Scott, Clint, Bob and Dave Moffatt (Bob and Clint are identical twins while Dave is a fraternal triplet). Their catchy songs were featured in movies like Never Been Kissed and Teaching Mrs. Tingle.
Take That (1991–1996, 2005–present)
Memorable hits: Pray, Relight My Fire, Babe, How Deep Is Your Love (BeGees cover)Take That is an English pop group consisting of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams (who had a bit of solo fame). In November 2010, Williams reunited with the group for their Progress album and a 2011 tour.
Hanson (1992–present)
Memorable hits: Mmmbop, I Will Come To You, Save MePossibly the girliest-looking boy band ever, brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac only gained commercial success in 1997. And even though they've grown up, they still continue to tour and play for all their grownup "Fansons."
All-4-One (1993–present)
Memorable hits: I Swear, I Can Love You Like That, SomedayTheir biggest hit "I Swear" won a Grammy Award in 1995 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and enjoyed an eleven-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a seven-week run at No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart. The song has been named by ASCAP as one of the greatest love songs of the 20th Century.
Backstreet Boys (1993–present)
Memorable hits: I'll Never Break Your Heart, Quit Playing Games (with My Heart), I Want It That Way, Backstreet's BackNo boy-band list would be complete without this legendary band featuring Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, A.J. McLean, and Howie Dorough. They were, at one point, the best-selling boy band in history with over 130 million records sold worldwide (an impressive feat, considering that MP3s weren't even out yet).
Boyzone (1993–2000)
Memorable hits: No Matter What, All That I Need, Words (BeeGee cover), Isn't It a Wonder, Picture of You, Baby Can I Hold YouAs one of the most successful bands in Ireland and the United Kingdom, these guys were mostly known for covering other famous songs. Baby face Ronan also had some solo success with his song "When You Say Nothing at All," which was recorded for the motion picture Notting Hill.
911 (1995–2000, 2012–present)
Memorable hits: The Day We Find Love, Don't Make Me Wait, Bodyshakin', The Journey, More Than A WomanThis English boy band consisted of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Simon "Spike" Dawbarn. The band apparently couldn't cope with the fame; one member delved into alcoholism, another suffered agoraphobia and the pin-up/lead singer became more and more insecure about his looks. Sad really.
'N Sync (1995–2002)
Memorable hits: I Want You Back, Bye Bye Bye, It's Gonna Be Me, Tearin' Up My Heart, (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You,This I Promise YouThis was the band that seriously gave the Back Street Boys a run for their money. Lead heartthrob Justin Timberlake has since had a triumphant solo career, but he did briefly reunite band members JC Chavez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone to perform at the 2013 MTV VMAs.
LFO (1995–2002, 2009)
Memorable hits: Summer Girls, Girl on TV, Every Other TimeThe name stands for "Lyte Funky Ones." Other than that, the only thing that made this group stand out is that they rapped instead of sing the lyrics to their PG-13 songs. So yeah, you can still file this under the boy band category.
Damage (1996–2001, 2010)
Memorable hits: Forever, Love Guaranteed, Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton cover)Not to be confused the New York hardcore band, this British R&B boy band achieved success in the 1990s with eleven hit singles, including four Top 10 successes in the UK Singles Chart.
98 Degrees (1997–2003, 2012-present)
Memorable hits: Invisible Man, The Hardest Thing, Because of You, I Do (Cherish You)Although they never quite reached the same fame as 'N Sync and Back Street Boys, brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons still managed to churn out plenty of hits. Nick Lachey was also featured on then-wife Jessica Simpson's track "Where You Are."
BBMAK (1997–2003)
Memorable hits: Back Here Baby, Still on Your Side, Ghost of You and Me, Miss You More, Always Know Where You Are, Out of My Heart (Into Your Head)BBMAK was an English pop group consisting of Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Stephen McNally. Together they sold three million albums and spawned two Top 10 and Top 40 singles worldwide.
Five (1997–2001, 2006–07, 2012–present)
Memorable hits: Slam Dunk (Da Funk), When the Lights Go Out, Got the Feelin, Everybody Get Up, Until the Time Is ThroughThis British boy band was formed by the same team that managed the Spice Girls before they launched their career. They enjoyed remarkable success worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom, most of Europe, and Asia, selling over 10 million records worldwide.
Westlife (1998–2012)
Memorable hits: Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, If I Let You Go, Ain't That a Kick in the Head, You Raise Me UpAn Irish boy band that was signed on by Simon Cowell, they sold 40 million records and gained considerable international recognition before disbanding in 2012. During the first farewell concert, all 85,000 tickets sold out within a record-breaking five minutes, while the finale was screened live in cinemas worldwide.
B2K (1998 to 2004)
Memorable hits: Uh Huh, Gots Ta Be, Why I Love You, Bump, Bump, BumpB2K (which stands for Boys of the New Millennium) rose to popularity with R&B ballads and club-worthy dance tracks. Since then, band member Omarion has had a decent solo career in singing, acting and judging America's Best Dance Crew in 2010.
2000s:
O-Town (2000-2003)
Memorable hits: Liquid Dreams, We Fit Together, These Are The Days, All Or NothingThis was a short-lived American boy band formed in 2000 from the MTV-produced reality television series Making The Band. But poor O-Town, the band didn't stand a chance, no thanks to bad management by sleazeball Lou Pearlman.
Blue (2000–2005; 2009; 2011–present)
Memorable hits: Too Close, All Rise, One Love, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest WordThis English R&B Brit Award-winning group consisting of members Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe released three studio albums, all of which peaked at number one in the United Kingdom. The group also worked alongside artists such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Lil' Kim.
Jonas Brothers (2005–2010, 2012–present)
Memorable hits: Mandy, Year 3000, Burnin' Up, When You Look Me in the Eyes, S.O.S.We're betting that brothers Kevin, Joe, and Nick will probably forever owe Disney for making them a household name. With four albums, over 8 million in sales, a very successful tour and two Camp Rock movies, these guys were definitely made to be stars. They went on a hiatus for a while to grow up and do other things, but they're now back with a new single called Pom Poms.
The Wanted (2009–present)
Memorable hits: All Time Low, Heart Vacancy, Chasing the Sun, I Found You, Walks Like RihannaThe English-Irish boy band consists of members Max George, Nathan Sykes, Tom Parker, Jay McGuiness, and Siva Kaneswaran. They even have their very own reality series on E! entitled The Wanted Life. But they still can't hold a candle next to...
One Direction (2010-present)
Memorable hits: What Makes You Beautiful, Live While We're Young, Kiss You, One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)As the current reigning kings of pop, this English-Irish boy band are following in the steps of the Beatles by becoming the new "British Invasion" in the United States. With their sugary sweet songs and pretty boy looks, it's no wonder they've managed to sell over 19 million singles and 10 million albums (and counting).
