Relive the 90s: The Top 10 Most Successful Boy Bands You Loved
Relive the top boy bands of the 90s. Take a trip down memory lane with us through the history of pop.
Do you remember the 90s, the time of frosted tips and baggy jeans? Yes, it was also the era of boy bands. These music groups redefined the pop genre and influenced an entire generation with their melodic hits. Let us revel in the golden days of pop music together.
1. Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys are undoubtedly an important name in the boy band universe. Although they were formed later than *NSYNC, their meteoric rise in the mid-1990s has made them a cultural giant. Their record-breaking sales of over 180 million worldwide are a testament to their enduring appeal, despite never landing a number one hit on the US Billboard charts. Characterized by their unforgettable pop anthems like “I Want It That Way” and “Everybody,” they dominated the global music charts while creating a passionate fan base. Their chart-topping albums, such as “Millennium”, “Black & Blue” and “DNA”, underscore their unparalleled longevity in the music industry. The Backstreet Boys, who came from a newspaper ad by Lou Perlman, developed the sound of the early 90s and shaped the attitude towards life of a new musical millennium.
2. *NSYNC
In the annals of 90s boy band history, the name *NSYNC holds special significance that reverberates into the new millennium. Led by the talented Justin Timberlake, *NSYNC took the scene by storm with infectious chart-topping hits like “Bye, Bye, Bye” and “It's Gonna Be Me,” etching their name into the cultural consciousness. The band, hailing from Orlando, Florida, quickly rose to international fame, but their dazzling journey was abruptly halted in 2002, and a planned hiatus turned into a permanent breakup.
Despite their limited time on stage, the band received numerous awards, including American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, and finally a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. Even two decades after their split, fans, especially those who grew up in the *NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys era, still hope for a reunion. The legacy of *NSYNC is inspiring and a testament to the era of boy bands and the power of their iconic pop anthems.
3. Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men, one of the most important boy bands of the late 80s, has had a lasting influence on the music industry with its unique blend of R&B sound and soulful love ballads. The group spearheaded an era that reshaped popular music and paved the way for subsequent boy bands. Their songs like “End of The Road”, “I'll Make Love To You” and their collaboration with Mariah Carey, “One Sweet Day”, broke Billboard records, embodied their charm and thrilled fans worldwide. Their successful blend of harmonious singing and evocative lyrics has earned the group numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards. Even after three decades in the business, Boyz II Men's influence is still felt and their music continues to captivate new and old fans alike.
4. 98 Degrees
98 Degrees emerged on the music scene in the late '90s, carving out their own niche in the midst of the boy band craze of the time. Their formation, initiated by the members themselves rather than a producer, set them apart in an industry dominated by pre-packaged bands. With their enchantingly smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, they captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, especially with hits like “Because of You” and “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche).” Their music sales topped 7 million and they won three Teen Choice Awards, which only added to their appeal in the face of stiff competition.
Despite a hiatus since 2003, they made a comeback in 2014 with the single “Skydive” and continue to delight their fans with sporadic new music. While they may not reach the dizzying heights of groups like the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, 98 Degrees has nonetheless carved out an unforgettable identity in the pop landscape.
5. 112
The epitome of the boy band era, 112 delivered an enchanting blend of R&B tunes that captivated audiences with their hot harmonies and lyrical prowess, as heard in hits like “Peaches & Cream” and “Anywhere.” The group's big breakthrough came in 1996 with their debut single “Only You,” which featured rap legends Notorious B.I.G. and Mase. Their 1997 collaboration with Puff Daddy on the track “I'll Be Missing You” further cemented their presence and led to a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
112 were on the charts for a decade until they broke up in 2005 and the members started solo careers. Although their name reflects the German emergency number, the group's true legacy lies in their influential contribution to modern hip-hop.
6. New Kids On The Block
Formed in 1984 in New England, the New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) ruled the music scene of the late 80s and early 90s, becoming the forerunners of bands like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. Iconic hits like “Step by Step,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “Hangin' Tough” are synonymous with their name. Despite a shocking breakup in 1994, the group gave their fans a happy reunion in 2008 with the album “The Block”, followed by a joint appearance with the Backstreet Boys as NKOTBSB between 2010 and 2012.
With over 70 million albums sold and numerous awards, the NKOTB have shaped the boy band phenomenon and secured a place in the hearts of those who grew up during their time.
7. Hanson
In 1997, Hanson, a trio of three brothers from Tulsa, Oklahoma, took the world by storm with their catchy tune “MMMBop”. Their success spanned different age groups and their debut album “Middle of Nowhere” reached platinum status. Although they suffered a setback when their label Mercury Records was dissolved, the brothers showed staying power and founded their own label.
Although they have not been able to match the meteoric success of their early years, Hanson is still going strong, releasing new music as recently as 2020 and even venturing into the brewing business with their Mmmhops brand. Their most recent performances bear witness to their lasting talent. Hanson is proof of the development in the music industry, a symbol of a lasting talent that does not limit itself to its initial success.
8. All-4-One
Formed in 1994, All-4-One quickly became a staple on romantic playlists of the '90s, captivating audiences with their harmonious R&B songs and soulful ballads. Their perennial hit “I Swear” topped the Hot 100 for 11 weeks and earned them a well-deserved Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or group.
The quartet's success also extended to animated films, when they recorded “Someday” for Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Since then, All-4-One have continued to release music and tour with other artists, with their last studio album released in 2015.
9. Take That
Formed in 1990, the British boy band Take That quickly rose to become one of the most recognizable groups in the UK, selling over 45 million albums worldwide. Their journey to fame began in local clubs across the UK and led to their breakthrough in 1992 with the single “It Only Takes a Minute”. However, it was their tender ballad “Back for Good” that etched their name into music history. Despite the departure of member Robbie Williams in 1995, the group persevered, releasing albums that stormed the charts.
Take That's success and Robbie Williams' subsequent solo career are testament to the enduring appeal and influence of this essential band of the '90s.
10. Westlife
The boy band Westlife, originally from Dublin, Ireland, conquered the pop scene in 1999 with their eponymous debut album and quickly established themselves as one of the most enduring and successful boy bands in the UK. With songs like “Flying Without Wings” and “I Have A Dream/Seasons in the Sun” they conquered hearts worldwide. From 2000 to 2021, the band released an impressive 11 albums and collected numerous awards, including World Music Awards, Brit Awards and MTV Awards. Westlife's charm lay less in their eye-catching dance routines than in their harmonious singing.
After their breakup in 2012, the original quartet – Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan – reunited in 2019 and released “Spectrum”, an album that combines their greatest hits with new tracks. Their enduring appeal, reflected in a whopping 14 UK #1 singles, underscores Westlife's unwavering status in the history of popular music.