10 Most Iconic Boy Bands That You Must Listen At Least Once

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There is something about boy bands that brings feelings of nostalgia and joy. Whether it is their energetic electricity, smooth harmonies, or superb dance moves, some of them really can pull one in, making you keep hitting repeat.  These groups do not just perform; they help create moments that stick with you long after the last note fades.

From timeless ballads of love to beats making you want to get up on the dance floor, boy bands create fan groups, and will have you following them in no time. And, here is a playlist of such boy bands that you must experience at least once because you are in for a musical treat!

One Direction

This boyband is loved by all young and old, across generations even as they put out hit after hit without missing a beat. Right from their first album, which included hits like ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ to toppers like ‘Midnight Memories’ this band of five became a heartthrob sensation around the globe. The band’s journey was filled with highs, but the split after Zayn Malik’s departure left fans devastated. Slowly, the band disbanded, leaving many heartbroken, but the legacy they created still lives on.

Even though the band is no more, every one of the One Direction members

has emerged as an independent successful artist in the music industry. Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik have all, through their successful albums and tours, maintained their musical fame.

Read More: 9 Years After Leaving One Direction, Zayn Malik Admits to Reminiscing the Good Old Days

Backstreet Boys

Coming into the ’90s, the Backstreet Boys emerged very quickly and dominated the airwaves with their perfect harmonies and energetic stage shows. Their 1996 debut album contained hits like ‘Quit Playing Games’, (With My Heart) that pushed them to fame all over the world. In more than two decades, the group was quick to become a fan-favorite around the world, with top hit after hit. Songs like,  ‘I Want It That Way’ are Backstreet Boys’ classics and are still remembered fondly by fans, especially after its fun debut in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine series, you may even catch it playing in clubs today bringing that nostalgic feeling. 

New Kids on the Block

Late in the 1980s, five young Boston men—Donnie, Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, and Danny formed New Kids on the Block, which soon took the pop and music worlds by storm. Their second album blends both pop and R&B with infectious dance rhythms like, ‘Hangin’ Tough’ was soon to hit the top of the charts, and gain a loyal fan following. The energetic performances by NKOTB and relatable lyrics struck the hearts of generations and clearly left a benchmark for future boy bands. 

NSYNC

NSYNC dominated the music scene during the late ’90s and early 2000s, bringing catchy songs and synchronized dance moves to every corner of the globe. Tracks like “Bye Bye Bye” and “Tearin’ Up My Heart” quickly became anthems for a whole generation. Post their break, their 2023 release of, ‘Better Place’, being their first song in over two decades was quick to spark excitement among fans, and its feature on the ‘Trolls Band Together’ soundtrack, brought new listeners into the mix as well. 

The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5, started when five brothers from Gary, Indiana came together in the late 1960s to enter the music scene with their own sound and style. It was not too late before they started capturing the attention and the hearts of fans around the world. The Jackson 5, with young, charismatic leader Michael Jackson at the helm, brought together soulful vocals and infectious rhythms throwing out timeless hits like, ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘ABC’. From dynamic group performances to harmonious melodies, this group did not hold back, leaving a mark on pop and R&B so strong that it is still followed by generations to date.

Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men came into the music scene in the early ’90s wooing the world with their silky smooth R&B sound and vocal harmonies. It was their second album, ‘II’ that became the bedrock of their steps to fame, which included hits like ‘I’ll Make Love to You’ and ‘On Bended Knee’, which listeners loved. Their soulful ballads are what make them stand out and it stands as something one must experience at least once. 

Westlife

Westlife hailing from Ireland in the late 1990s, became quite the international pop sensation. Their debut single, ‘Swear It Again’, was an instant success leading the way to a long run of chart-topping hits. Although the group encountered setbacks, such as Brian McFadden leaving the group in 2004, they still managed to remain popular with hits like, ‘Where We Are’ and more. 

Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers, as in the name is a band of three real-life brothers who fired up a band. Their pop-rock style mixed with their performances with tracks like ‘Burnin’ Up’ soon caught the eyes of the audience. The band did take a break as each of the brothers worked on individual projects before they returned in 2019 with ‘Happiness Begins’ and more future releases that did not disappoint fans and kept them at the top. 

98 Degrees

By the late 1990s, 98 Degrees was a name that stood out in the world of boy bands, bringing its rich harmonies and heartfelt lyrics to audiences. The group had been thought of as an R&B group, modeled after Boyz II Men.  With ‘Invisible Man’ as their first single, this band had already made a high-profile entrance to the music industry and they were quick to follow this up with more hits. 

Take That

It all began in the early 1990s, in Manchester, UK, with an all-male group of new pop stars whose producer, Nigel Martin-Smith, had created one of the quickest household names. Thanks to their catchy musical pieces and uniform dance steps, Take That became the talk of the music scene. Their chart-toppers, started from their debut album, ‘Take That & Party’ and went upwards from there, gaining them a solid fanbase. 

Boy bands are big on the vibe, and they can even become one’s lifestyle. These groups have left a mark on music and hearts, from their unforgettable melodies to their fun performances. So, whether you are discovering them for the first time or revisiting the songs that once defined your playlist, these boy bands do not disappoint. 

Read More: “Greatest boy bands of all time”- Charlamagne Tha God Pays His Last Tribute to Liam Payne Hailing Praises to One Direction

So, which boy band hits all the right notes for you? Share your favorites in the comments below!

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