Top 10 Songs We All Listened to in Our Boy Band Phase
#10: “Burnin’ Up” (2008) Jonas Brothers
This New Jersey born trio of brothers had released two albums before 2008. But it wasn’t until their third one, titled “A Little Bit Longer,” that they earned the defining song of their career. The upbeat number was impossible to resist, and made it abundantly clear that they knew how to deliver the perfect pop track. And a surprise cameo by Selena Gomez, who dated youngest bandmate Nick in 2008, helped to generate even more interest for the music video. Plus, we have to admit that their then-bodyguard Big Rob might just have the most iconic—and unexpected—rap verse of all time.
#9: “All or Nothing” (2001) O-Town
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O-Town’s original run as a band was short-lived. But their 3-year career produced this emotional ballad that epitomizes the boy band breakup tune. With crooning voices, perfect harmonies, and poignant lyrics, the band stands before the song’s subject and poses an ultimatum, asking them for “all or nothing.” And it touches us no matter how many times we hear it, hitting every heart-wrenching note perfectly. Peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, we’re happy to say that this number didn’t leave us guessing, as it definitely gave us its “all”.
#8: “Candy Girl” (1983) New Edition
In 1983, New Edition gave us this sugary-sweet pop track that we still can’t get enough of all these years later. The band was once poised to become the next iteration of The Jackson 5 and the group’s influences are abundantly clear in their debut single. This high-energy track is wholesome and fun, resulting in an undeniably catchy pop hit for the youngsters. The song inexplicably only peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100. But it did reach number one on the R&B chart, and even found success in the United Kingdom.
#7: “I Swear” (1994) All-4-One
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If you were around for the boy band craze of the ‘90s, you probably know this song. But did you know that it was originally a country tune sung by John Michael Montgomery in 1993? R&B boy band All-4-One covered it in 1994, transforming our lives in the process. By changing up a few of the words, mixing up the genre, and making the song their own, the band successfully created a hit. Unsurprisingly, the record was a success, and many teens had it on repeat. The Montgomery original is great, but we can’t deny that All-4-One adds something special to the track.
#6: “Back for Good” (1995) Take That
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This love song always finds a way to bring us “back for good.” The sentimental ballad asks the subject of the song to come back, and it tugs at our heartstrings every time. The number was acclaimed in the UK, topping the Singles Chart and going double Platinum. To top it all off, it’s also consistently a fan-favorite. Those are certainly impressive accomplishments, especially considering the fact that lead singer Gary Barlow reportedly penned the hit in just fifteen minutes! With its themes of pining over a crush and wishing for a second chance, this song will always be relatable.
#5: “Bye Bye Bye” (2000) *NSYNC
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Although *NSYNC had a massively successful career with an extensive catalog, this banger will always stand out from the rest. The production-driven track was initially meant for the British boy band Five, who turned it down. Ultimately, it was given to *NSYNC, and well, it’s safe to say they knew what to do with it. This breakup anthem dominated on all fronts, becoming a staple of the Y2K music scene. With a choreographically impressive music video, it’s hard not to bop along with the band members. You probably even tried to learn the iconic dance steps in your bedroom. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.
#4: “What Makes You Beautiful” (2011) One Direction
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In 2011, this carefree, confidence-boosting anthem flooded the airwaves, and every boy band fan’s interest was immediately piqued. Now, One Direction only placed third in the seventh series of “The X Factor.” But that didn’t matter. They proved they were worthy of our attention when they dropped “What Makes You Beautiful” as the lead single from their debut album. There’s no denying anyone will immediately recognize that opening guitar riff. On top of being a global success, this infectious pop track put the band on the map. opening the door for a new era of boy bands. And the rest, as they say, is “history.”
#3: “End of the Road” (1992) Boyz II Men
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There’s no denying that Boyz II Men’s “I'll Make Love to You” is a great song. But their earlier hit “End of the Road,” is simply a notch above. The track was a massive success, being declared as Billboard’s top single of 1992, and as one of the biggest songs of the decade. Plus, it held the record for most time spent at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 before Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” dethroned it. It’s the type of song that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs, and we’re totally here for it.
#2: “Step by Step” (1990) New Kids on the Block
Noted as being their biggest single, this upbeat tune is a hallmark of this boy band’s career. Surprisingly, the song was originally released by another group, dubbed The Superiors, to little success before becoming a critical hit for New Kids on the Block. While much of the song is carried by lead singer Jordan Knight, the band’s full vocals are broadcast in the bridge, where each member sings one of the steps in succession. No matter where you are, there’s no doubt that this song is bound to get you up on your feet, singing and dancing along! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Hardest Thing” (1998), 98 Degrees It’s Impossible to Pretend That We Didn’t Sing Our Hearts Out to This Chorus Every Time “When the Lights Go Out” (1998), Five The Group Earned Their Spot Among Major ‘90s Boy Bands with This Catchy Hit “Bump, Bump, Bump” (2002), B2K feat. P. Diddy This R&B Tune Had Us All Going “Bump Bump Bump” in the Early 2000s “Poison” (1990), Bell Biv DeVoe There’s Nothing Toxic About How Good This Number Is “Glad You Came” (2011), The Wanted We Danced All Night Long to This Dance Track After the Sun Went Down
#1: “I Want It That Way” (1999) Backstreet Boys
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The Backstreet Boys remain one of the most well-known and longest-lasting boy bands ever. And “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” is undoubtedly a danceable track for the ages. But “I Want It That Way” is the group’s most iconic work, and checks every box we could ever have. It’s got heart, a catchy hook, and the best kind of cheesiness. What’s not to love? Co-written and co-produced by pop genius Max Martin, the song has stood the test of time, even appearing in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”. Over 20 years later, we still feel compelled to belt out each lyric. Go ahead, sing along. We know you know the words.
