Will Fenton
Boy bands were a craze in the 90s.
And this decade produced some of the most iconic acts that ultimately shaped the music scene.
From NYSC to Backstreet Boys, find out the 25 best 90s boy bands that stood out throughout this incredible period in music.
1. NSYNC
Every list of the best old boy bands begins with NSYNC.
Originally formed in 1995, this five-piece pop band dominated the charts with hits like “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me.”
They gained worldwide fame through their high-energy stage performances.
The group won several awards, including two MTV Video Music Awards and Grammy Awards.
While NSYNC disbanded in 2002, its legacy lives on.
2. 98 Degrees
98 Degrees burst onto the music scene in 1997 and quickly made a name for themselves with hits like “Because of You” and “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche).”
They have sold over 7 million albums and won three Teen Choice Awards.
98 Degrees continue to tour the globe while occasionally releasing new music.
They released two more albums before going on hiatus in 2003.
The members reunited in 2014 for a new single, “Skydive.”
3. LFO
LFO stands for “Lyte Funkie Ones” and is known for its popular single “Summer Girls.”
The group had hits such as “Girl on TV” and “Every Other Time.”
They disbanded in 2002 but have always reunited for occasional performances, giving the fans a taste of their pleasantly sounding voices one more time.
4. Backstreet Boys
This five-piece boy band rose to fame in 1996 with their self-titled debut album.
Their catchy tunes like “I Want It That Way” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” topped multiple international charts.
The group also won several awards, including six MTV Video Music Awards and two American Music Awards.
Decades later, they are still active in the music scene.
5. All-4-One
Formed in 1994, All-4-One is an R&B quartet whose biggest hit was “I Swear.”
They were praised by fans and critics alike for their beautiful harmonies, soulful lyrics, and heartwarming ballads.
All-4-One has earned several accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
6. Westlife
Westlife is a Dublin-based Irish boy band ruling the charts since 1998.
They are known for their chart-topping singles such as ‘Swear It Again,’ ‘Flying Without Wings,’ and ‘My Love.’
Westlife remains one of the most successful European boy bands.
After disbanding in 2012, the band reunited in 2019 with its original members; Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan.
They released a new album ‘Spectrum’ featuring many of their greatest hits and some brand-new songs.
7. Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men were a groundbreaking R&B vocal group that emerged in early 1988 with hits like “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You.”
With a mix of smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, they had several chart-topping singles, including “One Sweet Day” and “Water Runs Dry.”
The group has earned four Grammy Awards and multiple other accolades and rules the music charts.
The band’s original lineup comprised Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary, with McCary leaving the group in 2003.
Even as a trio, the band maintained its popularity in the music landscape.
And in 2017, Boyz II Men released a new EP titled “Under the Streetlight.”
8. Take That
Take That is a British pop group consisting of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, and Robbie Williams.
They first gained fame in the 1990s with their upbeat dance-pop sound and quickly established themselves as the leading British boy band of the decade.
Their breakthrough song, “Back For Good,” was a major international success, topping the UK and US charts.
Despite Robbie Williams’ departure in 1995, Take That remained active until 1996.
They reformed in 2005, returning with their multi-platinum-selling comeback album “Beautiful World.”
The band has become one of the most successful acts in British history, having sold over 45 million records worldwide.
9. New Kids on the Block
New Kids on the Block, also known as NKOTB, were a popular boy band in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Hailing from Boston, they had a string of hit singles such as “Step by Step,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” and “Hangin’ Tough.”
10. Hanson
Consisting of three brothers, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson, the American band Hanson rose to fame in 1997 with their infectious single, “MMMBop.”
The song quickly climbed the charts, pushing the band’s debut album (Middle of Nowhere) to platinum status.
The band’s unique sound, blending elements of funk and soul with catchy pop hooks, has kept them at the forefront of the music industry.
Besides their musical career, Hanson also entertains their fans with their craft beers, having ventured into the brewery business with their Mmmhops brand.
11. One Direction
Everybody knows One Direction.
Or, at least many pop lovers do.
They are one of the most popular boy bands of the early 2000s and the most successful of all the 90s groups.
One Direction was signed to Simon Cowell’s record label and released five successful albums as a group before disbanding in 2016 to focus on solo careers.
Despite the split, One Direction is still one of the most popular boy bands in the pop music scene.
12. The Wanted
The Wanted is another popular British boy band who succeeded in the US in 2013 with their hit single “Glad You Came.”
Their first studio album debuted at #4 on the US Billboard 200 chart and went platinum in the UK and the US.
The group enjoys a loyal following despite disbanding in 2014.
13. Five
Five was an English pop band formed in 1997 and quickly became famous in Europe.
They had multiple top 10 singles in the UK and released three studio albums before splitting in 2001.
Their biggest hits include “Keep On Movin,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Slam Dunk (Da Funk).”
14. BBMak
You can’t go wrong with BBMak if you need those upbeat and fun songs for a party mood.
This trio released two studio albums in the late 90s, with hit singles like “Back Here,” “Out of My Heart (Into Your Head),” and “Still on Your Side.”
While the group eventually disbanded due to creative differences, they briefly reformed in 2010 for an American tour.
In 2018, BBMak announced their reunion and released a new single, “Miss You More.”
While they don’t enjoy much popularity as other groups on this list, they’ve left their mark on the music scene.
15. New Edition
No list of top 90s pop boy bands would be complete without New Edition.
This legendary R&B/Pop group comprises Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, and Ronnie DeVoe.
They rose to stardom in the 80s with “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now” before following the newly found success into the 90s with “Hit Me Off” and “I’m Still In Love With You.”
New Edition sold millions of records worldwide and influenced generations of boy bands.
They embarked on several reunion tours throughout the decades and continue entertaining their fans worldwide.
16. Jodeci
Jodeci was a 90s R&B group whose smooth and soulful sound set them apart.
The group comprised brothers K-Ci, JoJo Hailey, DeVante Swing, and Mr. Dalvin and released four successful albums between 1991 and 1998.
Their classic hits included “Come & Talk to Me,” “Freek’n You,” and “Forever My Lady.”
The band members took a break in the mid-90s to pursue solo careers before reuniting in 2015 for a limited series of concerts.
17. Jagged Edge
Jagged Edge rose to fame in the mid-90s with its blend of hip-hop and smooth R&B sounds.
The 4-member group comprised Kyle Norman, Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, and Richard Wingo.
They released a string of hit singles, including “Where the Party At,” “Let’s Get Married,” and “Promise.”
Their blend of old-school and contemporary styles stands out and has cemented their name as one of the top 90s pop bands.
18. Dru Hill
Led by the multi-talented Sisqó, Dru Hill first made waves in 1996 with their self-titled album, with hits such as “In My Bed” and “Never Make a Promise.”
They followed it up with “How Deep Is Your Love” and “Beauty.”
Dru Hill went on hiatus in 1999, with Sisqó launching a solo career and other members forming their group.
They got back together in 2002, and while they haven’t released a full-length album since then, they’ve been touring and making appearances around the world.
19. Savage Garden
This Australian duo released their first album in 1997 and gained international acclaim for their unique synthpop sound.
The group consisted of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones, who contributed to songwriting and vocals.
Tracks such as “Truly Madly Deeply,” “To the Moon and Back,” and “I Want You” were huge chart-toppers and earned the group Grammy nominations.
While their discography may be short, nobody can deny their impact on the 90s music scene.
20. Youngstown
Youngstown was a trio from Ohio with a string of hits in the late 90s.
Their biggest hit, “I’ll Be Your Everything,” was co-written by Tommy Page, who sadly passed away in 2017.
They released two albums and toured extensively together, opening for superstars like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys.
Although the group disbanded in 2000, they still have a loyal fan base adoring the blend of R&B and soul elements.
21. Human Nature
Human Nature formed in Australia in 1989 and gained a massive following in the U.S. after releasing their debut album, “Telling Everybody,” in 1996.
Their hits include “Wishes,” “Don’t Say Goodbye,” and “Last To Know,” which showcased their four-part harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.
Human Nature has toured with many of the biggest names in the music industry and has consistently been a favorite among 90s boy band fans.
22. Boyzone
Boyzone is one of the most popular boy bands of the 90s, hailing from Dublin, Ireland.
They launched their career in 1993, releasing four albums before taking an extended break in 1999.
During their time together, they had a string of hit singles, including “No Matter What,” “Words,” and “Baby Can I Hold You.”
They reunited in 2008 and have continued to tour and record new music.
23. The Calling
The Calling emerged from California in 1996 as a simple rock band of the 90s.
They are best known for their hit song “Wherever You Will Go,” which is also one the most popular songs of the 2000s.
The song received heavy radio play and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Although they disbanded in 2005, they are undisputedly one of the most popular 90s boy bands.
24. 911
911 was a British pop band consisting of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable, and Simon ‘Spike’ Dawbarn.
They rose to fame in the mid-90s, scoring several top 10 hits, including “A Little Bit More” and “More Than A Woman.”
With slick choreography and memorable hooks, 911 distinguished itself from other groups of its era.
They announced their reunion in 2007 and have released new music ever since.
25. O-Town
O-Town came onto the music scene in 2000 when they appeared on MTV’s Making The Band reality series.
The five-piece group based their career on the success of most 90s boy bands and became famous with hits like “All Or Nothing” and “Liquid Dreams.”
Their slick choreography grabbed their fans’ attention.
Although O-Town split in 2003, they had a lasting influence on contemporary boy bands.
Best 90s Boy Bands – Final Thoughts
The 90s was a great decade for boy bands.
And even though most of the groups ultimately faded towards the end of the decade, their names are eternally engraved in many people’s hearts.
Their energetic stage performances, synchronized dance moves, and unique musical styling still grab everyone’s attention.
Looking to bring back the good old days of your youthful life?
Check out the 25 best 90s boy bands on our list.
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