A popular song sung by a male Western music group

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

This is a song by the five-member American pop idol group Backstreet Boys.

Although they had been popular in Europe, this track became the catalyst for their explosive rise in their home country.

A quintessential pop song of the ’90s, it poignantly sings about the disconnect caused by differences in how men and women think.

It was released as the lead single from the 2001 album Millennium.

In terms of sales, they are the most successful male Western music group to date.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

A boys band often hailed as the post-Beatles.

Set to a catchy melody, it’s a song that portrays innocent love, singing, “I wish I could show you what I’m seeing and how beautiful it is.” It’s a warm and wonderful love song.

Its boundlessly bright energy makes you feel positive just by listening.

They enjoyed overwhelming support from women, and their debut sparked explosive popularity.

The group was formed through the hugely popular audition program The X Factor.

Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC

*NSYNC – Bye Bye Bye (Official Video)

Isn’t *NSYNC—the American boy band that Justin Timberlake used to be part of and the Backstreet Boys’ eternal rivals—also one of the quintessential male groups in Western pop music? This song was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Although they went on hiatus in 2002, they were an immensely popular boy band.

Later, when they reunited for one day in 2013, this song was performed.

God Only KnowsThe Beach Boys

God Only Knows (Mono)

A quintessential surf rock love song from the band.

They emerged on the music scene as rivals to the Beatles and became popular for their beautiful harmonies and sound.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles even called it “the greatest song I’ve ever heard,” and it’s an indispensable track when talking about the Beach Boys.

It opens with a beautiful intro featuring a distinctive sleigh-bell rhythm and horn tones, and throughout the song you can hear percussive sounds created by adding effects to tongue clicks, along with inventive, experimental touches appearing here and there.

One LoveBlue

Blue – One Love

A British R&B group, they became recognized in Japan thanks to this song.

Blue is a nationally beloved group that represents the 2000s, so in Japan they might be comparable to SMAP or Arashi—and if you set musical style aside, perhaps even to EXILE.

If the Backstreet Boys are the representative American male vocal group, then in the UK it’s Blue.

Liam Gallagher of Oasis often name-drops them in interviews and slips in some dark humor, but he apparently listens to them quite a lot.

SuckerThe Jonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Sucker (Official Video)

The Jonas Brothers are a pop rock band from the United States, made up of three brothers: the eldest, Kevin; the middle brother, Joe; and the youngest, Nick.

From the very start, this track is thrilling and exciting, and the build-up toward the latter half feels great.

Their high-tone vocals with a shouty edge are incredibly cool.

The music video also has an upbeat vibe, and the song earned a reputation for brightening people’s moods.

It enjoyed a long hit run for about half a year after its release, consistently shining near the top of the rock charts.

Hey JudeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Hey Jude

The globally famous band, The Beatles, released their 18th single in August 1968.

Even 50 years after its release, the song remains timeless and is frequently used in commercials in Japan.

In 2004, it was ranked eighth on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, showing its enduring appeal across generations.

Some say it was directed toward John Lennon’s son, Julian.

It’s a classic that everyone knows!