[Western Music] The appeal of male groups: from boy bands to R&B groups
When you think of male Western music groups, the image that comes to mind changes depending on what genres the person listens to, doesn’t it?
Whether it’s a band or a vocal group… leaving that judgment aside for now, in this article we’ll spotlight the so-called boy bands while also looking at R&B-style vocal groups, and introduce a wide range of popular male groups, both classic and contemporary!
Many of them have global hit songs—some of you might even have first encountered Western music through their tracks.
I hope not only pop fans but rock fans as well will give them a listen!
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[Western Music] The Appeal of Male Groups: From Boy Bands to R&B Groups (11–20)
Glad You CameThe Wanted
The Wanted is a boys’ group known for their catchy EDM-style melodies accompanied by light, upbeat singing and dancing.
Hailing from Ireland, the group is made up of members who won their spots through auditions.
Their sweet looks and gentle vocals are part of their appeal.
“Glad You Came” enjoyed a long run not only on the UK charts but also on the U.
S.
Billboard charts.
Although they went on hiatus for a time, they announced their reunion in 2021.
Highly recommended for fans of overseas idols and club music!
She Looks So Perfect5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer is an Australian pop-rock band.
In Japan, they’d be considered similar to an idol band.
In fact, they originally started out as YouTubers.
They were making music on YouTube from the beginning, and that caught attention, leading them to serve as the opening act for One Direction, which rapidly boosted their popularity.
Although they’re an idol band, their performance level is high, so you can enjoy them just like any regular artist.
Be sure to check them out!
TeacherPRETTYMUCH
PrettyMuch is a boy group produced by Simon Cowell, known for producing One Direction.
They’re a lineup of good-looking guys.
If One Direction is the orthodox type, you could say PrettyMuch are more of a rough-and-ready idol group.
Unlike One Direction, their music tends to be more stylish, so I think many people will like it.
Their sound is similar to Japan’s Suchmos, making them very easy to listen to.
If You’re Not HereMenudo
Menudo was a boy band that repeatedly changed members under a unique rule requiring members to leave when they turned 16.
Hailing from Puerto Rico, they captivated the world from their debut with the high-pitched vocals characteristic of young boys.
Expanding their activities into film and television, they released their first English-language album, Reaching Out, in 1984, which also served as their debut album in Japan.
If You’re Not Here is a ballad marked by poignant strings, offering an appeal that transcends borders.
I’m Still In Love With YouNew Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in the late 1970s.
If you’re familiar with R&B, you’ve probably heard of them.
New Edition can be called pioneers of R&B groups, and they influenced later acts like Boyz II Men.
Despite being formed in the late ’70s, their melodies feel strikingly close to contemporary R&B.
“I’m Still in Love with You” is one of their signature songs, crafted into a highly sensational piece.
AdagioIl Divo
Il Divo has released many opera-like songs.
Until Il Volo appeared, they were active at the forefront of pop-style opera.
With members hailing from the United States, Switzerland, France, and Spain, the group showcases a rich diversity, offering glimpses of each member’s unique background while centering on opera.
Among the members are a tenor and a pop singer-songwriter.
They are still active today, so be sure to check them out!
[Western Music] The Appeal of Male Groups: From Boy Bands to R&B Groups (21–30)
Youngblood5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer is a pop rock band that took off from Australia to the world.
They first gained attention through their activity on YouTube, and their participation in One Direction’s tour catapulted them to fame.
Their 2014 debut single, “She Looks So Perfect,” became a global hit, and the title track of their album “Youngblood” topped the year-end chart in their home country, among many other achievements.
In 2019, they received the APRA Award for Outstanding International Achievement.
Their sound has evolved from early pop-punk to a polished pop style, and their rich harmonies—thanks to all members taking on vocal duties—captivate listeners.
They’re the perfect group for anyone seeking exhilarating band sounds and catchy melodies.