[Western Music] The appeal of male groups: from boy bands to R&B groups

We Are Young ft. Janelle MonáeFun

Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

With their grand choruses and exhilarating sound, the American band fun.

captured hearts around the world.

Formed in New York in 2008, they’re known for a distinctive musical style that blends indie pop with elements of hip-hop.

Their signature track from the acclaimed 2012 album Some Nights was a massive hit, holding the No.

1 spot on the U.

S.

charts for six consecutive weeks.

This success led to a triumph at the 2013 Grammy Awards, where they won Best New Artist and Song of the Year.

Lead vocalist Nate Ruess’s dramatic singing voice is often compared to Freddie Mercury’s.

Their songs, like an anthem to life, energize you for tomorrow.

I admire that piercing high-register singing, but it definitely seems to demand considerable vocal skill.

Turning AwayCeltic Thunder

Celtic Thunder Mythology – ‘Turning Away’

Celtic Thunder is a group with striking melodies centered on Irish Celtic music.

To put it simply, they’re like the male version of Celtic Woman.

Their biggest draw is their delicate harmonies, isn’t it? By blending elements of contemporary music with Celtic traditions, they have many very accessible works.

Although they’ve suffered commercial setbacks—such as canceled park performances—and are burdened with debts of €720,000, I really hope they can keep going.

I Gotta BeJagged Edge

Jagged Edge – I Gotta Be

Jagged Edge is an R&B group formed in 1995.

While they aren’t very well-known in Japan, they’re highly popular in the United States.

There’s an award called a Gold Disc, given based on album sales, and their second album, J.

E.

Heartbreak, released in 2000, earned double platinum status.

It’s exceptionally high-quality R&B, so if you like Black music, be sure to check them out!

Loving youThe O’Jays

The O’Jays – Lovin’ You (Official Audio)

The O’Jays are a soul music group formed in 1958.

If you’re a fan of soul music, you’re probably familiar with them.

Although they formed in the 1950s, they didn’t gain widespread recognition until around the 1970s.

They’re a hardworking group that spent more than a decade building their career.

Their musical style is classic soul, with a general tendency toward bright, upbeat songs.

They’re a great group to listen to when you want to lift your spirits.

Work Shit OutDIRTY LOOPS

Dirty Loops – Work Shit Out

Dirty Loops is a three-piece band from Sweden, an artist with a uniquely captivating sound.

While the band is centered around synthesizers, many of their tracks evoke the vibe of the ’80s.

That said, their music never feels dated—it also feels fresh.

It’s hard to put into words, but their sound is incredibly distinctive.

Their track “Work Shit Out” can be seen as a culmination of what they do best, showcasing ultra-stylish production.

They also cover Japanese songs, so be sure to check them out!

Boogie WonderlandEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – Boogie Wonderland (Official Video)

Earth, Wind & Fire is a funk music band that has garnered strong support from around the world.

They’re not just funk—they specialize in a composite sound that blends R&B and soul.

They were one of the most active bands of the 1970s, when funk and disco were mainstream.

Their worldwide record sales exceed 90 million, and they have won six Grammy Awards.

“Boogie Wonderland” is one of their signature songs, crafted with a distinctly funky sound.

Alguna vezKetama

Alguna vez – Ketama

Ketama, the legendary band from Spain.

Until they emerged on the Spanish music scene, flamenco—the symbol of Spain—was treated entirely as folk music.

Ketama established a new genre called nuevo flamenco by blending flamenco with styles like R&B and pop.

Among their many classic songs, “Alguna vez” is an especially sexy track.

They’re still active today, so be sure to check them out!