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

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

When it comes to the boy band that enjoyed explosive worldwide popularity in the 2010s, it has to be One Direction! Formed on the British audition show The X Factor, they achieved global success, won numerous music awards, and were even called the second coming of The Beatles.

Beyond their great songs and strong vocals, women around the world were captivated by the members’ sweet looks.

They also became the first group whose first four albums—all released after their debut—entered the Billboard charts at No.

1.

EverybodyBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) (Official HD Video)

When it comes to American idol groups, many people probably think of the Backstreet Boys.

The first time you listen to them, you’re struck by their perfectly blended harmonies that match the songs so well.

Their five members have such high vocal ability that you might think they’re professional a cappella singers.

Their repertoire ranges widely from rock to pop to R&B, but they have the most ballads.

Their gentle yet grand vocals truly shine in ballads and love songs, so be sure to give them a listen!

ABCThe Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 – ABC

Do you know the group that Michael Jackson belonged to in his childhood? That’s the Jackson 5! Formed in the United States by the Jackson brothers, they debuted in 1969 on the Motown label, racked up hits, and became super idols who took the world by storm.

Their music—combining bubblegum pop, a style of pop made for teenagers, with Motown’s distinctive soul—was called the “Motown Sound,” and it set the world ablaze!

MotownphillyBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men – Motownphilly

Boyz II Men is a male vocal group that has captivated audiences around the world with their beautiful choral work.

Formed in 1985 by members who attended the same high school, they rose to fame with the hit “End of the Road,” released in 1992.

Their performances, which transcend genre boundaries—and even actively break them down—and their harmony-focused musicality have, without exaggeration, helped lay the foundation for today’s music scene.

Step By StepNew Kids On The Block

New Kids On The Block – Step By Step (Official Video)

New Kids on the Block formed in 1984 as a singing-and-dancing boy band.

After releasing an album in 1986, they gradually expanded their activities, and their second album, Hangin’ Tough, released in 1988, became a hit.

Their popularity then surged, and in 1990 they released Step By Step, which we’ve also featured in a video, sparking an explosive boom.

They captivated the teenagers of the time.

Although they disbanded in 1994, they reunited in 2007.

This might make some of you want to listen and reminisce about the old days.

My LoveWestlife

Westlife – My Love (Official Video)

If you’re looking for an overseas male group that sings grand ballads, I recommend Westlife.

They’re a boy band from Ireland with a large international fan base.

One of their biggest charms is their vocals, which are divided into distinct parts.

They handle both high and low registers beautifully, crafting moving pop songs.

Beyond warm ballads, upbeat tracks you can dance to like “Hit You With The Real Thing” are also recommended.

From “My Love” to many other songs, they’ve left their mark on the UK charts—let yourself be enveloped by their gentle sound.

Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC

*NSYNC – Bye Bye Bye (Official Video)

Alongside the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC were a force that energized the music scene from the late ’90s into the 2000s.

Sparked by Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez appearing on the same TV show, the group formed in 1995.

With the massive success of their 2000 album No Strings Attached, they became a worldwide household name.

Thanks to their lineup of good-looking members, they also had the appeal of an idol group.