The 1980s and its songs were the era that saw the rise of glam metal and pop music stars. Other genres were factored in, but these were two of the most prevalent ones. The '90s saw a change in what was popular as it began to be ruled by grunge. Perhaps to offset the darker tones of this genre is why, eventually, the boy band craze would break out. The genre was brought into the mainstream, and so many people, from TV networks to famous families, wanted in on the action, hoping to create the next great sensation.
Throughout the 1990s, people became familiar with acts like the Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, and 98 Degrees. However, there were many boy bands that were underrated, but deserve to be ed as well. Numerous factors keep talented groups from ever breaking through. This happens in all genres, including the bands will change their sound, or even their look, in order to find success. Other times, they will give up altogether, but that doesn't mean they didn't leave contributions.
10 Another Bad Creation (ABC)
Founded: 1988
The group may have been very young when they formed, but they were able to find early success in 1991 with their debut studio album, Coolin' at the Playground Ya Know!. They were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and with their hit "Iesha," they quickly made a name for themselves. They received high praise as they were being compared to The Jackson 5, New Edition, and The Boys.
Their debut album reached number seven on the Billboard 200, and the songs "Iesha" and "Playground" placed in the top ten on both the R&B and pop charts. A follow-up album was released in 1993, but unfortunately, it didn't replicate the same success. This would be the end of the group, who for a time had people thinking they were the next big act. While things may not have worked out, they will always have their first album, which went platinum in the United States, to celebrate.
9 Dream Street
Founded: 1999
When Dream Street was founded at the end of the '90s, many efforts were made to try to rework the group to make it as perfect as possible. They were assembling a group of 12- to 14-year-olds, which made it difficult at times as the parents became involved in the creativity of the band. The most well-known member of the group was Jesse McCartney, who transitioned from being an actor in All My Children.
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Eventually, McCartney would move on from Dream Street to become the Justin Bieber of his generation with hits like "Beautiful Soul," but an impact was made during his time with the group. They managed to release a record and a movie, which was called The Biggest Fan. Ultimately, their time together was cut short after their parents feared that they were being exposed to adult situations during their young careers. In 2023, three of the reunited, with even McCartney appearing at one point. It is possible there could be more from the once-child stars.
8 Perfect Gentleman
Founded: 1988
When someone has an eye for talent, it is trusted that what they create will have success. Maurice Starr, who was known for his work with New Edition and New Kids on the Block, was back again to help mold yet another group to superstardom. Ahead of Perfect Gentlemen's debut studio album, they got to tour with New Kids on the Block and gain their first exposure. Everything was going their way once Rated PG was released in 1990.
Maurice Starr, who was known for his work with New Edition and New Kids on the Block, was back again to help mold yet another group to superstardom.
Not only did the album make it into the Top 40 on the Billboard 200, but the hit song "Ooh La La (I Can't Get Over You)" made it certain the group was making a name for themselves. After only a little bit more work in the studio, Perfect Gentlemen would give up on trying to make it together, and instead would move on to solo careers. Who knows what could have happened if they had stayed together, but for a short time in 1990, they had a lot of people singing "Ooh la la."
7 BBMAK
Founded: 1996
It took BBMAK a few years to make their mark, but in 1999, they released their debut single "Back Here" and their lives changed. It became a number one hit on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, and ended on three other US charts as well. The song was a launching pad for their debut studio album, Sooner or Later, which arrived in 2000. The album would become gold-certified, but after one more record in 2002, things fell apart.
By 2003, the group collectively decided to part ways. This ended what was the beginning of a very successful career. BBMAK fans were heartbroken until 15 years later when the band would reemerge. Not only were they back, but 2019 saw the debut of their third studio album, Powerstation. Since then, the band has been on a few nostalgic tours and has been able to show the world once again why they became such big stars in 1999.
6 E.Y.C.
Founded: 1992
When a band gives every ounce of effort to achieve success, it must be commended. E.Y.C. was the perfect example of trying everything to make it work. Trey Parker and Damon Butler came from being backup dancers for New Kids on the Block. Parker also performed in the Disney movie, Newsies. It became abundantly clear that the group had the talent, and it seemed the world agreed as the new trio won the Best Roadshow Act award in 1993.
This award would later help boost the careers of bands such as Boyzone and the Backstreet Boys. The group even had the opportunity to perform some shows with Prince and Whitney Houston. Their 1993 debut studio album, Express Yourself Clearly, helped E.Y.C. find international success. Their next album was a Japan-exclusive, before they returned with another worldwide record in 1996.
The Best Roadshow Act award was a part of the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, which was a British awards show that ran from 1979 to 2005.
Still struggling to make it, the group released one final album in 1999, which was a United States-only release. They promoted it on Nickelodeon, on select dates with the Backstreet Boys, and even on Donny & Marie, but they still didn't find what they were seeking. Their time together ended in the early 2000s, but at least they know they gave it all they had.
5 3T
Founded: 1994
As the sons of Jackson Five member, Tito Jackson, it seemed that Taj, Taryll, and TJ were set up for a lengthy career as 3T. It also helped that they were being mentored by their uncle, the legendary Michael Jackson, who entered the '90s following an incredible run the decade before with his success of Thriller. Jackson even had his own record label, MJJ Music, which is where the trio would sign and release their debut studio album, Brotherhood.
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With their international hit song "Anything," the brothers were ready to take on the world, and they did so with a huge European tour. They were then prepared to release a new album, but a strain between their uncle and Sony put it on hold. They would not debut another record until 2004, with only one more after that in 2015.
They did experience a small revival that year, not only with the album, but also with their show, The Jacksons: Next Generation. With their name as a part of Michael Jackson's legendary family tree and talent, whatever they continue to do going forward, they will most likely gain attention, just as they have for over 30 years.
4 LFO (Lyte Funkie Ones)
Founded: 1995
Before LFO helped make Abercrombie & Fitch a popular clothing brand to wear, they were a trio establishing a name for themselves with a remix of Yvonne Elliman "If I Can't Have You." Before the band made their first record, Brian Gillis would leave the group and be replaced by Devin Lima. In 1999, they released their self-titled album, which featured the popular track, "Summer Girls." This is the song that referenced Abercrombie & Fitch and propelled them up the charts.
Although the album became platinum-certified, with the track "Girl On TV" achieving gold certification, and "Summer Girls" attaining Platinum status, they released only one more album in 2001. Eventually, they reunited, but sadly, Rich Cronin died in 2010, Devin Lima died in 2017, and Brian Gillis died in 2023. Now, Brad Fischetti is the only remaining member, but he has vowed to uphold the group's legacy and participates in nostalgia tours performing their hits.
3 Five (5ive)
Founded: 1997
One of the greatest minds for boy bands is Simon Cowell, so when he ensured that Five got signed, it was an indication they had what it took to be one of the next great acts. Their debut self-titled album in 1998 featured hit after hit. With songs like "Slam Dunk Da Funk," "Everybody Get Up," and "Got the Feelin'," the band took over the radio both in the UK and internationally. To build on their momentum, they got right to work on a second album that would debut at the end of 1999.
One of the greatest minds for boy bands is Simon Cowell, so when he ensured that Five got signed, it was an indication they had what it took to be one of the next great acts.
Once again, the band achieved success as their sophomore album featured two of their biggest hits ever, "Keep On Movin'," and "If Ya Gettin' Down." It was only logical after that to get right back to work, so in 2001, album number three arrived, but then things changed. The band decided to part ways in the fall of 2001. They made an attempt to reunite once before it finally stuck in 2012. Since then, they have released another album and have been on multiple greatest hits tours, once again showcasing the songs that cemented their legacy.
2 All-4-One
Founded: 1993
It can be argued that All-4-One released one of the greatest covers ever when they sang the John Michael Montgomery track "I Swear," for their debut album in 1994. The song won All-4-One a Grammy Award in 1995. It went Platinum, and it finished at number one on numerous charts the year it was released. They had other legendary covers as well, such as "I Can Love You Like That" and "So Much In Love."
The group had a lot of momentum through three albums in the '90s, but a dispute between their independent label and major label put the band in limbo for a few years. They have released four albums since 2002, but they haven't quite captured the success they had at the beginning. However, with the group still together, there is a chance they will release more music in the future. There are plenty of great tunes that could probably turn into a successful cover for them once again.
1 East 17 (E-17)
Formed: 1991
One of the most common themes for boy bands is the unfortunate breakups, usually stemming from looking to do solo projects. In the case of East 17, three different hiatuses make them one of the biggest cases of what if. Even through all the back and forth, they have still managed to produce six records, but if they had consistently stayed together, maybe they'd be over 10. As it is, despite their first brief hiatus, they released four records throughout the '90s alone.
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Following another hiatus after 1999, the band eventually found their way back together in 2006. The run from then until 2013 saw them produce another record. As they returned again in 2014, they put out another album in 2017, and have remained together since. Ultimately, they should be ed for the achievements they have had. They produced 18 top-20 singles and four top-10 albums. They were even at one point the UK's most popular boy band.