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[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!
[Western Music] The appeal of male groups: from boy bands to R&B groups (1–10)
What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction
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
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!
MotownphillyBoyz II Men
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.
ABCThe Jackson 5
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!
Back for GoodTake That
Take That, often described in the UK as a band that rivaled the Beatles in success, are considered pioneers of the boy band boom.
They released their first single in 1991, and the hit of It Only Takes A Minute the following year brought them into the spotlight.
Subsequent singles Why Can’t I Wake Up With You and Pray further boosted their popularity, cementing their status.
Although they disbanded in 1996, they reunited in 2006 and remain a music group that enjoys overwhelming support from the British public.