While boy bands like the Osmonds and Jackson 5 grew popular in the 60s and 70s, boy bands really hit their stride in the 90s and early 2000s. Groups like the Backstreet Boys, *NSync, and New Kids on the Block topped the charts and became household names, according to Billboard.
However, a few boy bands remained underrated with dedicated followings, yet only a couple of Billboard hits. From groups like O-Town, who entered the boy band era as it was fading out, to Westlife, who got their start in Dublin, Ireland, these boy bands continue to be loved by fans.
A few of the bands discussed here have disbanded and moved on to other endeavors, while others continue to make music. Still, these groups continue to be hailed for the music they produced at the height of their career. (A couple of bands on this list even had some of the biggest one-hit wonders of the 1990s.)
To compile this list of some of the most underrated boy bands, 24/7 Tempo used various sources from around the web, including Billboard, Last.FM, and current band websites.
O-Town
Boy band O-Town poses for photographers March 8, 2001, at the YM Magazine party to celebrate YMs MTV issue at Milk Studios in New York City. (Photo by George De Sota / Hulton Archive via Getty Images)
- Years active: 2000-2003, 2013-present
- Original members: Ashley Parker Angel, Erik Michael Estrada, Trevor Penick, Jacob Underwood, Ikaika Kahoano
- Current members: Trevor Penick, Jacob Underwood, Dan Miller, Erik Michael Estrada
- Music Genre: Pop/rock
O-Town gained popularity after competing in the ABC show “Making the Band,” which aired in 2000. The original lineup produced a couple of albums before disbanding in 2003. However, a few members regrouped in 2013 by releasing new music and touring.
112
- Years active: 1993-present
- Members: Marvin “Slim” Scandrick, Michael “Mike” Keith
- Music Genre: R&B/hip-hop
Formed in Atlanta, this popular duo worked alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Puff Daddy and Notorious B.I.G. The group’s biggest hits include “I’ll Be Missing You,” which earned them a Grammy, “Peaches & Cream,” and “Only You.”
Blackstreet
Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images
- Years active: 1991-2003, 2014-present
- Original members: Teddy Riley, Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, Levi Little, Joseph “Street” Stonestreet
- Current members: Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, Levi Little, Mark Middleton, Eric Williams
- Music Genre: R&B/hip-hop/rap
Blackstreet was formed in 1991 by Riley, who had been a part of the former band, Guy. Their biggest hit, “No Diggity,” was released in 1996 and spent 4 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The group disbanded in the early 2000s but regrouped in 2014.
All-4-One
- Years active: 1993-present
- Members: Jamie Jones, Tim “Delious” Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez, Tony Borowiak
- Music Genre: R&B/pop
While All-4-One may not have had numerous hits, their single “I Swear” is one almost everyone remembers. It spent 11 straight weeks in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and also earned the group a Grammy in 1995. The group has seen little success following this single, though they still work together today.
Guy
- Years active: 1987–1991, 1998–2000, 2005–present
- Original Members: Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Timmy Gatling
- Current Members: Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Damion Hall
- Music Genre: Hip-hop/R&B
Guy was formed in 1987 as a group of three. They saw their largest success from 1988 to 1991 with Billboard hits “I Like” and “Groove Me.” After disbanding in 1991, the group has continued to perform occasionally for reunions. Teddy Riley also moved on to form Blackstreet before getting back together with Guy.
Soul For Real
- Years active: 1992-Present
- Members: Christopher Sherman Dalyrimple, aka Choc; Andre “Dre” Lamont Dalyrimple, aka KD; Brian “Bri” Augustus Dalyrimple; Jason “Jase” Oliver Dalyrimple, aka Jase4Real
- Music Genre: R&B
Formed in 1992, Soul For Real had hits throughout the mid-90s, including “Candy Rain” and “Every Little Thing I Do.” The original four members have remained together to continue to produce music into the 2020s.
LFO
- Years active: 1995–2002, 2009–2010, 2017–2018, 2024-Present
- Originl members: Brad Fischetti, Rich Cronin, Brian “Brizz” Gillis
- Current member: Brad Fischetti
- Music Genre: Hip-Hop/pop
LFO (an acronym for Lyte Funkie Ones) was formed in 1995 with a group from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Their biggest hit was “Summer Girls,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts. Today, Fischetti is the only living member of the original lineup.
Silk
- Years active: 1989-Present
- Original members: Timothy “Timzo” Cameron; James “Jimmy” Gates, Jr.; Johnathen “John John” Rasboro; Tyga Graham; Albert Allen
- Current members: Timothy “Timzo” Cameron; James “Jimmy” Gates, Jr.; Johnathen “John John” Rasboro; Gary “Big G” Glenn; Gary “Lil G” Jenkins
- Music Genre: R&B
Silk is best known for their hit “Freak Me,” which topped the Billboard charts in 1993. The group went through many changes, including at least one hiatus. However, the current members continue to perform today, celebrating their 25th anniversary with two concerts in 2018.
Another Level
- Years active: 1997–2000
- Members: Mark Baron, Dane Bowers, Bobak Kianoush, Wayne Williams
- Music Genre: R&B
Though short-lived, Another Level was an England-based boy band that saw marginal success in the late 90s. Their biggest hit was their cover of Silk’s “Freak Me,” which reached No. 1 on the UK charts. Though rumors have circled of their reunion, nothing has yet to happen.
Immature
- Years active: 1991–2002, 2009–present
- Members: Marques Houston, Jerome Jones, Kelton Kessee
- Music Genre: R&B
Immature was formed in 1991, releasing hits such as “Never Lie” and “Constantly.” In 1999, the group changed their name to IMx before disbanding in 2002. While the group doesn’t currently perform, they have come together to release songs in the 2000s, including their 2015 EP “Remember.”
Hi-Five
- Years active: 1989–1994, 2005–2007, 2012–present
- Original members: Tony Thompson, Russell Neal, Toriano Easley
- Current members: Marcus Sanders, Shannon Gill, Treston Irby, Billy Covington, Faruq Evans
- Music Genre: R&B
While the members of this group have changed over the years, their biggest hits occurred in the early stages of the group’s formation. “I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other hits include “I Just Can’t Handle It” and “I Can’t Wait Another Minute.”
5ive
- Years active: 1997–2001, 2006–2007, 2012–present
- Original members: Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon, Abz Love, Jason “J” Brown
- Current members: Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon
- Music Genre: Pop
Formed by the same managers as the Spice Girls, 5ive was a London-based British boy band that saw hits throughout the late 90s. The group saw their largest success in the UK but had marginal success in the United States as well. Top hits included “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)” and “When the Lights Go Out.”
No Authority
- Years active: 1996–2001
- Members: Josh Keaton, Ricky Godinez, Eric “Stretchy” Stretch, Danny Zavatsky
- Music Genre: R&B
No Authority began their music career after being signed to Michael Jackson’s label, MJJ Music. The group saw hits like “Don’t Stop,” “Girlfriend,” and “One More Time.” They were especially popular among teens, earning them the music genre title of “teen pop.” However, the group disbanded after their success began fading in the early 2000s.
After 7
- Years active: 1987–1997; 2006–present
- Original members: Kevon Edmonds, Melvin Edmonds, Keith Mitchell
- Current members: Kevon Edmonds, Keith Mitchell, Danny McClain
- Music Genre: R&B
Formed in 1987, After 7 landed their first record deal with Virgin Records in 1988. The group had hits like “Can’t Stop” and “Ready or Not,” both of which reached No. 1 on the R&B charts as well as the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Westlife
- Years active: 1998-2012, 2018-present
- Original members: Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Brian McFadden
- Current members: Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne
- Music Genre: Pop
Westlife hailed from Dublin, Ireland, and formed in 1998. While more popular in the UK, the group saw success in the United States, too, selling more than 55 million records since their formation. Their first hits included “Sweat It Again” and “If I Let You Go.” The group split in 2012 but regrouped in 2018 and went on tour in 2023. (To see other musical groups throughout history, check out the most popular hip-hop groups of all time.)