Underrated Boy Bands That Deserved More Fame

Boy bands may appear to be a more recent phenomenon but it was the Beatles, according to some, who were considered the first boy band. They were also the best-selling music act in history, making them a tough act to follow for any boy band. A few very well-known boy bands followed, from the Jackson Five to New Kids on the Block, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the popularity of boy bands exploded. Sensations like *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys dominated yet they weren't the only ones. Many underrated boy bands that deserved more fame had some hits but didn't achieve major success.

Many of these earlier groups dominated the charts but that didn't mean those lesser-known groups were any less talented. Perhaps they entered the scene a bit too late or entered a market already saturated with boy bands. Or maybe they failed to capitalize on the success of a single hit, becoming one-hit-winders. Others disbanded and sadly some band members may have passed away. This experience is not unique to boy bands, however. There are also plenty of underrated girl bands.

To compile this list of underrated boy bands that deserved more fame, 24/7 Tempo used various sources from around the web, including Billboard, last.fm, and current band websites.

• Active years: 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

This pop/rock boy band 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.

• Active years: 1993-present
• Members: Marvin "Slim" Scandrick, Michael "Mike" Keith

This R&B/hip-hop boy band was formed in Atlanta and has worked with giants of the music industry 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."

• Active years: 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

This R&B/hip-hop/rap boy band 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.

• Active years: 1993-present
• Members: Jamie Jones, Tim "Delious" Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez, Tony Borowiak

This R&B/pop boy band is best known for their biggest hit to date which was "I Swear." The catchy tune spent an impressive 11 straight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and also earned the group a Grammy in 1995. Since then, however, they have not been able to repeat that success.

• Active years: 1987–1991, 1998–2000, 2005–present
• Original Members: Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Timmy Gatling
• Current Members: Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Damion Hall

This Hip-hop/R&B boy band 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." They split in 1991 but have occasionally reunited for the odd performance. Teddy Riley also moved on to form Blackstreet before getting back together with Guy.

• Active years: 1992-Present
• Members: Christopher Sherman Dalyrimple, aka Choc; Andre "Dre" Lamont Dalyrimple, aka KD; Brian "Bri" Augustus Dalyrimple; Jason "Jase" Oliver Dalyrimple, aka Jase4Real

This R&B boy band was 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.

• Active years: 1995–2002, 2009–2010, 2017–2018, 2024-Present
• Original members: Brad Fischetti, Rich Cronin, Brian "Brizz" Gillis
• Current member: Brad Fischetti

This Hip-Hop/pop boy band was formed in 1995 with a group from New Bedford, Massachusetts. LFO stands for Lyte Funkie Ones. Their most successful tune was "Summer Girls" – it got to No. 3 on the Billboard charts. Sadly, Fischetti is the only living member of the original lineup.

• Active years: 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

This R&B boy band 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.

• Active years: 1997–2000
• Members: Mark Baron, Dane Bowers, Bobak Kianoush, Wayne Williams

This R&B boy band had some limited success in the late 90s. The English outfit snagged their biggest hit with their cover of Silk's "Freak Me." It reached No. 1 on the UK charts but further hits elude them. The band broke up in 2000.

• Active years: 1991–2002, 2009–present
• Members: Marques Houston, Jerome Jones, Kelton Kessee

This R&B boy band was formed in 1991. Their hits include "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."

• Active years: 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

This R&B boy band has had various members over the years but 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."

• Active years: 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

This pop boy band was formed by the same managers as the Spice Girls. They are 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. Top hits included "Slam Dunk (Da Funk)" and "When the Lights Go Out."

• Active years: 1996–2001
• Members: Josh Keaton, Ricky Godinez, Eric "Stretchy" Stretch, Danny Zavatsky

This R&B boy band began their music career after being signed to Michael Jackson's label, MJJ Music. Their hits include "Don't Stop," "Girlfriend," and "One More Time." They were especially popular with teen audiences. They disbanded after their success began fading in the early 2000s.

• Active years: 1987–1997; 2006–present
• Original members: Kevon Edmonds, Melvin Edmonds, Keith Mitchell
• Current members: Kevon Edmonds, Keith Mitchell, Danny McClain

This R&B boy band formed in 1987 and 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.

• Active years: 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

This pop boy band Westlife hailed from Dublin, Ireland, and was formed in 1998. they had limited success in the United States. 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.