Top 10 Boy Bands That Never Made it in America
For this list, we're looking at those all-male groups that had fans screaming the world over, just not nearly as much in the US.
There was the Backstreet Boys. There was N’Sync. And there were these guys. Welcome to MsMojo, and today, we’re counting down our picks for the top ten boy bands that did not break in America.
For this list, we’re looking at those all-male groups that had fans screaming the world over, just not nearly as much in the US.
#10: Boyzone
Back in 1993, this Irish group was put together by Louis Walsh, an Irish entertainment manager who’ll be coming up again later in this list. Although they’ve never attained comparable success in America, Boyzone is probably one of the more successful bands in the UK and their native country. At their very best, they’ve gone platinum five times over with one album. Sadly though, in April of 2018, after releasing their latest studio album, the band announced they would be breaking up for good. Thankfully, only after a 25th anniversary celebration tour and final album. Way to go out on a high note, fellas.
#9: SM*SH
The Indonesian group, SM*SH, otherwise known as “Seven Man as Seven Heroes”, entered into the boy band world later than most. Having only come together in 2010, this group quickly picked up speed inspiring a wave of other similar pop-dance groups in their native country. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, they hit the Asian music markets with a bang and several top hits, earning 34 awards in a brief amount of time. Although they disappeared for a bit and lost a member, 2018 has set the stage for a comeback. And they look and sound better than ever.
#8: 2Be3
Imagine it: a band comprised of you and two other childhood friends, taking on your country and then the world. Autographs. Screaming fans. When you were a kid, you surely had this fantasy at least once. Maybe you even practiced your dance moves with your friends or argued over who would be the lead singer. Well, inspired by other European boy bands, this French trio made that fantasy a reality back in 1996. They never managed to take on the whole world - despite their best efforts - but they did go triple platinum and appeared on many TV shows in their native country before disbanding in 2001.
#7: McFly
Now these boys know how to make an entrance. After getting a boost from another British boy band, Busted, these five guys almost immediately claimed a Guinness World Record held by The Beatles. Yes, The Beatles. And the record they broke? The youngest band to have a debut album chart at number one. Sadly though, this traction was almost exclusive to the UK, and though they named themselves after a classic ‘80s American character, Marty McFly, they only had success overseas in one film, “Just My Luck.” So, while they might’ve had fans screaming at home, they never brought about the second British Invasion.
#6: 5ive
In 1997, when a UK newspaper advertised that a producing company - the same company that managed The Spice Girls - needed five male singers/dancers for a “bad boy” boy band, thousands of men lined up to be the next big thing. But only these final five made the cut, and thus, 5ive was born. When this group was at the peak of their fame, from 1997 to 2001, they were an international hit - just one that never quite made it to America. But darn, did they make Europe and Asia dance with their rapped lyrics and bumping beats, topping charts with a cover of Queen and winning awards left and right.
#5: soulDecision [aka Indecision]
Though this Canadian band was signed at the height of boy band popularity, they are a slight departure from the typical boy band formula. This group banded together on their own at college under the name Indecision, writing their own songs and playing their own instruments. It was only after a few of their songs hit the top 40 in their native country that they signed a record deal. The group then changed their name to soulDecision and went on to continue to create some great music with their first album going Platinum in Canada and the popular single, “Faded” breaking the top 40 in the US. Unfortunately, it was feat they couldn’t duplicate.
#4: O-Zone
In the US, this Moldovan trio are best known for their major hit “Dragostea Din Tei.” Or maybe Americans know it better as “The Numa Numa Song.” Either way, it served as the basis for one of the earliest internet memes. The thing is, O-Zone legitimately attained international fame, and there was far more to it than a funny dance video. In fact, the song hit the charts as number one all over Europe. And of course, the band has had other hits in Europe and Asia as well, including their first single, “Despre Tine”, which went gold, and their 2004 album, DiscO-Zone, which went triple platinum in Russia
#3: SHINee
“The Princes of K-Pop” were introduced to the world in 2008 as a contemporary R&B group that would become trendsetters in all areas of pop culture. Their first album won Newcomer Album of the Year at The 23rd Golden Disk Awards. Their music video for “Lucifer” was nominated for best choreography. And they’ve even created their own fashion, Shinee Trend, that is hugely popular with students. All over Asia, their music remains hugely popular with album after album going to number 1 in South Korea. And though they sadly lost a member to an apparent suicide in 2017, SHINee mania is still very real across the Pacific.
#2: Westlife
Also managed by the famous Louis Walsh, this Irish boy band is another Guinness World Record holder, but for multiple world records, including most public appearances by a pop group in 36 hours and most singles to debut at number one. But as with McFly, all of this happened for Westlife in the UK. One of the longest reigning boy bands, these gentlemen made young girls scream and swoon all over Europe for over ten years. But that didn’t mean that the group didn’t have fans in America as well. Remember “Swear It Again”? Yup, that’s Westlife’s only hit in the US, making your heart skip a beat with its pledge of love.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions
MN8
Blue
Super Junior
#1: Take That
With nearly thirty top 40 singles in the UK under their belts, this still-active boy band has been making hits since 1990. Having started with five members - including the world famous Robbie Williams - Take That has undergone a few lineup changes and had a few hiatuses throughout their career, but that has not stopped their fans from buying out tour tickets and albums in record-breaking time. And some more wonderful news: these boys are scheduling a 30th anniversary tour and a Greatest Hits album, all scheduled for 2019. Maybe Americans can finally jump on the bandwagon then.
