The Best Boy Bands From The 1980s

WHAM!, the vivacious British duo consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, brought a fresh and flamboyant energy to the 1980s pop music scene with their catchy tunes and dazzling performances. Their masterful blend of dance-pop, synth-pop, and soul delivered unforgettable hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Careless Whisper," and "Last Christmas." WHAM!'s fashion-forward aesthetic and charismatic stage presence resonated with fans worldwide, endearing them as one of the era's best boy bands. The group's contagious exuberance and undeniable impact on '80s pop culture leave a lasting legacy that continues to influence and inspire musicians today.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From WHAM!
  - "Wake Me Up Before You Go  -Go"
  - "Last Christmas"
  - "Freedom"

Dive Into WHAM!'s History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
  - "Blue (Armed with Love)"
  - "Credit Card Baby"

New Kids on the Block, affectionately known as NKOTB, rose to fame in the late 1980s with their infectious blend of pop and R&B tunes, forever cementing their status as one of the best boy bands of that era. Featuring five talented young men from Boston - Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood - the group captured hearts with their catchy hooks, smooth harmonies, and relatable lyrics. Their unique style and trendy dance moves made them a global sensation, while their youthful energy and camaraderie with fans resonated with audiences around the world. With multiple platinum albums, chart-topping hits like "Hangin' Tough" and "Step by Step," and their enduring legacy as pioneers of the modern boy band, NKOTB's place in the annals of 1980s music history is undisputed.

Rock Out To Some The Most Popular Songs from New Kids on the Block
  - "Step By Step"
  - "Please Don't Go Girl"
  - "Hangin' Tough"

Dive Into New Kids on the Block's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
  - "Cover Girl"
  - "Tonight"

The Jacksons, featuring the world-renowned siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, dominated the 1980s with their irresistible blend of R&B, pop, and soul. After leaving Motown and rebranding from their former moniker, "The Jackson 5," the group took greater creative control and produced hits like "Can You Feel It," "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," and "State of Shock." Their electrifying live performances, awe-inspiring dance moves, and unparalleled harmonies made them one of the most influential boy bands of the decade. The Jacksons' collective talent and revolutionary approach to music left a lasting impact on the industry, cementing their place in history as true icons of the '80s.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From The Jacksons
  - "ABC"
  - "I Want You Back"
  - "Blame It on the Boogie"

Dive Into The Jacksons' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
  - "Mama's Pearl"
  - "Who's Loving You"

Though they rose to prominence at the tail end of the 1980s, Boyz II Men quickly became synonymous with exceptional vocal harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and unforgettable performances. Composed of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary, this Philadelphia quartet captivated listeners with their profound emotional depth and ability to connect with fans through their powerful lyrics. Hits like "End of the Road" and "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" established Boyz II Men as torchbearers for the boy band genre, bridging the gap between the '80s and '90s with their distinctive sound. With their enduring impact on pop culture and countless imitators, Boyz II Men's contribution to the 1980s music landscape is undeniable.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Boyz II Men
  - "End of the Road"
  - "I'll Make Love to You"
  - "A Song for Mama"

Dive Into Boyz II Men's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
  - "Khalil (Interlude)"
  - "Yesterday"

Emerging from the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston in the early '80s, New Edition revolutionized the boy band genre with their unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop. Comprising Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant, the group's polished vocals, energetic performances, and synchronized dance moves captivated audiences worldwide. Hits like "Candy Girl," "Cool It Now," and "Mr. Telephone Man" showcased their incredible talent and trailblazing contributions to the urban contemporary sound that defined the era. As the blueprint for modern boy bands, New Edition's indelible legacy continues to influence artists and delight fans to this day.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From New Edition
  - "Candy Girl"
  - "Mr. Telephone Man"
  - "Cool It Now"

Dive Into New Edition's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
  - "Boys to Men"
  - "Is This The End"

Hailing from Bath, England, Tears for Fears emerged in the early 1980s with an electrifying fusion of new wave, synth-pop, and introspective themes that set them apart from their contemporaries. Founding members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith boasted not only exceptional songwriting abilities but also a keen understanding of the human psyche, which they masterfully wove into their music. The result was a collection of hauntingly beautiful and profoundly emotive hits like "Shout," "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," and "Mad World," which resonated with listeners on a deeply personal level. With their innovative soundscapes, evocative lyrics, and enduring influence on countless artists, Tears for Fears ultimately earned a well-deserved spot among the greatest boy bands of the 1980s.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Tears for Fears
  - "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
  - "Shout"
  - "Mad World"

Dive Into Tears for Fears' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
  - "The Working Hour"
  - "I Believe"