Lesser Known Boy Band Songs That Are Absolute Jams
The term Boy Band tends to bring about memories of the Backstreet Boys or One Direction in recent years. From incredibly baggy clothing to falsettos that blew the minds of tweens around the world, boy bands are a musical staple whether you like it or not. Since we can all sing along to the likes of Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), I wanted to reminisce on those lesser known boy band songs that are absolute jams.
1. Baby I Would by O-Town
I think everyone was so captivated with All or Nothing which is why this song fell under the radar. This song is a great example of multiple voices working together and creating an angelic feeling. With so many jams on a debut album, it is no wonder this song towards the end of the album fell through the cracks. Yet there is still something so special about the repetition of Baby I can, Baby I could, Baby I would.
2. It’s Over Now by 112
How could a breakup song be an absolute jam? Well the amount of emotion 112 conveys in this song and the incredible beat in the background should answer your dilemma. The breakdown is one of my absolute favorites and this song is a good alternative when you’ve moved past that Cupid stage. It may be over now, but you will never want this song to end!
3. Dance For You by B5
A group that didn’t get the recognition they deserved beyond their version of All I Do. Despite showcasing their actual dance moves in the video for U Got Me, Dance For You is one of the lesser known boy band songs that I always turn to. As someone who likes when a little rapping enters a track, whenever Lil mama Come on watch me dance Watch me do a flip with no hands is uttered I instantly flashback to my younger days.
4. It Happens Every Time by Dream Street
Before we got Jesse McCartney’s illustrious solo career, we had a younger version in Dream Street. Forever associated with girl group Play, this song is a choice bubblegum boy band hit. If you ever wanted to be transported back to dancing around in your room covered in posters ripped out of magazines, this is the song to get you there. They even incorporate their band name into the song flawlessly: Oh it’s magic when we meet down on Dream Street!
5. Co Star by Day 26
I seem to have a strong affinity for boy bands formed by Diddy that has just come to my attention. Aside from their time on Making the Band, this is one of their lesser known songs but it has an intimate quality that should be highlighted. Whether you are spending time with your significant other or want to get in a feel-good mood by yourself, this is the song for you! It’s your show All I wanna do is co-star is a line that shows a coming together and has an added touch of tenderness.
6. Here We Go Again by B2K
We can all cite the famous B2K hits like Uh Huh and Bump Bump Bump, but this is a boy band diss track if I ever heard one. It is the final track on their self-titled album and the infectious beat can definitely distract you from the hard-hitting words. Stop thinkin people’s on your jock Tryna act like you got money but you at the bus stop is a hilarious intro and reminds you to not assume everyone is trying to get your number (especially since the song states they want the digits from your friend). I will never get over how this song slipped by everyone.
7. Back Here by BBMak
Your search for boy band songs with a guitar string constantly being plucked is over! With a mellow vibe reminiscent of an early 2000’s rom-com, this song about pining over someone does not push too hard. Until you’re back here baby Miss you want you need you so is a line that will stay in your head long after the song ends.
8. Heaven by Nu Flavor
As far as lesser known boy band songs go, this song is the most delicate. From soft tones where members are practically whispering, heaven is the exact mood the group creates. Can’t fall asleep tonight I don’t know what to do I hold my pillow but I wanna be holding you is such a beautiful line that most boy bands today could not pull off.
9. Just Friends by Jonas Brothers
With a variety of Jo-Bro hits to choose from, this one is the most underrated. There is something about the voice of baby Nick Jonas that fits with talking about being just friends with someone over Instant Messenger. This boy band song paints a complete picture rather quickly which is something the Jonas Brothers aren’t given enough credit for. Opening with the lines There she goes again The girl I’m in love with It’s cool we’re just friends gives listeners a tinge of sadness that is flipped on its head!
10. Selfish by *NSYNC
Anyone who knows me knows that I automatically associate *NSYNC with boy band greatness so we had to end on this note. This is one of the lesser known songs off their final album Celebrity. With everyone distracted by the visuals in Pop and Gone, this song didn’t receive the same amount of recognition. A ballad type feel along with Justin showing off his soft side, there is no way this song is not an absolute jam. Beginning the chorus with You can call me selfish But all I want is your love And you can call me hopeless baby Cause I’m hopelessly in love immediately gets you hooked and brings those *NSYNC memories flooding back. This is one of the boy band songs you have to listen to!
If you have any other lesser known boy band songs, send them over in the comments!
Featured Image Source: https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/NSYNC-Holiday-Gifts-Merchandise-44272422
Rebecca was born in Hayward, CA and still resides there today. She received her BA in English Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and is the first in her family to graduate from university. She is a Poetry student in the MFA program at Saint Mary’s College of California and is furthering her involvement in the literary community. In her spare time, she likes to lose her voice at Giants games, read Young Adult novels, make lists, and aims to cross become a writer off it.