100 Best Boy Bands of The 80s – Complete List

The 80s was a time for big hair, neon colors, and boy bands. Some of the most popular were New Edition, New Kids on The Block, and A-ha.

Unlike their predecessors – the hard-rocking 1970s bands – these bands were all about giving the people what they wanted: feel-good music that was easy to listen to and easy on the eyes.

Even though some of these bands are no longer together, their music will always be remembered as some of the best from the 80s.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this trip down memory lane with the 100 best boy bands from the 80s.


Best Boy Bands of the 80s

This list is entirely based on the band’s musical talent, their ability to sell records and tickets, and their overall impact on pop culture.

  1. The Osmonds
  2. New Kids On The Block
  3. A-ha
  4. Boyz II Men
  5. Menudo
  6. New Edition
  7. Jodeci
  8. Bros
  9. Hi-Five
  10. Silk

Black Boy Bands of 80s

In the 80s, black male groups like The Jacksons 5, New Edition, and the one listed below were extremely popular with both black and white audiences.

These groups helped to break down racial barriers and paved the way for other black artists. They were also influential in terms of fashion and dance moves.

These groups were often compared to one another, with critics and fans arguing over which one was the best. However, they all had one thing in common: their tight harmonies and soulful voices. Their songs were about love and relationships, and they became known for their ballads.

  • DeBarge
  • The Gap Band
  • Tony! Toni! Toné!
  • Boyz II Men
  • Cameo
  • New Edition
  • The S.O.S. Band
  • Guy
  • Midnight Star
  • Maze

American Boy Bands of 80s

There’s no denying that America had a big influence on the music scene of the 80s. While other countries certainly had their share of talented artists, it was American boy bands who dominated the airwaves and record sales charts.

But what factors contributed to America’s dominance of the 80s music scene?

There were several factors that contributed to America’s dominance of the 80s music scene. Firstly, the advent of MTV helped to popularize American artists and songs in a way that had never been seen before.

With its focus on music videos, MTV gave American artists a major platform from which to promote their music.

In addition, American musicians were often more innovative and creative than their European counterparts, resulting in a more eclectic and exciting soundscape.

  • The Jackson 5
  • Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
  • New Edition
  • New Kids on the Block
  • Boyz II Men
  • Bell Biv DeVoe
  • Boyce and Hart
  • Tony! Toni! Toné!

R&B Boy Bands of 80s

The early to mid-1980s was a great time for R&B music.

New Edition and The Jacksons were two of the biggest R&B groups at the time, and their music helped to define the sound of R&B in the 80s.

Both groups were known for their slick choreography and soulful vocals, and they helped to introduce a new generation of fans to R&B music.

The early 80s also saw the rise of several other boy bands, including The O’Jays, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.

These groups continued to popularize the Motown sound, and they helped to keep R&B alive during a time when disco was becoming increasingly popular.

In addition to their music, these groups were also known for their stylish outfits and energetic performances.

  • Slave
  • Lakeside
  • Jodeci
  • The Whispers
  • Kool and The Gang
  • Bell Biv DeVoe
  • Today
  • Dazz Band
  • Fat Larry’s Band
  • Ready for the World

UK (British) Boy Bands of 80s

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a number of UK boy bands achieved mainstream success both in the UK and internationally.

Some of the most popular UK boy bands of the 80s included Bros, Big Fun and The Smiths.

These groups achieved massive success both in the UK and around the world, selling millions of records and headlining stadium tours. They were also known for their catchy pop songs and energetic performances.

The popularity of UK boy bands in the 80s was due in part to their unique sound and style.

Many of these groups incorporated elements of dance music into their songs, which helped them stand out from the American boy bands of the era.

  • Yell!
  • Worlds Apart
  • Musical Youth
  • Brother Beyond
  • Bros
  • Big Fun
  • And Why Not?
  • London Boys
  • The Smiths
  • Madness

80s Pop Boy Bands

Pop Boy bands dominated the airwaves in the 80s, with groups like A-ha, U2, and Wham! taking over the charts.

These groups were all about catchy hooks and tight harmonies, and they quickly became some of the most popular entertainers in the world.

Even today, these boy bands continue to be hugely popular with fans of all ages. In fact, many of them have continued to tour and record new music long after their heyday.

While their sound may have changed a bit over the years, these artists still know how to put on a great show and make their fans feel like they are part of something special.

  • A-ha
  • Duran Duran
  • U2
  • Kajagoogoo
  • Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
  • Wham!
  • Soft Cell
  • Fine Young Cannibals
  • Adam and the Ants
  • The Cars
  • Bee Gees
  • Alphaville

Early, Mid, Late Boy Bands of 80s

The early boy bands of the 1980s were typically pop groups that consisted of teenage or pre-teen boys. These bands, such as New Edition and The Jackson 5, were typically marketed to young girls and their parents.

Midway through the decade, however, a new type of boy band emerged. These bands, such as Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, appealed to a more mature audience and featured more rock-based music.

The late 1980s saw the emergence of some of the most popular boy bands in history, including Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. These groups played a mix of pop and R&B music and appealed to both young girls and boys.

Early Boy Bands of 80s

  • The Jackson 5
  • The Osmonds
  • New Edition
  • The Temptations
  • Kool and The Gang

Mid Boy Bands of 80s

  • Boyz II Men
  • Pet Shop Boys
  • A-ha
  • Bon Jovi
  • Erasure

Late Boy Bands of 80s

  • Tony! Toni! Toné!
  • Guy
  • Mint Condition
  • Bell Biv DeVoe
  • Hi-Five

Spanish Boy Bands of 80s

Although not as popular in the United States as their British counterparts, Spanish boy bands of the 80s were wildly successful throughout Europe.

Formed in the early 80s, Café Tacuba was one of the first and most popular Spanish boy bands. They achieved international success with their catchy pop songs and outrageous outfits.

Other popular Spanish boy bands of the 80s include Nacha Pop, Los Manolos, and Parchis. While they may not be as well-known in the United States, these bands are still remembered fondly by fans in Spain and throughout Europe.

  • Café Tacuba
  • Soda Stereo
  • Caifanes
  • Los Teen Tops
  • Nacha Pop
  • Azul y Negro
  • Los Flechazos
  • Lax’n’Busto
  • Los Manolos
  • Héroes del Silencio

Rock Boy Bands of 80s

In the early 1980s, rock music was experiencing a revival. New wave and punk rock bands were gaining mainstream popularity, while classic rock bands continued to enjoy success.

This was also a time when many new rock boy bands emerged, including The Police, Duran Duran, and Wham!. These groups helped to popularize the use of synthesizers in pop music and brought glamour back to rock.

They also helped to popularize the power ballad, a slow and emotional song that often features a guitar solo. In the later part of the decade, heavy metal became increasingly popular, with bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses leading the charge.

  • The Beatles
  • U2
  • Eagles
  • R.E.M.
  • Green Day
  • Nirvana
  • Dire Straits
  • AC/DC
  • Pink Floyd
  • Booker T. & the M.G.’s

80s Hip Hop Boy Bands

In the early days of hip hop, the scene was dominated by crews of male friends who would battle each other in rap cyphers and make music together.

This all changed in the 80s when hip hop became mainstream and was embraced by corporate America. Suddenly, there were major record labels looking to sign rappers, and hip-hop boy bands were born.

The hip-hop scene of the 80s was a far cry from the DIY culture of the 70s; it was more polished and mainstream, with glossy videos and chart-topping hits.

While some purists decried this commercialization of hip hop, the 80s saw some of the genre’s biggest stars emerge, including Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy.

  • Blazin’ Squad
  • Beastie Boys
  • A Tribe Called Quest
  • Run-D.M.C.
  • N.W.A.
  • Public Enemy
  • Cypress Hill
  • De La Soul
  • Geto Boys
  • Naughty By Nature
  • The Pharcyde

80s Irish Boy Bands

Ireland is famous for its music! The country has a long and storied history of producing talented singer-songwriters and world-renowned boy bands.

One of the most iconic Irish bands of all time is U2, who rose to fame in the 1980s. Since then, many other Irish artists have achieved success both domestically and internationally, including Hozier, The Script, and The Corrs.

Interestingly, many of Ireland’s most popular musicians started out by performing at flea markets or pubs before eventually making it big.

Here are some Irish Male groups for you to check out.

  • The Waterboys
  • The Dubliners
  • U2
  • The Pogues
  • The Frames
  • The Undertones
  • The Chieftains
  • The Boomtown Rats
  • Horslips
  • Planxty

80s Japanese Boy Bands

When one thinks of Japanese boy bands, the first thing that comes to mind is usually their slick and trendy style. However, things were a little different in the 80s.

Back then, the most popular boy bands were rough around the edges and loved to rock out. While they may not have been as polished as their modern counterparts, these bands were still incredibly popular with fans of all ages.

Some of the biggest names from that era include SMAP, Tokio, and Mr. Children. These groups dominated the charts with their catchy tunes and high-energy performances. They sold out stadiums and released dozens of hit singles.

Even today, these bands are still hugely popular in Japan. In fact, many of them are still active and continue to tour all over the country.

  • SMAP
  • Tanokin Trio
  • Tokio
  • Mr. Children
  • B’z
  • Chage and Aska
  • Boøwy
  • Southern All Stars
  • Gospellers

80s Latin Boy Bands

If you were alive in the 1980s, there’s a good chance you spent your Saturday nights listening to one of the many Latin boy bands that took over the airwaves.

Though their music was heavily influenced by American pop and rock, these bands infused their sound with traditional Latin instruments and rhythms, giving their music a unique flavor that set them apart from other groups of the time.

Some of the most popular 80s Latin boy bands include Menudo, Los Kjarkas and Café Tacuba. Each group had its own style and fan following, but they all enjoyed widespread success throughout the decade.

  • Menudo
  • Los Kjarkas
  • Café Tacuba
  • Maná
  • Santana Band
  • Kaoma
  • Los Bukis
  • Los Temerarios
  • Malo
  • Soda Stereo
  • Grupo Niche

Forgotten Boy Bands of the 80s

When we think of the biggest and most popular boy bands of the 80s, groups like New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC come to mind.

However, there were many other boy bands who achieved great success during that decade but have since been forgotten.

So why have these bands been largely forgotten? There are likely many reasons, but some possible explanations include shifting musical tastes, members moving on to other projects, or simply not being as successful as their more well-known counterparts.

  • Club Nouveau
  • The Jeff Healey Band
  • Madness
  • LeVert
  • Sheriff
  • Ready for the World
  • General Public
  • 5ive
  • All-4-One

FAQs

What is a Boy Band?

A boy band is a musical group consisting of young male singers. In the early days of boy bands, the groups were typically composed of teenage boys, tweens, or preteens.

The term “boy band” is typically used to refer to pop music groups, but the term can also be applied to rock and hip-hop groups.

Boy bands became popular in the 1980s with the advent of MTV and the widespread success of groups like New Kids on the Block, New Edition, and Boyz II Men.

Who is the most popular boy band of 80s?

The most popular boy band of the 1980s was undoubtedly New Kids on the Block.

The group was formed in Boston in 1984 and consisted of five young boys: Donnie Wahlberg, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood.

They skyrocketed to fame with their self-titled album in 1986 and continued to dominate the charts throughout the decade. Other popular boy bands of the 80s included Menudo, The Monkees, New Edition, and A-Ha.

Who was the first boy band in the 80s?

The first boy band to come onto the scene in the 80s was New Edition.

They were formed in 1978 and consisted of six young boys. The group became popular for their soulful harmonies and dance moves. They released their first album in 1983 and quickly became one of the most popular groups of the decade.

Other boy bands soon followed, including New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, and NSYNC. These groups dominated the pop music scene in the 80s and 90s, and helped define the sound of that era.