By Tolu Salako
Staff Writer
Everyone has heard of *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, and many still cherish these bands, maybe even sing along to their songs once in a while; but there was an almost 10 year break between when they were popular and the reemergence of boy bands.
Now close to the end of 2012, boy bands have awoken from their slumber and have come to play on our radio stations nonstop. Some of these bands include, Two Door Cinema Club, Imagine Dragons, The Wanted and One Direction.
Similar to *NSYNC, with their skin-tight and brightly colored jeans, One Direction has been one of the most popular upcoming bands this year. With five members, the members’ mannerisms, choreographed dance moves and music style is quite likable to both teens from the 90s as well as teens from 2012.
“[*NSYNC and Backstreet Boys] were some of the first boy bands whose music still influences music today, and you can see that in bands like One Direction” junior Gaby Rivera said. “It’s weird to say that [NSYNC and Backstreet Boys] are considered as classics, even though they are really well known.”
Many students agree with the fact that the 90s was the era of pop and that these newer “mainstream” bands will not be remembered. Some think otherwise and are really enjoying these newer pop bands.
“I love One Direction,” sophomore Ayushi Chintakayala said. “I really like their sound and their songs just make me feel happy. Even though they are similar to the 90s bands, [One Direction] will probably last for a really long time because they are so successful and a lot of people like them.”
So the question is, why the sudden return of the boy bands? Many believed boy bands were to be deceased, and would never reappear again. In order for these bands to become popular once again, many had to revamp the term “boy band” and therefore got rid of the cheesy choreographed dance moves that was once popular in the 90s and thus created “Indie bands.”
“There is a difference between Indie boy bands and regular boy bands,” junior Rachel Gruebbel said. “Indie bands have more depth in their lyrics and bands like One Direction and The Wanted are mostly all about partying and having a good time.”
Imagine Dragons is a very well known among CHS teenagers. It hit single, “It’s Time” is featured in the trailer of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and the song, as well as the band, has gained popularity since then. With its album released in early September, this band from Nevada is quite different from others and has a more of an Indie feel to their songs unlike, the mainstream pop music that is heard more often.
“[Imagine Dragons and Two Door Cinema Clubs] have different themes and their songs are more about their personal experiences,” Gruebbel said. “I don’t even consider them as a boy band sometimes because they are so far from that ‘boy bad norm.’ They don’t sing songs about them just whining about how their ex-girlfriend won’t take them back.”
Today’s music stems from the 90s, which has caused the emergence of new pop boy bands. Though many find *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys songs quite cheesy today, it was the foundation of some of the music we listen to today.
English teacher, Linda Moore, a 90s fan herself, plays popular music from this time period during her classes.
“Some of the 90s music does influence the pop music we hear today,” English teacher Linda Moore said. “Boys bands will always be popular with their teen girl fan base and will always be admired for a very long time.”
