Boy bands have filled arenas and bedroom posters for decades. Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block and One Direction each defined a generation of fans and a sound that still fills playlists. This One Gotta Go card asks which group you would remove from music history for good.
Think about the posters on your wall, the songs you still know every word to, and the reunion tours you'd buy tickets for today. Then make your pick and get ready for some strong opinions from the fans at the table.
Backstreet Boys vs *NSYNC vs New Kids on the Block vs One Direction
A. Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys were one of the biggest boy bands of the late 90s, with hits like 'I Want It That Way' and 'Everybody'. They still tour today. The case against them is that their biggest songs are so familiar that some people feel they've heard them enough.
Keep it if: You still sing 'I Want It That Way' word for word and would buy tickets to see them live tonight.
B. *NSYNC
*NSYNC rivaled the Backstreet Boys at the end of the 90s and helped launch Justin Timberlake's solo career. Fans loved their dancing and songs like 'Bye Bye Bye'. The case against them is that their run was shorter, so they have fewer hits.
Keep it if: 'Bye Bye Bye' is your anthem, and you loved the dance moves and the matching outfits.
C. New Kids on the Block
New Kids on the Block came out of Boston and became one of the first huge boy bands of the late 80s, with hits like 'Hangin' Tough'. They paved the way for the others. The case against them is that younger fans may not know their songs as well.
Keep it if: You love where the boy band era started and 'Hangin' Tough' takes you right back.
D. One Direction
One Direction formed on the UK version of The X Factor and became a worldwide sensation in the 2010s, with hits like 'What Makes You Beautiful'. Each member went on to solo work. The case against them is that the band is on a long break, so they feel less present.
Keep it if: You were part of the One Direction fandom and 'What Makes You Beautiful' is still on your playlist.
Our take
We'd cut New Kids on the Block. They started the modern boy band era, but they're the group on this card younger fans know least, while Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC defined the late 90s and One Direction ruled the 2010s. Expect the most fun debate between the Backstreet Boys fans and the *NSYNC crowd, a friendly rivalry that has lasted more than twenty years. For a bonus round, ask everyone to name their favorite member of their pick.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which boy band reunion would people go to mostly for the nostalgia?
- Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC: which side were you on growing up?
- Which boy band had the best dance moves?
- Which boy band deserves a spot on this card instead?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Boy Bands: quick answers
Who was bigger, Backstreet Boys or NSYNC?
Both were huge at the end of the 90s. Backstreet Boys had a longer run of hits and are often named among the best-selling boy bands ever, while *NSYNC had record-breaking moments of its own and launched Justin Timberlake's solo career. Fans still enjoy comparing them, which is what this card is for.
How did One Direction form?
One Direction formed in 2010 on the UK version of The X Factor, where the five members first auditioned as solo singers and were put together as a group. They went on to become one of the biggest boy bands in the world before going on a hiatus and focusing on solo careers.
