Boy Bands We Never Want to Hear Again

When it was announced that Justin Timberlake was to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, rumors swirled that an 'N SYNC reunion was imminent. And it was with great excitement and anticipation that viewers watched Timberlake go back to his roots, even if it only lasted for a couple of minutes. 'N SYNC's reunion came in the wake of those of fellow fellow boy bands like the Backstreet Boys—who will play Boston on Saturday at MIXFest—and New Kids on the Block.

But would all '90s boy bands be welcomed back with open arms by the public? Here are some that should remain in obscurity for the sake of music:

B2K

Members: Omarion, Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, and Raz-B

Songs We Never Want to Hear Again: “Bump, Bump, Bump,” “Girlfriend”

In the ’90s: While B2K’s R&B style was a welcome change from the pop boy bands we all know, the fact that they sang lyrics like “baby, turn around and let me see that sexy body go bump bump bump” to what must have been predominantly young, female fans was disturbing.

Now: After B2K’s disbandment, lead-singer Omarion had a semi-successful solo career, which he currently continues with a new album slated for release this year. Omarion's moniker-challenged ex-bandmates have attempted solo careers and dabbled in movies and TV, but have remained under the radar.

Hanson

Members: Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson

Song We Never Want to Hear Again: “MMMBop”

In the ’90s: Hanson’s only hit was one of the most voracious earworms of the decade.

Now: Fifteen years later, people might still find themselves absentmindedly humming “MMMBop” and pretending it never happened. Hanson has managed to stay together since the band’s formation, but their new material has been absent from pop radio.

LFO

Members: Rich Cronin, Devin Lima, and Brad Fischetti

Songs We Never Want to Hear Again: “Summer Girls,” “Girl On TV”

In the ’90s: One of life’s greatest mysteries is why this trio allegedly chose to shorten their original, ultra-hip band name, Lyte Funky Ones, into its three-letter acronym. LFO fused pop and hip-hop, effectively giving us the worst of both worlds.

Now: LFO reunited briefly in 2009 before breaking up once again.

98 Degrees

Members: Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre

Songs We Never Want to Hear Again: “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do (Cherish You),” “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)”

In the ’90s: The only thing worse than hearing 98 Degrees’ sappy ballads about love on the radio was hearing them try to set the mood by singing a few words in Spanish.

Now: Though Nick Lachey is currently working as a host for the reality show “The Winner Is,” 98 Degrees went on tour with fellow “man bands” NKOTB and Boyz II Men this past summer. Their latest album “2.0” debuted at #65 on the Billboard Top 200. This does not bode well for a comeback but it does bode well for those of us who prefer artists who are a little cooler.

BONUS:

O-Town

Members: Ashley Parker Angel, Jacob Underwood, Erik-Michael Estrada, Trevor Penick, and Dan Miller

Songs We Never Want to Hear Again: “All Or Nothing,” “Liquid Dreams”

In the Early 2000’s: MTV producers had no idea what they were about to unleash when they helped form O-Town via the reality show “Making the Band.” Luckily, the band only survived for a few years of churning out “soulful” Michael Jackson rip-offs before they broke up.

Now: The star of O-Town, Ashley Parker Angel, has gone into various ventures since the group’s disbandment, including a solo music career and acting in film and Broadway shows. So it was no surprise that he refused to join the other four members of the group for their 2011 reunion. The now four-member boy band hasn’t released any new material, so we’re safe for now.