Happy May, everyone!
Boy bands certainly weren’t new to the 90’s but it was in the late 90’s/early 2000’s that a war was waged. You were forced to pick a side and there was no compromising with the opposition.
Side 1: The Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys showed up first and their self-titled debut album released in 1997 with musical gems such as “As Long As You Love Me” and “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart).”
I WOULD NEVER PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR HEART!!!
(Or your 90’s haircuts).
Backstreet had some die-hard fans, totally dedicated to their melodious voices, adorable faces, and tent-like shirts.
But then some new kids showed up on the block.
I REFERENCED ANOTHER BOY BAND!
AAAAAAAAAAH!
But seriously, it’s not NKOTB.
Side 2: ‘N Sync
After gaining popularity in Germany, they broke into the American market in 1998 with songs like “I Want You Back”, “Tearin’ Up My Heart”, and “(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You.”
has a video that was about mother-son love and not romantic love?
The Battle
You had to choose a side–the battle lines ran deep and there was nothing acceptable about saying, “I like them both!” Why? Because we needed something arbitrary and stupid to fight about, I don’t know. All I know is that this shit was serious. It was serious to the point that if you find out your new friend from the office once loved ‘N Sync while you loved the Backstreet Boys . . . you can’t be friends anymore.
Emily Regan 