Ranking The 10 Greatest B-List Pop Acts Of The 2000s
By: Chris Rosa
We need to have a serious conversation about the B-List pop stars of the late ’90s and early ’00s. When it comes to Y2K bubblegum music, we know Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC reigned supreme. However, what about the sugary acts who almost reached the success of these titans? Where do they rank alongside the A-List heavy-hitters? Let’s find out.
It was a daunting task, but we sifted through all the tightly choreographed videos, obnoxiously catchy choruses and matching costumes that dominated the millennial pop scope and ranked the 10 best acts. Before you freak out, we should disclose what acts we also considered to be A-List (and, therefore, not eligible for this competition): Jessica Simpson, Mandy Moore, LFO, 98 Degrees, Aaron Carter and S Club 7. While not as white-hot as the four supernova A-Listers, we felt these five acts had enough success to join the club. We also didn’t consider artists that emerged after 2002 like Hilary Duff and Avril Lavigne because we felt they were indicative of another generation.
So, without further ado, here are the best of the (almost) best Y2K pop acts:
LIST (10 thru 1)
Dream
You'll probably remember: “He Loves You Not”
This paint-by-numbers girl group had it all: Frothy songs, matching pink leather outfits and a squeaky clean image. However, Dream’s lack of identity among similar acts is what made them ultimately forgettable. However, the band does get brownie points for churning out one of the most infectious songs of the teen pop boom.
Dream Street
You’ll probably remember: “It Happens Everytime”
The boy band had five adorable members (including a young Jesse McCartney), but their music goods just weren’t as sweet as the other frosted tip groups. In fact, we found ourselves cringing during most of their songs. Sorry, Dream Street. You don’t age that well.
Willa Ford
You’ll probably remember: “I Wanna Be Bad”
Ford had such potential but was only able to produce on hit song. An amazing one at that. “I Wanna Be Bad” is a classic naughty-girl pop anthem that still sounds fresh today. While Ford’s music career was short-lived, she’s kept herself busy acting in movies like Friday the 13th (2009) and hosting reality television shows.
BBMak
You’ll probably remember: “Back Here”
These were the dudes you wanted at your beach party. BBMak separated itself as a melodic, less-threatening *NSYNC, and they had a good run for a while. “Back Here” feels 100 percent boy-band pop, but in a totally nostalgic (and not embarrassing) way.
Samantha Mumba
You’ll probably remember: “Gotta Tell You” and “Baby Come On Over”
Mumba only released one album, but it was epic. Both “Gotta Tell You” an “Baby Come On Over” are effervescent dancehall stompers that are the perfect amount of sweet and sassy. Mumba switched gears to acting for a while, but we’re still holding out for a triumphant pop return.
O-Town
You’ll probably remember: “Liquid Dreams,” “All Or Nothing” and “We Fit Together”
O-Town was the boy band formed after the first season of MTV’s Making the Band in 2000. Ashley Parker Angel emerged as the group’s shining star and went on to enjoy a brief solo career (#LetUGo forever). However, O-Town did release some enjoyable pop songs — albeit about wet dreams. They also made a cameo appearance in Longshot (2001), which also featured Spears, LFO, and *NSYNC. (Watch this amazing movie if you haven’t.)
Hoku
You’ll probably remember: “Another Dumb Blonde” and “Perfect Day”
Hoku is a queen, and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. She emerged in 2000 with the legendary hit “Another Dumb Blonde” that was also used in the cinematic classic Snow Day. The accompanying video (see above) makes absolutely no sense — she wears a poncho on the beach and a belly shirt in the snow because why the fuck not — but remains flawless and iconic. If “Blonde” wasn’t enough, Hoku then slayed us in 2001 with the sunshine hit “Perfect Day” (which was used in Legally Blonde). She also opened up the door for artists to reference spicy foods in their song titles with “How Do I Feel (The Burrito Song).” A true trailblazer.
Vitamin C
You’ll probably remember: “Graduation (Friends Forever)”
For supplying the go-to song for graduations everywhere, Vitamin C and her self-referencing hair get a top spot on our list. But don’t forget her other classics like “Smile” and “Volaré” (from The Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack). Lady C was a pop star who truly gave no shits and was like, “I’m going to have orange hair because I’m a ~*rUlE bReAKeR!” We appreciate her angst.
B*Witched
You’ll probably remember: “C’est la Vie” and “Rollercoaster”
Admit it: You attempted (and probably failed) to Irish dance after watching the “C’est la Vie” music video. We did too, so don’t feel bad. B*Witched was a genuinely cool band with solid pop hits and a distinguishable identity that made them marketable. Their first self-titled album still sounds good today, even if it is a little cheesy. Sadly, the band’s second LP Awake and Breathe (1999) failed to reach the fever pitch of the first. Even still, their blip on the pop radar will never be forgotten.
A*Teens
You’ll probably remember: “Upside Down,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
You can judge us, but we still love their music to this day. From their monochromatic music videos to precision dance moves and pounding choruses, B-List pop doesn’t get any better than the A*Teens. Starting out as a young ABBA cover band, the group eventually shifted to original music. And thank God. They are the essence of bubblegum nostalgia. Sadly, we haven’t heard much from the group, but we thank them for delivering us pop goodies that will forever make us hungry for 2001.
Photo: Getty Images