The rise and return of the boy band

From staff and wire reports

It seems like we can never say bye, bye, bye to boy bands.

A decade after 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys dominated the entertainment world, boy bands are making a comeback. Just take a look at Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

In the top 10 this week are One Direction, whose hit "What Makes You Beautiful" is No. 8, and The Wanted, whose jam "Glad You Came" sits at No. 5.

Both groups are British quintets that make little girls squeal in delight and many serious music fans scream in horror.

This year's local concert schedule even features one of the biggest boy bands of the 1980s - New Edition.

The group that launched the careers of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant will perform May 17 at Hampton Coliseum. All the big names are back, though they're long past the age of being "boys."

Many consider the first boy band to be The Monkees, a group formed in the mid-1960s to star in a TV show about a rock band. The music world hasn't been the same since.

It seems that every few years a new incarnation comes along, ready to replace their aging forerunners. One Direction and The Wanted are simply the latest.

Ernie D., creative director and on-air personality for Radio Disney, says one thing has changed: The new boy bands are finding success much faster than groups in the past.

"Back then, you had to build your fan base, get a following," he said. "Now with all the social media, you have a fan base immediately. As soon as you nail that fan base, you're on the rise for sure."

Today, we look at some of the boy bands of the moment, as well as some of the groups that paved the way for their success.

one direction

The origin Signed by Simon Cowell after placing third (third!) during the British version of "The X Factor"

The individual parts Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson

Chart success Their album, "Up All Night," made them the first U.K. act ever to debut at No. 1 in the United States with a freshman effort. Their single, "What Makes You Beautiful," is in the top 10.

Sounds like Post-modern Monkees, which isn't a bad thing

Heartthrob factor For teen girls, off the charts. Older fans should remember that most members of One Direction are barely legal.

the wanted

The origin The group came together via mass audition.

The individual parts Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes

Sounds like Pop jambalaya. The breakout single "Glad You Came" blends perfect amounts of world music, hip-hop, electronic and pop with a dance-hall-anthem hook. It's the kind of song that makes you forget you're listening to a boy band, and their pronounced accents are much appreciated.

Chart success "Glad You Came" is No. 5 on the Hot 100 singles chart

Heartthrob factor Dangerously high. The Wanted have sexually charged lyrics and just enough facial hair to make wanting them feel so very right.

big time rush

The big break The band simultaneously got a TV series and record deal in 2009.

The individual parts Logan Henderson, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr. and Kendall Schmidt

Chart success Big Time Rush was supposed to be Nickelodeon's answer to the Disney Channel's success with the Jonas Brothers. That hasn't happened yet.

Sounds like Kids Incorporated, that rather bland made-for-TV group from 1984 to 1993. If this is all the States can bring to the table, we may need a boy-band bailout.

Heartthrob factor Low, thanks in large part to haircuts that seem to predate their births. But we're sure they make good impressions on parents and always respond to text messages in a timely manner.

through the years

The Beatles It might seem sacrilegious to lump the Fab Four in this group, but the mop-topped foursome initially was considered nothing more than a boy band. Their talent at writing songs and playing instruments, however, made it clear that they were not just a group of good-looking guys who could sing.

The Monkees The group had talent, good songs (written by some of the best in the business) and a baby-faced singer named Davy Jones. Hits included "Daydream Believer" and "I'm a Believer."

The Jackson 5 The early hits might have been bubble gum, but the group had two things going for it from the start: Motown??s production team that produced solid tracks, and an amazing brother named Michael. Big hits included "I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There."

The Osmonds Remade in the likeness of The Jackson 5, these brothers had heartthrob Donny, but their records weren't as well made as the J5's. Hits included "One Bad Apple" and "Down by the Lazy River."

New Edition This band, formed in Boston, was discovered by producer Maurice Starr. The group, above, rode catchy hooks and cool videos to fame during the 1980s. Big hits included "Candy Girl" and "Mr. Telephone Man."

New Kids on the Block This group was Maurice Starr's attempt to create a white version of New Edition. It included the Wahlberg brothers - Donnie and Mark - as well as the incredible falsetto of Jordan Knight. Big hits included "Hangin' Tough" and "Step by Step."

Backstreet Boys This five-member group formed in Florida and rose to fame with their debut album in 1996. Hits included "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)."

'N Sync Another Florida group, this band included Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone and Lance Bass. They went on "temporary hiatus" in 2002 and haven't recorded together since. Big hits: "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me."

The Virginian-Pilot, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter contributed to this report.