Have you heard any of these three songs lately Song 1, Song 2, Song 3? Do you know who sang each of them? One of these was 98 degrees, another by N'Sync, and yet another by the Backstreet boys. Do you know which is which? Well if not, it's about time to get things straightened out.

Lately, you've probably been listening to a popular radio station and perhaps even caught yourself humming or singing along with one of those crooning boys bands. How can you tell the difference between members of each group? Well, it's your lucky day because now for the first time here is a complete and simple guide to distinguishing between the Backstreet Boys (BSB) and N'Sync. Pictures of the boys have been simplified to bringing out the most distinct features of each member. Along with these diagrams a list of their songs are listed with the picture. Check out CDNow for a sampler of songs on .ra. There's a quiz at the end for you to test your aptitude at telling the difference between the two bands and also name each of the members.

Backstreet Boys

**Take note that the difference between AJ and Howie is that AJ has a tendency to wear sunglasses and be more flamboyant in his dress and Howie has big googlie eyes. Also if watching their videos (ex. As Long as You Love Me), it can be seen that the main singers of the group Brian and Nick tend to be the ones wearing shirts while the others are shirtless. Let us refer to the shirtless ones as filler boys.
  • As Long As You Love Me
  • Quit Playing Games With My Heart
  • Everybody (Backstreet's Back)
  • Larger than Life
  • I Want it That Way

N'Sync


**N'Sync, or that other boys band that's not Backstreet should not be overlooked for they too have some catchy tunes that should not be confused with BSB. In distinguishing between Justin and Lance, since both are blonde, one should be careful in noticing that Justin has the curly hair and Lance has the distinctive eyebrows. You may be thrown off sometimes too by pictures of Joey because he doesn't always have a goatee. His flat top hair and tendency to be wearing Superman logos can be the winning characteristic in making a definate ID. JC sports Mickey Mouse ears inorder to display the fact he was a former mouseketeer. JC is also "the cute" N'Sync member.
  • Tearin' Up My Heart
  • God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You
  • For the Girl Who Has Everything
  • I Drive Myself Crazy

98 Degrees


**98 degrees can be described as the "muscular" boyband. Most videos depict the boys in tank tops showing off their tattooed arms. Their close cropped hair and muscular build make them stand out from the rest of the boyband crowd. Plus, there are only four of them to the normal formula five membered bands. Distinguishing between the boys themselves can be somewhat difficult at times. Nick and Drew are actually brothers but Nick has a tendency to look like he's wearing lipstick with his big lips. Drew also usually sports a gold hoop earring and a baseball cap. Justin has the goattee and Jeff has the clean cut boy next door appeal.
  • The Hardest Thing
  • The Invisible Man
  • I Do
  • Because of You


Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, and 98 Degree Photos

Click here if you feel up to taking the Boys Band Challenge

Boyband Sites!!!

For further study, check out these sites..
Julie's N'Sync Site
Official N'Sync Site
Backstreet Boys World
Official Backstreet Boys Site
98 Degrees & Rising!!!
Pure 98 Degrees

Back Home!
This boys band section was inspired by my roommate Lynn who sat down one night with me, after realizing I couldn't tell heads or tails between the guys, and drew similar diagrams to finally enrich me in boysband knowledge.