In the late 80s and early 90s, New Kids on the Block were one of the biggest acts in the world. Following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Paul McCartney, and every other lead singer of a boyband, Jordan Knight struck out on his own and scored a Top 10 single five years after the group broke up.
So these are some of my favorite bops from people who started out in a group.
Lil Kim “Crush on You”
In 1995, Lil Kim debuted with Junior M.A.F.I.A., but as the breakout star of the group, she started recording her debut album later that same year. She dropped Hard Core in 1996 and the rest is history.
Una Healy “Battlelines”
In the pantheon of British girl groups, The Saturdays are probably third tier (which hurts my heart to admit, because they were my favorites), and when the group went on hiatus, Una Healy came out of left-field with a country album. And if you like pop-country, you should give it a listen because it is surprisingly good.
Ralph Tresvant “Money Can’t Buy You Love”
New Edition produced more bankable stars than any other boyband: Bell Biv Devoe, Johnny Gil, Ralph Tresvant, and Bobby Brown are all platinum artists in their own right. I’m putting Ralph here — and not even his biggest hit! — because the Mo’ Money soundtrack, (produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) needs more shine.
Joe Jonas “Take It and Run”
Admittedly, I do not really know the Jonas Brothers outside of Nick’s arms and Joe’s eyebrows. But I do know Joe’s debut solo album and that is a Top Ten male pop album. No skips!
Tinashe “Joyride”
Word on the street is, Tinashe had this song ready for her album and then her label tried to give it to Rihanna. And now, whenever I listen to it, all I hear is Rihanna!
Oh, and Tinashe got her start in a girl group called The Stunners. They do not have any good songs, but the videos are fun.
Jenny Lewis “Red Bull & Hennessey”
Jenny Lewis was a child actress with a filmography full of commercials and TV shows. Her then-boyfriend, Blake Soper, was also a child actor who I personally thought was cute on Salute Your Shorts. They started Rilo Kiley with a couple of of other friends, but I like Jenny’s solo output better.
Patti LaBelle “The Right Kinda Lover”
The original Lady Marmalade put out one of the all-time great Auntie Jams in 1994.
Nicola Roberts “Beat of My Drum”
Girls Aloud were put together on a UK version of Popstars, and while Nicola was bullied during her time in the group, her solo album showed she was the one with the real creative chops.
Peter Gabriel “Sledgehammer”
Peter Gabriel left Genesis in 1975, but I didn’t know who he was until I started watching VH1 every morning before school and “Sledgehammer” was one of the videos they always kept in rotation.
LeToya Luckett “So Special”
Fun Fact: After Beyonce, LeToya is the only other member of Destiny’s Child with a number one album.
Gwen Stefani “What You Waiting For?”
Gwen was never supposed to be the lead singer of No Doubt — she was just singing backing vocals in her big brother’s band. Then the first lead singer took his own life, and the second lead singer left the band, so Gwen stepped in. The band took off a few years later.
Michael Jackson “I Can’t Help It”
Everybody’s knows Michael Jackson, but not enough people know this classic written by Stevie Wonder and Susaye Greene (the last member to join the rotating lineup of The Supremes).
Dave Navarro “Rexall”
I didn’t really know Jane’s Addiction growing up so when Dave was in the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I thought they just pulled him out of nowhere. Regardless of where he came from, that man was fine with a capital F and I wish his album had been as good as this song.
Gladys Knight “Just A Little”
When I started making this list, I assumed I would put “Love Overboard” on here, but I didn’t realize she was still with the Pips at that point! (I always just picture her dancing with Whitley and Jaleesa on A Different World). But that’s okay. “Just A Little” is a good auntie moment from a few years ago.
Darius Rucker “Wagon Wheel”
As a college student in South Carolina in the 2000s, I was contractually obligated to at least marginally follow Hootie & The Blowfish. As a child who grew up in bowling alleys, I had no choice but to know every song.
Missy Elliott “Can’t Stop”
Most people don’t realize Missy came into the industry with a girl group named Sista. “Sweat You Down” is the only song I can really recommend, but we already know she was better off on her own.
Paul Simon” You Can Call Me Al”
Simon & Garfunkel grew up in together in Queens and they started performing together when they were still in school. Apparently they had beef from jump, so they didn’t last as long as you might expect a folk duo to stay together, but Paul kept putting out bops.
Lucy Pearl “Dance Tonight”
En Vogue were put together through an audition process, which doesn’t bode well for longevity — four strangers expected to work together for the rest of their lives usually doesn’t pan out. Dawn, didn’t like the terms of their contract, and when she left the group before the third album, she formed a supergroup with Raphael Saadiq of Tony! Toni! Tone! and Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest.
And that’s all for today.
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