Hanson: A trio of brothers who played their own instruments and wrote their own songs, Hanson initially suffered from the “boy band” label despite being a self-contained rock/pop act. Their mega-hit “MMMBop” launched them into teen stardom, but they quickly pivoted to independent, R&B-influenced rock to maintain creative control.
Backstreet Boys: They followed the classic boy band formula—highly polished vocal harmonies, choreographed routines, and songs crafted by legendary producers like Max Martin. Their dominance was built on universal appeal and a massive marketing machine.
Comparison: The two acts catered to similar audiences but occupied different musical worlds. Hanson fans often prized the brothers’ musicality and “realness,” while BSB fans were drawn to the high-production spectacle and perfectly layered harmonies.