Oops!… I Ranked It Again

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend, online boyband guru HonestlyHelen (@honestlyhelen), and we're breaking down the ultimate piece of pop nostalgia: the Backstreet Boys' greatest hits album, The Hits – Chapter One.Of course, we go off track pretty quickly. The conversation dips into the wider world of pop and the recent BBC documentary about girlbands.Just a chat between two friends who know way too much about pop music, covering everything from five guys who love a key change & a Max Martin banger.

Geri Halliwell's debut album, Schizophonic, was released in 1999 and became a commercial success. It produced four hit singles, with "Mi Chico Latino," "Lift Me Up," and "Bag It Up" all reaching number one on the UK charts. The first single, "Look at Me," peaked at number two. By 2001, the album had sold over two million copies worldwide.

Rewind to 2003, and the group had a new name—S Club 8—and a new mission: to step out from the shadow of the now-disbanded S Club 7 and establish themselves as pop stars in their own right. That year, they joined the S Club United tour and dropped a string of hits, including “Fool No More” and “Sundown,” both of which reached number four on the charts. Their second album, Sundown, released in October 2003, showcased a slicker, more mature sound and climbed to number 13 on the UK Albums Chart. But behind the scenes, the pressure was mounting. While fans adored them, critics were mixed, with some praising their energy and others questioning their attempt to adopt a more grown-up image.

The Saturdays debut album ‘Chasing Lights’ was released in October 2008, debuting at 11 on the UK album charts, eventually peaking at 9 in January of 2009, and was reissued in March to include ‘ Just Can’t Get Enough’. Critically well received and applauded for being a strong debut album for its time.

Girls Aloud were formed in 2002 through the TV show Popstars: The Rivals, and became one of the UK's most successful girl groups.Girls Aloud's second studio album, What Will the Neighbours Say?, was released on November 29, 2004 .The album debuted at No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart and was eventually certified platinum.

Taking it back to where it all began for me, The Spice Girls Debut album ‘Spice’. Released in 1996, Spice topped the charts in over 17 countries and has sold over 23 million copies. A commercial and critical success, Spice is the best-selling album in music history by a girl group and one of the best-selling albums of all time.