For many of the groups that ran the Millennial generation of Pop during the late 90’s to mid-2000’s — too many boy bands to list — not many Pop groups stand out, in my opinion, quite like O-Town, or now titled OTWN. And not many got their start on one of the earlier reality shows like Making The Band in 2000, like O-Town either. The guys were the quintet-Millennial Pop version of New Kids On the Block in their prime, scoring a Platinum self-titled debut album in 2000 that sold 3 million copies worldwide, 2 Top 10 hits with “Liquid Dreams” and the unforgettable “All or Nothing”, and were even an opening artist act for Britney Spears in 2001.
After their small success in the Pop world, O-Town eventually took a hiatus after their Sophomore effort 02 in 2002; as that “hiatus” would unfortunately turn into a 17-year absence from music and touring all together. During this time, member Ashley Parker Angel decided to go solo and never return, as the remaining four guys released a 2014 album Lines & Circles, with a small European label. But let’s speed up to their comeback 2019 record The O.W.T.N. Album. After walking away from another label, members, Erik-Michael Estrada, Jacob Underwood, Trevor Penick, & Dan Miller launched a 2016 Kickstarter campaign to fund the new album — evidently doubling their fundraiser goal; and right away across music platforms, music critics were praising another comeback effort as the boys “greatest album to date” as O-Town’s harmonies are still soulful and tight as ever. Member Jacob Underwood said in a recent interview of the album, “Fans like the new stuff and they’re excited to keep hearing new music from us … but when we end the show with ‘All or Nothing’ that’s obviously the biggest response of the night”.
Not much is said about O.T.W.N. The Album online, being that is in an independently released project — but, what has been said is that their return back into music has, without a doubt, introduced them to a new generation of fans, in a new era of technology and social media. One of the original members spoke of their comeback, “The reaction has been unlike anything we’ve ever experienced in our careers, ever. So together, as a group, we made the decision that we can’t stop now”. The Pop sounds of O-Town not only engage a younger listening audience, but most importantly, help reconstruct, redefine, and reshape their once tarnished teeny-bop image into a now more evolved, accepting adult version. These guys can still sing with the best in Pop Music right now, so go give their material a listen.
All in all, it’s great to see the guys back in action after 20 years away from the spotlight.
The Neiman Cruse Report 
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