Today is August 16 which marks 10 years since boyband JLS first entered our lives. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since their X Factor audition graced our screens, but it’s safe to say that we fell hook, line and sinker for their harmonies, infectious personalities and matching pastel polo shirts.
The four-piece took the X Factor by storm, and showcased their talent to the public week by week. They went all the way to the final and eventually finished as the runners up, losing out to Alexandra Burke.
However, despite coming second, JLS went on to become one of the show’s most successful acts. In 2009, they released their debut single ‘Beat Again’, which propelled them to great new heights and allowed them to pave the way for the boybands that followed. The rest, as they say, is history.
During their successful career, the band notched up five number ones of their own, and appeared on an additional three charity singles which also reached the top spot. They released four studio albums and a greatest hits album, three of which have been certified platinum. Additionally, JLS went on numerous sold out tours and won countless awards including two BRITs and five MOBOs.
Sadly, in 2013 JLS decided to end their time together as a band and bid farewell to their fans with a Goodbye Arena Tour across the UK. Since then, we’ve seen Aston, Oritsé, Marvin and JB embark on their own solo ventures, which include becoming fathers with six children between them.
Despite JLS disbanding, their incredible bond has remained strong. Over the years, they have delighted fans with pictures of them together, proving that their brotherhood is genuine and stretches well beyond the music. Although, we do hope that one day soon it will be time for an official reunion on the stage where they belong.
In celebration of 10 years of JLS, we thought we’d go on a trip down memory lane and take you through all of the band’s singles. Get ready to feel nostalgic (and bust some moves), altogether now…”everybody say JLS, forever and ever”.
‘Beat Again’
We couldn’t think of a better debut single for JLS. ‘Beat Again’ was an infectious pop-RnB bop which allowed each member to show off their vocals. During the music video, JLS also cemented the fact that they were a boyband who could definitely dance and that they indeed were the full package. Needless to say, ‘Beat Again’ went straight in at number one and marked the start of a thrilling career for JLS.
‘Everybody in Love’
Another number one hit for JLS, ‘Everybody in Love’ was a stunning follow up single for the band which remains a fan favourite to this day. The track is armed with a memorable chorus, which was always a particular highlight during any JLS show.
‘One Shot’
An underrated release from JLS, ‘One Shot’ is definitely one of our favourite singles of theirs. If you’ve ever needed the motivation to take a chance on love, or life itself, then ‘One Shot’ will encourage you to go for your dreams. We’re also obsessed with the slick video and the guys’ dance routine.
‘The Club is Alive’
‘The Club is Alive’ was the lead single from JLS’ second album, Outta This World. The song includes a memorable sample from The Sound of Music which gave the track a unique edge. Marking a more mature sound for the band, ‘The Club is Alive’ became JLS’ third number one in the UK.
‘Love You More’
Released as the official Children in Need charity single for 2010, ‘Love You More’ was another number one hit for JLS. The track was the band’s first proper ‘hit you in the feels’ ballad and we still stand by the fact that it is the perfect song for a first dance at a wedding.
‘Eyes Wide Shut’
‘Eyes Wide Shut’ was JLS’ first collaboration and it’s just as iconic now as when we first heard it. Teaming up with Tinie Tempah, both acts were a dream team in our eyes and delivered an infectious offering which makes us want to throw our hands in the air.
‘She Makes Me Wanna’
Teaming up with Dev, ‘She Makes Me Wanna’ became JLS’ fifth UK number one. From the very first ‘oh oh oh oh oh oh’, the track is a feel good and vibrant track which is still perfect for any summer party playlist seven years on from its release. Also, if you’re not currently doing the ‘oh’ hand movements, were you ever even a JLS fan?
‘Take a Chance On Me’
Back on the ballad trail, JLS had us swooning once more with ‘Take a Chance On Me’. Taken from their third album Jukebox, the track reached number two on the UK singles chart.
‘Do You Feel What I Feel?’
Also taken from Jukebox, ‘Do You Feel What I Feel?’ is one of our favourite underrated JLS singles. The upbeat offering is a bop which will make you want to move your feet immediately. The fun fuelled music video also won them their fifth MOBO, taking home the award for Best Video in 2012.
‘Proud’
In 2012, JLS teamed up with Sport Relief to release their official charity single. ‘Proud’ is an uplifting and motivational ballad which peaked at number six on the charts. The video features cameos from Olympic athletes Philips Idowu, Rebecca Adlington and Louis Smith.
‘Hottest Girl In The World’
Serving as the lead single from their fourth album Evolution, ‘Hottest Girl In The World’ marked a further shift in sound for JLS. The track remains one of the band’s slickest and sexiest offerings, and once more allowed them to show off their maturity, vocals and dance skills. Oritsé’s “You know it’s funny cos you have no idea” is still one of our favourite lines.
‘Hold Me Down’ / ‘Give Me Life’
‘Hold Me Down’ and ‘Give Me Life’ were released as a double A side single. Whilst the band were originally due to release ‘Give Me Life’, thanks to fan demand, ‘Hold Me Down’ was also given the single treatment.
‘Billion Lights’
JLS’ final single was ‘Billion Lights’, which was teamed up with an incredible music video documenting their sensational journey as a band. The video sums up JLS’ career perfectly – see how many iconic moments you can spot.
There’s no doubt that JLS broke the boyband barrier and paved the way for others with their talent. They proved to be all round stars with their incredible vocals, polished dance routines, and electric chemistry. During their live shows, they stood out as four of the industry’s greatest showmen, whilst both on and off stage, they showed the world their hearts of gold.
Happy 10 years of JLS to Aston, Oritsé, Marvin, JB, and the millions of JLSters who will wait forever and a day for that much needed reunion.
What was your favourite JLS single? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix
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