New Kids off the Block

By Melissa August, Matthew Cooper, Ellin Martens, Lisa McLaughlin, Julie Rawe, Alain L. Sanders and Josh Tyrangiel

In one day last week, 'N Sync sold a record 950,000 copies of its new album. Such subtle market signs do not escape the attention of music executives, who've got a fresh crop of teen meat ready for the racks.

TAKE 5

Who: 5 guys from Orlando, Fla. Ages: 16 to 20 Sounds Like: 'N Sync meets Dru Hill Fun Fact: All five members are more than 6 ft. tall and wear size 12 shoes. Yowza! Sample Lyric: "Don't make me wait 'cause I'm ready now/Let's get biz-zay, one time!" Sales Outlook: Platinum

YOUNGSTOWN

Who: 3 guys from (that's right) Youngstown, Ohio Ages: 21 to 24 Sounds Like: 'N Sync meets 2 Live Crew Fun Fact: All three members thank the Lord and Savior in the liner notes Sample Lyric: "We can do it automatic/I can freak you with my gadget" Sales Outlook: Gold

WESTLIFE

Who: 5 lads from Ireland Ages: 19 to 21 Sounds Like: Backstreet Boys meets Richard Marx Fun Fact: Kian, Shane and Mark played T-Birds in high school production of Grease Sample Lyric: "I can't breathe when my heart is broke in two/ There's no beat, without you." Sales Outlook: Platinum