The Wanted

Boy bands apparently didn’t die. Rather, they’ve been relegated to Europe, where Take That copies continue to thrive. British dreamboats The Wanted have every major component of a successful tween sensation: a rugged, bald bad boy; a non-threatening dude with a curly crop; and three androgynous other dudes, all of whom wear leather in front of music video explosions. It sounds ridiculous, but somehow it works, because these guys are mega-popular in England, earning Brit Award nods and zillions of YouTube clicks. Forget the Biebs and his one-man-boy-band act. Watching The Wanted, it’s obvious that someone out in the music landscape realized the baby-faced Canuck’s day is numbered. No one wants droopy pants and haircuts anymore. Instead, they apparently want synchronized kneeling and sexier accents. 

Updated 01/17/2012