By: Natalie Hovanesian

When one usually thinks of a boy band, the word “talent” does not usually follow your train of thought. The Wanted is here to prove many of us wrong.

My first encounter with the British musical group took place on my trip to England in the summer of 2010. Its first single, “All Time Low” was playing on televisions and radios every day and was very popular among young girls all over the United Kingdom.

Recently, its second album Battleground was released, staying true to its original style despite the band’s growing fame, while simultaneously adding elements that make it special.

The band consists of five members: Max George, Nathan Sykes, Tom Parker, Jay McGuiness, and Siva Kaneswaran. In the majority of the songs, they each have a solo, but sing together during the choruses, giving their music a unique feel.

“Glad You Came” has been slowly gaining the attention of Americans with KIIS F.M. as it repeatedly plays the upbeat, dance type song. It starts off slowly with a piano medley and gradually builds up to the main rhythm. The song utilizes an accordion, giving it a European vibe and further adding on to the unique element of the album.

The band has come as far as making a 2012 T.V. debut on the Ellen DeGeneres Show which has enabled their first tour in the United States. This is unbelievable considering the fact that about two months ago when I searched “The Wanted” online, I’d get results like “America’s Most Wanted.” Now, the first result has the link to the “Glad You Came” music video.

Other than “Glad You Came,” the single “Lightening,” also catches one’s attention. It is a very happy and fun song that will make listeners want to sing along to the sweet and loving lyrics such as “pressing pause on my heartbeat.” It’s happy and fast beat combined with the optimistic lyrics makes the perfect “feel-good” song.
“Gold Forever” focuses more on the band’s vocal talents. It was used for a charity called “Comic Relief” which made the single more meaningful. The heartfelt lyrics, “we were meant to fly,” creates an inspirational mood that is sure to get listeners hooked to the song.

While most of the singles have an outgoing feel, “Warzone” has more of a relaxing and calm tone. The song starts out with the band’s signature amazing piano solo played by Sykes. He then starts to sing with his powerful and velvety voice. The song speaks out to those who have had problems with love and, as the lyrics state, are “running from a warzone.”

Overall, the album contains songs of pop and dance that are accompanied with great vocals from all the boys.