The Wanted [EP]
by The Wanted
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Apr 24, 2012
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 36
  3. Negative: 6 out of 36
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  1. AlexxTrusc
    May 26, 2012
    6
    The Wanted - on their latest EP put up the average pop songs, that blend with what the majority of artists represents - such joyful lyrics about nothing in connection with dance, electronic soundtrack. The only songs in which the patent worked out are "Gold Forever" and the hit song "Glad You Came" - enriched by accordion motifs.
  2. MartianLeaks
    May 3, 2012
    5
    I am so extremely against boy bands. They usually don't harmonize well, personalities don't seem to mix well and the image as a whole ends up tacky. Still, I gave them a chance.

    "Glad You Came" already has Billboard in a choke hold, only being outdone by the massive Fun. & Janelle Monae single "We Are Young." It was the perfect lead single because it really showcases their use of    I am so extremely against boy bands. They usually don't harmonize well, personalities don't seem to mix well and the image as a whole ends up tacky. Still, I gave them a chance.

    "Glad You Came" already has Billboard in a choke hold, only being outdone by the massive Fun. & Janelle Monae single "We Are Young." It was the perfect lead single because it really showcases their use of electro-pop to elevate what would be boring and typical boy band music to a level that keeps them from being annoying.

    "Chasing The Sun" starts of similarly, somewhat gentle, but by the time the song climaxes, you're going to be dancing so hard you might lose a shoe. I did. I'd never imagine a boy band successfully latching onto the dance craze, especially since we haven't had a good one in almost a decade, but this song really could potentially be a summer smash. It is the next single, after all. The highlight definitely has to be the adrenaline pumping 808. "All Time Low" is the more typical boy band track. It doesn't really have a particular stand out moment. It almost feels like "Chasing the Sun" never really ended, but the melody was slightly altered and pushed on.

    "Satellite" makes up for the dip "All Time Low" made, but is still consistent in style from the previous three tracks. Slower verses, killer dance chorus. This song is a bit catchier and you actually hear a slight sliver of personality coming out.

    "Lightning" is where the EP starts to falter. Even though it's a nice tune, at this point it's monotonous. Same build. Same underlying beat. Same harmonies. They are in desperate need of a Beyoncé to take the lead.

    Then, all of a sudden the dance party ends. I didn't really know what to think of "Heart Vacancy" because I was so caught of guard by the sudden disruption of electro-synths with a acoustic guitar. Did Taylor Swift walk in the room? I'll say it again, none of these boys really stand out from one another. Every good band has a leader. I can't even tell who's singing what. Their vocals are actually kind of weak.

    Sorry, "Gold Forever." I already stopped having fun. Don't trying restarting the party.

    Ok, I'm being dramatic. The EP isn't bad by any means. It's just lacking a few key items, like a lead singer, varying beats and maybe one of them can rap or something. I don't know. Liven it up! They came swinging, but they missed quite a few punches. This could have been epic, but it falls just short of "pretty cool."

    I'd slap a 5 out of 10 on this one. Am I being to generous? Too harsh? Let me know in the comments!    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. Billboard.com
    Apr 26, 2012
    68
    Nothing on The Wanted's debut U.S. EP comes close to "Glad You Came," but the extended play contains a number of fine-tuned melodies that could succeed the group's latest radio hit
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  2. Rolling Stone
    Apr 26, 2012
    40
    The Wanted take cues from Coldplay ("Clocks"-style piano shows up on "Gold Forever") and Kings of Leon ("Use Somebody" moans swirl around "Lose My Mind") to no avail, and their dance pop droops where it should bounce.
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  3. AllMusic
    Apr 26, 2012
    80
    Ultimately, there is a musical sophistication and higher maturity level to the Wanted's sound than you might expect.
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