The Wanted EP: British Boy Band Release First U.S. Album, Critics And Fans React

If British boy band One Direction wasn't your cup of tea, then you're in luck. There's another band of Brits racing up the charts and they just released their debut U.S. album, The Wanted EP.

In case you haven't heard, The Wanted -- Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes -- are sure to become this summer's next big thing. It doesn't hurt that they're under the guidance of Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber's mastermind manager.

The group's single, "Glad You Came," has already been featured on Fox's hit series "Glee," and the boys made their U.S. television debut on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The single peaked at number three on the U.S. Hot 100 and has sold over two million copies in America since its release.

HitFix appreciated The Wanted EP for its more adult sound. "The Wanted’s solid brand of electro-pop transcends much of the typical boy band material to ensure its appeal beyond a teen demographic," wrote HitFix. "They seldom reach for great depth, but certainly a number of the songs, including the dramatic 'Warzone,' exceed beyond the lightweight pop ditty."

Not all critics, however, were fans. The Los Angeles Times called the EP too heavily-produced and not as charismatic as their boy band rivals One Direction's debut album, Up All Night.

"Though saucier and sleeker than its peers, the Wanted isn't nearly as fun," wrote The Times. "But none of the guys has an especially charismatic -- or even distinguishable -- voice, and the song's production is drag-and-drop generic. 'Chasing the Sun' makes the numbing thump of Tiesto sound incomparably nuanced."

Rolling Stone agreed, citing that, "Their dance pop droops where it should bounce," before adding, "Playing the brooding type might get girls' attention, but it isn't fun to listen to." The music magazine gave the EP only two out of five stars.

Critics aside, it looks like the EP will have no trouble performing well on the charts. The Wanted EP is already the No. 4 album on iTunes.

The boys will drop the video for their new 808 drum-heavy single "Chasing the Sun" Tuesday night on MTV.

REACTIONS: At least fans of The Wanted are loving their new EP