One Direction at Allstate Arena | Slideshow
One Direction performs at Allstate Arena, June 2, 2012
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One Direction performs at Allstate Arena, June 2, 2012
Photo: Bill Whitmire
Six months ago, I had never heard of boy band One Direction. And then—BAM! Its debut single "What Makes You Beautiful" garnered a whopping two million U.S. downloads. These guys sold out Madison Square Garden in mere minutes. In fact, the group's summer tour in the States has generated so much buzz that it's already been extended to 2013.
To what do we owe this tremendous phenomenon? Call them a breath of fresh air. The band doesn't rely upon Disney, Nickelodeon or any of the other standard vehicles that propel the rise of most American teen sensations. Sure, they have the familiar qualities to which teens—in particular, teen girls—flock: catchy pop riffs, fun lyrics, charismatic (and crush-worthy) band members. The super troupe, which received its big break on the quintessentially British program The X Factor , is just unique enough to stir up excitement.
A 21st-century British Invasion? I’m hesitant to dub it that. Musically speaking, One Direction isn't even in sight of legends such as The Beatles (we’ll talk again when they achieve a successful follow-up to "What Makes You Beautiful"). But I have to give the guys credit for their ability to know and command their audience, which has resulted in one of the biggest music manias of today.
