by Casey-Leigh Hethers

Created on: November 05, 2011   Last Updated: November 06, 2011

Lightning is the third single on the 2011 album, it follows the success of Gold Forever (recorded for Comic Relief) and Glad You Came. The British-Irish boy band haven't hit a stumbling block yet. Making their debut appearance to the music scene in 2010 with All Time Low in July, they followed it up with the self-titled album The Wanted in October. Brought together by Jayne Collins in 2009, The Wanted have worked on both albums so far with Steve Mac and Wayne Hector.

"When your lips touch mine // It's the kiss of life"

The lyrics of the song could have taken Lightning into any direction. Forwarded on to a different group, or a solo artist, and it's easy to imagine that a softer melody could have made the single into a romantic song for lovers. When sang by The Wanted, Lightning is a vibrant song with a distinct beat and a catchy tune. The words aren't overly complicated, but they are easily memorable and transition smoothly from verse to chorus.

"You're in control // Pressin' pause on my heartbeat"

The opening lines burst in on the heels of an electro-pop rhythm that continues. In the first three verses, most of the lines are completed in batches of two words, a dramatic ploy that serves as being both hypnotic and entrancing. "The rush, too much // And here, it comes" describes the effect of the song on the listener. In the three and a half minutes of playing time, the song and its music is all-consuming, as addicting as "the first hit".

"Now you're here, I feel the fear // But everything, Is oh so clear"

Although the lyrics can suggest mature concepts, the song is accessible to a wide and general audience. There is nothing to suggest parental guidance is necessary and it is somewhat refreshing to discover that a hit song doesn't actually need explicit lyrics to generate its popularity. Some lines are suggestive, but those old enough to understand aren't going to discover anything they wouldn't learn elsewhere and those too young won't even notice.

"I know that it's a little bit frightening // We might as well be playing with lightning"

This part of the chorus is the most noteworthy. It is the part of the song that will leave its listeners humming along to it long after the song has finished playing. Lightning proves that The Wanted are here to stay. The vocals of each band member are extraordinary. Edgy and lively, they have brought a "blast of much-needed fresh air" to British pop music and Lightning does not disappoint. With three hit songs, Battleground is an album not to be missed.

The Wanted is made up of five members: Tom Parker, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, James "Jay" McGuiness and Nathan Sykes. Under the labels Geffen, Global Talent and Def Jam, The Wanted have worked with Guy Chambers, Taio Cruz and Ed Drewett. On the stage, the band has provided support for headlining acts such as Britney Spears and Justin Bieber, a fan of the The Wanted, who personally invited them to join him. The Wanted have gathered a huge fan base.

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