I
f I'm 20 and want to make out with a 17-year old, am I considered a pedophile?
Let me defend myself: I was never boy crazy as a teenager, and I usually go for older guys.
For those of you who are living under a rock lately (or sleeping with a chemistry book on D-level), 90s-style boy bands are making a comeback like never before, causing pre-teens everywhere (and yours truly) to swoon like my sister did over Lance Bass 10 years ago (pre-spaceflight plans and homosexuality, of course).
Your education on preteen stars begins by hopping the pond, where One Direction has been taking the U.K. by storm since 2010.
The band's members - Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis, no last names needed - were individually competing on England's fifth season of the X Factor until guest judge Nicole Scherzinger (of Pussycat Dolls and Dancing with the Stars fame) suggested they compete as a team.
The members of One Direction range between the ages of 17 and 20, and they've managed a feat that not even the Beatles pulled off: becoming the first British band to top the Billboard 200 list.
If you haven't heard their debut single, "What Makes You Beautiful," yet, be forewarned: with its High School Musical-esque sound and lyrics similar to an early Backstreet Boys song, it will be stuck in your head all. day. long.
It's an experience everyone should have, at least once.
For those of you who prefer to listen to male musical acts that have shaved at least once in their lifetime (no offense, One Direction), then I'd recommend taking a gander at The Wanted.
They transcend the typical definition of a "boy band" - the video for their single "Glad You Came" shows its members - a college-age set that pulls off polo shirts and blazers like only European men can - on spring break in Ibiza, and their lyrics mention partying and hooking up with girls (oh my!).
The band's first single "All Time Low," which was recorded after a mass casting call in England in 2009, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Though the band's been famous in Britain for some time, they owe part of their growing popularity in the U.S. to the Warblers on Glee: after "Glad You Came" was featured on the show, iTunes sales skyrocketed.
Judge me all you want, Hopkids: I'm in love with British boy bands, and I don't care who knows it.
When I see you bopping your head in your library cubicle to the sweet sound of these autotune-perfected pop tunes, I'll be sure to give you a wink of approval.
