The British-Irish boy band One Direction finished third on the seventh season of the U.K. talent show The X Factor, and took home the gold in the 2012 Hair-Moussing Olympiad. For would-be tween heartthrobs, that’s a fine start, and the 13 songs on their debut – including the chugging powerpop hit   "What Makes  You Beautiful" – are engineered by a cast of international songwriting and production heavies (RedOne, Kelly Clarkson) for optimal radio-readiness. But whereas Justin Bieber has charm, that telltale scratchy vocal tone and actual charisma, One Direction are simply five pretty guys with a few decent songs and not much personality. Call them One Dimension. 

Listen To One Direction's "Tell Me a Lie":

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• Photos: Behind the Scenes with One Direction

“Youth Knows No Pain”

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”