About fifty years ago, four boys from Liverpool swept the world away with their catchy songs, funny haircuts and general popularity. The Beatles were one of the first British bands to hit America, and with them came many more, like the Rolling Stones, The Who and The Bee Gees. The popularity of the English bands in America is now fondly referred to as the British Invasion.

Nearly five decades later, the second invasion has begun.

With her little black dress, big hair and powerhouse vocals, the nation has swooned with Adele’s songs about relationships gone awry. Her Grammy award winning singles “Rolling in The Deep” and “Someone Like You”, from her album 21, topped the iTunes charts for seven weeks.

One Direction are jumping into the American music life, their breakout album Up All Night breaking US records and becoming the first British pop group to become number one. Third place winners of the United Kingdom’s X-Factor, the six boys have shot to stardom with their chart-topping song “What Makes You Beautiful”.

Also dominating are Mumford and Sons, four indie-rock boys with a banjo. “The Cave” and “Little Lion Man” are two of their popular hits from their album, Sigh No More.

Coldplay has been around for years, yet it is still considered popular. From “The Scientist” to “Yellow”, to “Princess of China” and “Charlie Brown” from their album Mylo Xyloto, the leading man, Chris Martin, wins crowds with the band’s unique sound.

The three rock and pop bands above are all dominating the music industry this year with their contrasting music and differing sound, but late soul singer Amy Winehouse is probably the most well-known of them all. After her death in July of 2011, the twenty-seven year old’s songs have shot back into style. Her deep and powerful lyrics for “Back to Black” and “Rehab” are the most known songs, with millions of buys from iTunes.

The British Invasion: Mark Two has been coming for a long while, starting with Winehouse and exploding onto the scene with Adele herself. Each artist brings a different aspect of music to the scene, from songs about love to catchy rhythms with meaningless lyrics. The English bands and singers collaborate to bring America a whole new sound, from twangy banjos to soulful and incredible lyrics.

And no, they probably do not drink tea and eat crumpets.