What makes Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars notable?

'Closer to the Edge' achieved notable commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving extensive radio play. The album's title track became an anthem for their live shows and contributed to solidifying the band's presence in the alternative rock scene during a period of intense competition. By the time 'Closer to the Edge' was released in 2010, 30 Seconds to Mars had already established themselves with their previous album, 'This Is War' (2009), which had significantly raised their profile. The band was navigating the challenges of mainstream success while continuing to push their artistic boundaries, and this album marked a continuation of their exploration into more complex themes and ambitious soundscapes.

How many songs are on Closer to the Edge?

Closer to the Edge has 2 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Closer to the Edge

30 Seconds to Mars · 2010

11 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

Anthemic melodies and soaring vocals intertwine with cinematic instrumentals, defining the band’s signature sound on a grand scale.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Closer to the Edge — The title track exemplifies the band's dramatic flair, combining motivational lyrics with an explosive chorus that captures their ethos of perseverance and ambition.
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Closer to the Edge (The Japanese Popstars Mix) — This remix adds an electronic dimension to the original, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment with different sonic landscapes while maintaining their core message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodic hooks but is limited in depth due to its brief nature and remix inclusion.

What we noticed

The main track features a build-up with layered vocals and instrumentation that crescendos into an anthemic chorus.
The remix adds electronic elements and alters the pacing, creating a different atmosphere while maintaining the core melody.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The song significantly raised their profile and achieved notable commercial success.
Career context: By the time 'Closer to the Edge' was released in 2010, 30 Seconds to Mars had already established themselves with their previous album, 'This Is War' (2009), which had significantly raised their profile. The band was navigating the challenges of mainstream success while continuing to push their artistic boundaries, and this album marked a continuation of their exploration into more complex themes and ambitious soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Muse· Linkin Park· The Killers