Love Lust Faith + Dreams
30 Seconds to Mars · 2013
44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
An expansive blend of anthemic melodies and introspective lyrics, wrapped in cinematic soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Birth Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Up in the Air — This opening track features soaring choruses and explores themes of ambition and existentialism, serving as a perfect introduction to the album's grand scale.
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City of Angels — With its reflective lyrics and haunting melodies, this track captures the duality of fame and isolation, resonating deeply with listeners navigating similar feelings.
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Do or Die — The song combines motivational lyrics with an infectious energy, embodying the album's overarching themes of perseverance and self-determination.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines anthemic melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship and distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cinematic intro that builds tension before transitioning into the anthemic 'Conquistador', which features layered vocals and a driving beat.
- Several tracks, such as 'City of Angels' and 'Up in the Air', utilize a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing their anthemic quality.
- The final track, 'Depuis le début', features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection that contrasts with the more energetic earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- cathartic moments of soaring melodies
- late-night introspection and exploration
- uplifting anthems for ambitious minds
- background warmth for deep thoughts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer straightforward single experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a mature, ambitious sound and received significant acclaim.
- Career context
- Released on May 17, 2013, this album marked 30 Seconds to Mars' fourth studio effort, following their successful 'This Is War' from 2009. At this point, the band was experiencing a significant transition as they navigated increased mainstream popularity while also dealing with legal disputes with their label.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Muse· Linkin Park· The Killers
Tracklist
- 1 Birth Start here 2:07
- 2 Conquistador 3:12
- 3 Up in the Air 4:35
- 4 City of Angels 5:02
- 5 The Race 3:40
- 6 End of All Days 4:46
- 7 Pyres of Varanasi 3:12
- 8 Bright Lights 4:51
- 9 Do or Die 4:07
- 10 Convergence 2:00
- 11 Northern Lights 4:44
- 12 Depuis le début 2:33
What to play next
America
2018
Continues the expansive sound with a fresh take on themes of identity and culture.
This Is War
2009
Sets the stage with anthemic energy and thematic depth that flows into the current album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The 2nd Law
Muse
Shares expansive soundscapes and grand themes of ambition and societal issues.
Ceremonials
Florence + the Machine
Explores similar emotional depths with rich instrumentation and atmospheric production.
A Thousand Suns
Linkin Park
Features a cinematic approach with thematic explorations of love and loss in a progressive rock context.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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