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Album Details
- Artist: 30 Seconds To Mars
- Album: This Is War
- Label: Virgin/EMI
- Year of Release: 2009
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2013-04-18
RecommendSometimes I think I enjoy punishment. I often will ignore obvious clues of danger and disappointment in favor of satisfying my overeager curiousity. And so it was that I picked up This Is War, hoping beyond hope for at least a slight return to 30StM's promising debut. No, no, and no again.
Like too many bands, they've decided to delve further into what is popular, ignoring the high ground of art for art's sake in favor of product placement. Now, before I go any further, I cannot fault anyone who enjoys This Is War and it's electronic pop-centric teenaged exuberance. Hell, there are a couple of tracks here ("Closer To The Edge" and the oddly catchy "Stranger In A Strange Land") that I dig. But the overall direction these guys have taken is a tragic thing in my eyes. I am very tempted to go back and give A Beautiful Lie a better review simply because I wasn't aware they would go any further away from where they started. However, between the ridiculous hip-hop and autotuned vocals of "Hurricane" to the entirely overused gang-chanted backround vocals, This Is War reeks of trying too damned hard to be universally acclaimed.
This is what sells. And more power to anyone who finds something to love here. But I dare anyone to listen to this album, then immediately go back and listen to their self-titled debut, and then tell me you're listening to the same band. The only continuity lies in frontman Jared Leto's vocals, but you know what? Even those have grown tiresome, with ridiculously childish lyrics being shot nasally from his tear-stained diary pages. Embarassing. Immature. Unflinching sell outs of the most disgusting variety; the type who sold something of real value.
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Log In or Register to Rate Albumson 2009-12-08 hstisgod Said:
Wow, you enjoyed this album...I have not enjoyed the two songs I've heard so far.. but will further based on this well thought out review, thanks.
Not Rated
Review:
on 2009-12-08 darcieroy Said:
With the release of their third album, This is War, 30 Seconds to Mars has once and for all shirked their reputation as an angst band. It could instead be argued that, while the wounds of their battle with Virgin Records are evident in their latest release, they instead offer themselves as healthy role models for listeners, channeling their frustration and suffering into songs of hope, optimism, and strength.
I fell apart but I got back up again, Jared Leto croons in Alibi , first in a soothing tone evocative of a lullaby, later soaring to a cry that is both anguished and exultant. This sentiment of determination and healing echoes throughout the album.
Its rare for me to like an album the first time I hear it. Ive always found comfort in familiarity; usually new songs have to grow on me. But it was love at first listen for This is War. Its the kind of music you can listen to with your eyes closed and see the sun rise; the kind of music you blast with the cars windows rolled down; the kind you sing along to with the enthusiasm of a fevered tent-revival disciple. This album gives you chills from its first notes.
As if it were even possible to do so, following the release of their platinum-selling second album, A Beautiful Lie, the talented men of 30 Seconds to Mars have continued to improve their musical aptitude, producing a more polished and innovative album than the previous two. (Note that I do NOT mean more mainstream despite their producer Floods experience with renowned bands such as U2, Depeche Mode, and The Smashing Pumpkins, they continue to admirably deviate from the flow of pop music.) One example of their musical pioneering would be the choral accompaniments to many of the songs: the uplifting chants heard in the background of such songs as the title track (also featured in the game Dragon Age: Origins), Night of the Hunter , and Hurricane are actually the voices of 30 Seconds to Mars fans, recorded earlier this year in a digital summit (just one of many ways the band incorporates its army into the music). These full-bodied compositions will undoubtedly play well in the acoustics of a large venue.
This Is War also contains more of the smoky, sexy, whispered vocals that particularly send Letos admirers swooning. Because of this, the album will likely perform well in an intimate, acoustic setting. Regardless of the site, This Is War seems destined for live performance greatness.
Overall, 30 Seconds to Mars has used their strife to demonstrate unparalleled poise and grace, and the result is an album with more depth and intensity than Ive experienced in a long time. This Is War has triumphed.
Darcie Roy
Provehito In Altum
Rating: 10/10
