Top 10 Thirty Seconds to Mars Songs

In September of 2013, moviegoers gasped at Jared Leto’s Oscar-winning performance in “Dallas Buyers Club”, and just six months before, Thirty Seconds To Mars dropped this musical brilliance from the top of the world – literally. “Up in the Air” shot into space aboard SpaceX-CRS-2 and premiered on NASA TV followed by a Q & A with Tom Marshburn of Expedition 35. The music video featured a warning for epileptics while the lyrics explored the four themes from the album’s title. Leto and the crew went all out for “Up in the Air” and it was undoubtedly a Big Bang.

How can you not vibe out to the opening groove of this apocalyptic joint? Thirty Seconds to Mars dropped their self-titled debut album during the summer of 2002, and it was track #4 that spoke to fans with visual imagery and the cryptic chorus. “Oblivion” is a hard-hitting number, but still allows the more philosophical fans to kick back and ponder the ultimate question. What if it did all come down? Don’t think too hard while listing to “Oblivion” or you just might become your own worst enemy.

The Leto Brothers of Thirty Seconds to Mars may be huge rock stars now, but once upon a time they were just a couple boys from Louisiana with a dream. For “Night of the Hunter,” Jared Leto penned an aggressive homage to his early days with lyrics that would even make Billy Shakespeare crawl into a corner. The band’s live performances of this 2011 hit cause adoring girls to breathe heavy and have males wishing they could be a member of Thirty Seconds to Mars. As Mick Jagger said, “You can’t always get what you want.”

Los Angeles has often been called the city of broken dreams, but has more optimistically been named the City of Angels. Jared Leto reminisced on his youthful experiences by using the former title, chronicling his reliance on strangers during his early days in Hollywood. The uplifting track has become a fan favorite during live shows, and the 11-minute video features thoughts of various Los Angeles citizens - including Kanye West and Selena Gomez. This song makes us all want to pack our backs and move out to the City of Angels.

Thirty Seconds to Mars embraced all the glory of arena rock for this atmospheric gem. The lyrical game of “Closer to the Edge” is minimal in terms of content, but the message is powerful. Leto’s soaring vocals and hopeful attitude inspired legions of fans, while the spectacular music video takes the experience to another level. You got a pink Mohawk from the lead singer, poignant thoughts from random individuals, and performance footage from over 30 concerts. You have now officially been closer to the edge.

So, you’re going through a breakup and need to let off some steam. This 2005 track will have you screaming in your car or running at a rapid pace on a treadmill. “Attack” nearly failed to make the cut for Thirty Seconds to Mars’ second album, but after a little re-working it became the lead single and powerful statement for the band’s musical acumen. Jared Leto unleashed his cutting lyrics with a fierce snarl and the entertaining music video hid all kind of messages for devoted fans to decipher. Thirty Secondsto Mars brought the sound AND the fury with “Attack.” They brought it good.

Thirty Seconds to Mars shed their rock star clothing for sweaty fatigues and the desert in this existential thrasher off their third album. The lyrical structure appears rather simple at the beginning, but the message becomes more intense and enigmatic as Leto’s contained vocals are let loose. The music video played with viewers’ minds, and was named Video of the Year by MSN Latin America. Put your game face on for this one.

Jared Leto wrote this rock anthem on a flight from Los Angeles to South Africa, which had an epic music video that was strictly a Tinseltown affair. With a universally appealing title and a message of personal redemption, Thirty Seconds to Mars took to the streets of L.A. for a sensational bike race from downtown all the way to the Santa Monica Pier. Featuring references to “The Warriors”, the band successfully sparked a worldwide hit with this alt-rock tune. Go get it, world.

How would you like to shoot an entire music video in the People’s Republic of China? Thirty Seconds to Mars became the first American band ever to accomplish such a feat with this hard-hitting smash featuring a sublime chorus. “From Yesterday” perplexed listeners due to the mysterious lyrics, but the story of struggle and regret can translate to anyone overcoming the odds. Leto’s powerful voice announced a new sound while his band mates rocked out with a quiet fury. Thirty Seconds to Mars took us to musical ecstasy thanks to “From Yesterday”, which became everyday essential listening.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Edge of the Earth”
30 Seconds to Mars (2003)

“A Beautiful Lie”
A Beautiful Lie (2007)

“Hurricane”
This Is War (2009)

“Echelon”
30 Seconds to Mars (2002)

“Do or Die”
LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS (2013)

Listen up, Stanley Kubrick fans. This one’s for you. With lyrical themes of both self-delusion and self-acceptance, Thirty Secondsto Mars produced this musical masterpiece with flair and pure rock star swag. “The Kill” highlights the inherent mysteries of being human while the band paid homage to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” for the must-see music video. If you’re looking for creepy doppelgangers and bear costumes, then “The Kill” will bring you immense joy on top of the exquisite production of the song itself.

Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite 30 Seconds To Mars song? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.