Four years ago since the release of This Is War, Thirty Seconds to Mars have finally delivered Love Lust Faith + Dreams. I could not help but hit play with a sense of utter excitement for my first full length listen. Despite a few songs falling short, they have also created some very strong tracks.
Throughout the album I feel they have stayed true to the signature sound responsible drawing their fans to the “Echelon” family. The songwriting, however, could have had more dedicated time spent to give them more depth beyond being suitable for their crowds to scream back at them in an arena setting. Jared’s voice is captivating and strong but I sense in some tracks, some have been over produced and the rawness has been taken away.
The strength and build up of the vocals with the music in “Birth” is very effective and captured my attention. ‘Conquistador’ uses this same development and is accompanied by the common theme of war and fighting with strength. Next to these there are a couple of tracks with a strong dance beat behind it, and despite not being fond of this personally, I am not completely turned off from the song. Compelling from beginning to end, ‘City of Angels’ is reflective of their sound in previously released albums. I question the point of ‘Pyres of Varanasi’, as a predominantly instrumental track, I feel its purpose is simply to fill some space. ‘Bright Lights’ lyrics, “I’ve been dreaming of things yet to come, Living learning watching burning, eyes on the sun”, were the first that I connected with.
In spite of a few shortcomings within the lyrics and some production of the album, I enjoyed it and look forward to seeing Thirty Seconds to Mars at some point in a stadium and hearing the crowd sing these lyrics back to them.
7/10
Reviewer: Courtney Laura