Feature: Thirty Seconds To Mars' "Love Lust Faith + Dreams" Begins New Alternative Revolution

Thirty Seconds to Mars went big with Love Lust Faith + Dreams.

In fact, Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, and Tomo Mili?evi? crafted the most expansive, entrancing, and ethereal experience of 2013. Artfully bringing together lush electronics, rapturous guitars, and Jared's impressive delivery, the likes of "Conquistador" and "Up In The Air" open the gateway into a warm and wild world. Each element builds into the framework of an intricate and inviting piece of art. The centerpiece "City of Angels" shimmers as a poetic love letter to Los Angeles, highlighting every facet of the city's elegance and darkness. Jared's visual interpretation proves instantly unforgettable.

"The Race" swells from an orchestral synth into an anthemic stadium-size hook. Meanwhile, "End Of All Days" pulsates from a slow piano swell as Jared paints a poignant picture announcing, "All we need is faith". "Pyres Of Varanasi" ignites a different kind of fire with a near operatic intensity, merging cinematic scope and kinetic instrumentation. Then, there's "Bright Lights" which shines brilliantly, spouting a soaring hook that's as dreamy as it is divine.

By the time, Love Lust Faith + Dreams concludes on "Northern Lights" and "Depuis le Début", everything has assembled into a cathartic send-off that's simultaneously pensive and powerful. Thirty Seconds To Mars make a definitive statement by crafting a record this deep in this day and age. They preserve the spirit of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles—the real forebearers of "alternative"—ushering in a new age as they do so. You've got to listen to this album from start-to-finish on headphones, and then you've got to discuss it with your friends. That's the way music's supposed to be.

This could very well start a new dawn. Let's have Faith it does.

—Rick Florino
11.20.13

What's your favorite Thirty Seconds To Mars song?