For the haters: Let's pretend 30 Seconds To Mars aren't fronted by Jared Leto, every female Generation X-er's first rock 'n' roll imaginary boyfriend (thanks to his turn as Jordan Catalano on My So-Called Life).

Okay, you ready? Great. Now, see, isn't A Beautiful Lie pretty damn good? Thought so. The guitars are tight, the vocals screamo goodness, the rhythm section kicking, and the production pitch-perfect. Don't you think it's time for you to get over whatever problem you have with the frontman and embrace a pretty damn good band making pretty damn good music?

Granted, this album isn't rocket science, and as much as the band would like to start a musical revolution via power chords and driving choruses (as seen from their accompanying live set), they're not going to. I'll give you that the latter half suffers from way too many heartfelt ballads ("R-Evolve" and "A Modern Myth"), but that doesn't mean that A Beautiful Lie isn't peppered with powerful tracks that make you want to pogo like a bastard in your living room ("The Fantasy") or have angst-ridden pre-break-up sex ("Was it a Dream"). It is.

For the fans: Jared, Shannon, Tomo, and Matt are even better the second time around. And, damn, Jared still makes this Generation X-er's panties drop.
www.30secondstomars.com
www.virginrecords.com

Your name:

Your email address (required):

Your URL (optional):

Your constructive criticism:


Type this code into the box below:

 Past Constructive Criticism

Kristína posted the following Constructive Criticism: Hello,how are you??

Tequilla Rivera posted the following Constructive Criticism: I think that they rock no matter wat i love them.

Annie posted the following Constructive Criticism: The album A Beautiful Lie is an awesome album...the band is great and I hope they keep doing what they do best because its working for them and I hope they stick around for a lot longer!!!!!

Paola posted the following Constructive Criticism: I want to know more about the band, they are interesting for me and love the band!!!! All of you are to much hot!!!!

hi posted the following Constructive Criticism: I love his high voice. I love the guitarists. I love the screaming. From Yesterday is my favoritesong ever, andthats pretty awesome 'cause my whole life is listening to songs

Sarah posted the following Constructive Criticism: I LUV this Band

Samantha posted the following Constructive Criticism: I know someone who looks like Jared Leto!

EARA posted the following Constructive Criticism: I think this new cd of 30STM is wonderfull in <ll means this guys grew up much better in this record and I feel very proud of them. It's ironic 'cause in the place where I live I haven't found someone who know them but very soon they will be notice all around the world.

amanda posted the following Constructive Criticism: I saw 30 seconds to mars at buzz fest in houston,tx and i thought they were awsome! I was surprised to hear such an amazing voice and scream come out of jared, as everybody knows, not many actors can actually sing...But i think that the new record is great. It reaches fans on a new level, the band did a great job writing songs. It's like there is a song for every chapter in my life. I also met the band and they seem like a really nice group of guys. I hope they come back to Houston some time because they have a strong fan base here and houston is the best place to have a rock concert!

BOBO posted the following Constructive Criticism: i think 30 seconds to mars is so awesome!! i barley found out about them and fell in love with them. i even ran out and got their cd. when i looked through the little book i saw jared leto but i wasnt sure if it was him!! I was so suprised it was him cuz he is one of my all time favorite actors. i dont like 30 seconds to mars cuz of him though i liked them because of their music and thats whats great about this band their fuckin awesome and they happen to have one of the best actors in the world be in their band!!!

Crystal Hayes posted the following Constructive Criticism: I just heard 30 Seconds to Mars for the first time at the Audioslave and seether concert on sept. 28, and i fell in love with them. People who dont like 30 Seconds to Mars are fuck'n crazy azz suns of bitches! That's hella awesome music!!

Jene posted the following Constructive Criticism: How can anyone have anything against Jared Leto? He's a great actor. Have you seen Requiem for a Dream? or Alexander? or Prefontaine? even as the X-er's favorite heartthrob (Jordan Catalano), he manages to capture pretty much everyone who has ever seen him's attention, and that to me is a great quality in a frontman. Not to mention, his great vocals help. I hope 30STM sticks around for many years to come. And the rest of the band, including Shannon Leto, who is by far one of the most naturally talented drummers i have ever heard, all of them together create something wonderful - the true essence of what music should be. pure.

Kevin Lovelace posted the following Constructive Criticism: Bought the album the day it came out and haven't stop listening to it at least once a day ever since. You guys really have done it again and I thank you for making an album with substance in this rap/pop suck we all live in. MTV and VH1 should come around from what ever dream land they live in and give you guys the props you deserve.

Tracey posted the following Constructive Criticism: I think the new Album is amazing. I can't stop playing "Was it a Dream". Ok, Matt is the best. That is all there is to it. If you have ever been around him, you would know that! He is as real as they come, hey who is "Libby"?????

30 posted the following Constructive Criticism: I have to be honest,I found out about the band because I saw Jared in Alexander. However, I had no idea what an incredible find I had made in a musician! Caught 30STM on stage in Houston, bought the new cd and can't stop singing the songs 24/7. The lyrics are addicting, the music makes me pulse and the vocals make me turn it up louder! I'm a fan of 30STM forever and will anxiously await more albums. BUT, Jared please don't stop showing your face on the big screen too (ohlala)!

Jose posted the following Constructive Criticism: Ok let me say this first off. I am not a fan of what some call "radio rock". I am strictly a fan of indie/punk/hardcore/metal music. This is not your typical radio rock. Let's face it everyone get's played on the radio everyonce in a while and of all the like minded bands out there (which by the way aren't anywhere near as good as these guys)30 Sec. To Mars deserve it. They write melodic and atmospheric songs that get stuck in your head for days. This band dispells the notion of the actor turned rocker flop. Jared Leto is a talented actor (See Requiem for a Dream only the best movie of all time) and now we see it runs in the family as he, his brother and two others are equally talented musicians. They take from many good musical styles and make it something all their own. So all you close minded people out there should give this another chance cause there's something here for everybody. Oh and by the way, why not the lyrics in the booklet? It takes so much away for me. Anyway still a good album.

Denise posted the following Constructive Criticism: I love the album "A Beautiful Lie". All the songs are great, the lyrics are amazing, reflective, meaningful, the music is very melodic, and Jared has a beautiful, captivating voice. The guys are totally awesome. I wish 30 STM continued success and hope they achieve their dreams.

Angie posted the following Constructive Criticism: I am a proud member of the Echelon, and I am so happy that people are finally giving 30 Seconds to Mars a chance. I look forward to thanking all the guys in the band for giving me the wonderful gift of their music at the Blue Cats show in Knoxville, TN. Thanks!

bret posted the following Constructive Criticism: When other commenters above are talking about their new album sounding the same as every other rock band...i simply dont see that.....i mean.sure..its different then their first album..but compared to other bands, 30 seconds to mars is a whole new genre on its own...bands like nicklebak, three days grace, theory of a deadman, default.....those type of bands...THOSE sound the same..more or less trying to copy pearljam...but 30 seconds to mars, name one band that they sound very similar to? where i live (toronto), there are many bands that are underappreciated...and 30 seconds to mars is one of them...i hope you guys continue to do what your doin....i wanna hear the 3rd album soon =P

will posted the following Constructive Criticism: great album but couldn't load it onto my ipod which was a really stupid move.

Cody posted the following Constructive Criticism: OK, I really think that no matter what people say, 30STM is still going to be the most unique rock band out there. Their music is just simply so different from the rest of the bands out there today. And the lyrics are simply stellar. They just blow me away every time I listen to them. Although the new album does sound a bit more generic, it still kicks loads of ass. Period.

Gus posted the following Constructive Criticism: A Beautiful is nowhere near as good as their first album. Everything that made the first album so unique and mind-blowing has been stript off the new release. The amazing atmosphere perfected on the first album that managed to transport the listener to a different universe is gone. I am very dissapointed that a band could go from making the best rock release of 2002 to an insignificant release in 2005 that sounds like every other rock band on the scene right now. I still love 30STM for their first album and i still have hope for them in the future.

ruckus jones posted the following Constructive Criticism: jay was the dude from my so-called life? i never knew that.. interesting. anyway, i've been rocking the preview of this album for monthes and it's still damn good. because some people like myself are still unfortunate enough not to possess a deck in their car, i find myself calling up the local k-rock station to request "attack" constantly.. even if it is the song i've heard the most off this album. gotta give them their recognition and daps, right? long live 30s2m. ~r. jones.

Andres Garcia posted the following Constructive Criticism: this album is by far the best ever well the first is beautiful too!!i love them both

Kimberly posted the following Constructive Criticism: I just got the CD today, after pre-ordering it from the concert I went to of theirs in Corpus Christi, TX last Thursday. I'm listening to it now, and I think it's great. I didn't even know it was their 2nd CD...Now I'm going to have to go find their first one and get that, too.

dark666ana posted the following Constructive Criticism: omg 30 seconds to mars is the best band ever!!!! this guys are really awesome and crazy!!!! i love them and i cant live without them, THEY ARE SIMPLY GREAT!!!!!

Dennis posted the following Constructive Criticism: AWESOME CD and seeing them this week-end in Hartford, CT. One grip..can't load CD to my IPod, what is this all about....I bought it from the store to get the notes etc for premium bucks. Should have bought it cheaper on iTunes directly...bad move boys

Matt posted the following Constructive Criticism: I just bought the album like an hour ago, listened to it once, and I've got to say this band has shown a lot of growth from their first effort. First off, you know this is straight up 30STM (if there is such a thing this early in their career) just from the first track. A great mix of synthesized melody, a driving beat, and a wall of guitars give way to 30STM's sound. But, they change gears with calmer music forshadowed on their first album. A Beautiful Lie has that sound, the hooks, one that really embodies what modern rock music should be, rather than so many clones and recycled 90's copies. 30STM has diversity, flow, drive, what more could you want from a rock band? A great album.

Andrea posted the following Constructive Criticism: It's always great to see a review that is willing to review the music and not just the fact that 30stm is fronted by an actor. 30stm is worth a listen for any fan of rock, and this album is definitely not a disappointment. Anyone - if you have the chance to see them live, do it! Great live performers and usually hang out to autograph/meet afterwards. You will be blown away.

AnNa posted the following Constructive Criticism: 30stm is totally awesome! they define the real meaning of rock! the music is cool, the band members are amzing,espacially jared...^_^)they obviously have charisma and they are getting more and more successful.What more can you ask for? more power to you guys! you absolutely rock!

avy posted the following Constructive Criticism: Thats a great review!! i really liked it!! and i cant wait for the cd to came out!!

pearl posted the following Constructive Criticism: i'm from bombay, india. i absolutely love 30stm. jared, you've got a fabulous voice. just please come to india at some point in time. or i may never ever get to hear you live. all i get is the videos on VHI and they don't play you guys all that much.

Juliana posted the following Constructive Criticism: A Beautiful Lie is a very great album, and the truth is that 30 seconds to Mars is a very great band, with four wonderful musicians and with a fantastic future ahead...like we'd say here in Brazil " World, stay awake for 30 Seconds to Mars, 'cause this band is a promisse". Great Work, guys, you're good.

meg posted the following Constructive Criticism: funny thing is I got turned on to the band after I saw Jared in a movie and thought he was completely hot...30stm rocks! can't wait for "beautiful lie"...comes out on my birthday you know. Too bad they aren't coming to STL on tour...I'd kill to get backstage. Wet panties you know! ;)

Mike posted the following Constructive Criticism: Wow.. i dont know where to start i bought tickets to go see the used at sunset station in San Antonio and no offense to the Used but 30STM stole the whole show!! Absolutley amazing! Attack is such an amazing song an i see it going very very far.From a musicians perspective i have no comlaints what so ever the music was not only tight but well put together.Yall are doing your thing and keeping it real with the music and i respect that the most.*appaluad* Good job guys!I look foward to buying your cd.

XAVIER posted the following Constructive Criticism: YOU GUY FUCKING ROCKED SAN ANTONIO @ SUNSET STATION. LAST NIGHT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HEARD OF YOU AND IM GLAD I SAW IT LIVE. I THINK I HAVE A NEW FAVORITE BAND. COME BACK AGAIN PLEASE!

Joice posted the following Constructive Criticism: Jared...it's the second album of the band!!!! the 1st one was full with power, energy and soul!!!this one comes from the heart of the members, i like the 1st better but the second it's very catchy, AUGUST 30TH!!!!!!

Doug L. posted the following Constructive Criticism: How is there so much critisism for an album that isn't on the shelves as of yet? Am I missing something here?

Henna posted the following Constructive Criticism: the new album beautiful lie kicks ass, ³º Seconds To Mars is definitely of the greatest bands on Earth! I've been around since their first single and been fan of Jared over 10 years..longing to see them live!

Jessica Naylor posted the following Constructive Criticism: No criticism! I know you hear this all the time but ya'll are AWESOME! I've already got my calendar marked for October 27! When ya'll come to Montgomery! I love OFF the WAGON! They get the best bands! Can't wait to see you!

Jesse posted the following Constructive Criticism: Ive been a huge fan of 30STM for a long while now and absolutly love every aspect of the band. I sort of agree with those of you who say A Beautiful Lie isnt as powerful and lyrical as the first cd, but Jared said to me he didnt want to make the second album sound exactly like the first. Mission accomplished. 30STM is a one-of-a-kind band that breaks the rules when it comes to modern rock. I will always support them in everything they do. ...Provehito in Altum

D posted the following Constructive Criticism: Well the new album is okay,but it falls extremely short of being better than the first album. The new sound they produce on the 2nd album is nothing I want to buy. They where on to something really good w/ their 1st album and blew everything away with the making of the second.

steve posted the following Constructive Criticism: 30 seconds to mars are a pretty damn cool band. I saw them at the Shelter here in Detroit a couple of years ago and met them and they are awesome. Can't wait for the new record!

angela posted the following Constructive Criticism: I took my brother to lalla palozza he said it was the best band out of all the other bands there, i aggre. jared or no jared the band FUKING ROCKS

Steve posted the following Constructive Criticism: I saw the band twice in 9 days opening up for Chevelle..All I can say is I AM NOW A FAN!!

Megan posted the following Constructive Criticism: 30 Seconds is awesome. They are the new sound that we need to us pull out of this era of mediocrity.

Ethan-aka-Echelon~America posted the following Constructive Criticism: I just want to say, 30 Seconds to Mars does kick ass. Wheather or not they start a musical-revolution is an opinion. All in all, 30STM will continue to blast from my 10's, for as long as I have a vehicle. Provehito en altum.

Mary posted the following Constructive Criticism: I just started listening to their music and I love it! I can't wait to get the new albumn. I agree that people need to get over hating the fact that jared as an actor...is in the band. He is such a great musician and he writes the songs.

IheartJared posted the following Constructive Criticism: wow, the hotness <3 %^&*%$&* !!!*.. the new album is the sh&*T also ^_^ I'm a fan for life

Jared posted the following Constructive Criticism: you show me a band that has a more unique sound and dynamics. If only all music could have such ingenuity and lyrical genius.

Samm posted the following Constructive Criticism: In my humble opion, "A Beautiful Lie" is a kick in the face. Everything about this album is far superior to the bands first release (take nothing away from it) and has many good things going on. I wasn't expecting it to be as catchy and full sounding as it was. Keep up the good work guys.

jill posted the following Constructive Criticism: your review was on target 100%. and you know what? you're absolutly right, people need to get over and stop hating that jared is a hot actor for the simple fact that, hes also a great musician. this isnt a nicole kidman albumn or something like that. this is real music. get over it and appriciate it people! and i also agree with your last sentence as well! gimme an hour with jared! ;P