User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 177 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 16 out of 177

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  1. ScottS
    Oct 6, 2005
    10
    Despite being critically panned for Leto's sci-fi lyrics, which I happen to like, I think this is one of the best hard rock efforts in the last few years. All the songs are listenable, heavy, and thought-provoking. I've probably listened to it a 100 times and I don't exactly have time to waste on 'pretty good' CDs. Excellent work and highly recommended.
  2. marcoo
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    it's hard to categorize this album... it has a dark, dramatic and sometimes desperate feeling, progressive passages and great guitarwork... don't call this rock or, worse, grunge (!)... this is "almost" gothic metal at its best. simply one of my favourite albums of all times.
  3. AngelaB.
    Oct 9, 2002
    10
    Very satisfying, soothing medicine. My new very favorite.
  4. AmandaP.
    Sep 10, 2002
    10
    Everybody knows it's not a good idea for actors to become rock stars (Keanu Reeves...Russell Crowe...Kevin Bacon), but in this case, Jared Leto proves he can do it - and well. His new band, 30 Seconds To Mars, is very promising, and they showcase a sound that is unique in a world of cookie cutter pop acts and yes, cookie cutter rock bands. Leto has the perfect voice for his anthemic Everybody knows it's not a good idea for actors to become rock stars (Keanu Reeves...Russell Crowe...Kevin Bacon), but in this case, Jared Leto proves he can do it - and well. His new band, 30 Seconds To Mars, is very promising, and they showcase a sound that is unique in a world of cookie cutter pop acts and yes, cookie cutter rock bands. Leto has the perfect voice for his anthemic space-y rock, which has a brooding and futuristic tone. The first time, many of the tracks on their disc may sound similar, but a closer listen unveils the complex thoughts and patterns in each song. 30 Seconds to Mars? sound has been compared to the Cure to Peter Gabriel to Pink Floyd to Rush; it?s something you won?t find in any other modern rock band. Crisp harmonies and driving guitars propel the album along with thought-provoking poetry. The lyrics may be a bit out there, but as Leto said in an interview, "there are enough guys out there singing about their girlfriends and fathers. And doing a good job of it." Would we really want to hear about his problems with Cameron Diaz? Leto is poignant and passionate, and listeners will be drawn to his music. One has to give Leto credit for not using his pretty face to sell the record - neither the band's website nor the album's liner notes has a single photo of Leto. He's trying to make it based on the music, and from the looks of it, he will. Expand
  5. DAveS
    Sep 1, 2002
    10
    30STM has done what very few bands, let alone rock bands have been able to do. 30STM creates an album with music that is more composed than just the repitition of a few chords, very similarly to the band Tool. In an industry where most bands have little musical talent, or are just another linkin park, limp bizkit, rock/rap genre, it's refreshing to see a band with actual talent make it.
  6. SamH
    Mar 10, 2003
    10
    This CD is awesome! Jared himself as well as his voice are beautiful!
  7. JustinP
    Mar 6, 2003
    10
    This is one of the most amazing albums that I've personally ever heard. The fact that he does sing about soace and astronomy so much just adds their own touch. I'm glad they don't fit into the mainstream genre. Check this album out, and just sit back and enjoy this masterpiece.
  8. DavidK
    Jan 9, 2005
    10
    I own the CD and I am now a HUGE fan of 30 seconds to mars, I love them, from the spine tingling notes Leto hits, to the rightous drumming, and though I'm not into the whole sci-fi lyrical form I love these guys!!!
  9. Blasikov
    Oct 1, 2002
    10
    Sweet action. I keep listening to it, I can't STOP. HELP ME!!!!
  10. MitchC.
    Oct 5, 2002
    10
    I haven;t heard a cd this good since KMFDM's ATTAK. Completely Awesome!
  11. ShimazuF.
    Oct 7, 2002
    10
    Tis a damn spanky effort. the boy's done good, really good!
  12. LaurenH.
    Sep 28, 2002
    10
    The songs on the album are great!, 30 seconds from mars is tha best!!!
  13. LauraO
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    can't I give 11? This can't be a too bad album, because I have listened it a few weeks on a row, and it still sounds as good as when I got it! Jared is great, his voice matching the music perfectly. The lyrics... I have hears worse, and by now, I haven't noticed anything crappy in them! While waiting for the next demo... let's listen to this album! :)
  14. JohnnyR.
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    Great album, the musical complexity here is amazing. Not to mention that Jared Leto played almost all the instruments.
  15. ChristineW.
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    the band in my opinion sets a good example to us teenagers and their music is unbelieveable good.
  16. AnthonyG.
    Oct 11, 2002
    10
    when i got my incubus tickets and 30 seconds to mars was the opener, i never heard of them so i went to the store and the cd was 6.88 you cant beat that, i trrew it in my cd player and was mesmerized by the way the heavy guitars, didnt overshadow the singers voice which caps of the amazing preformances on the album. after the listen i hoped on line to find out more only to be shocked that when i got my incubus tickets and 30 seconds to mars was the opener, i never heard of them so i went to the store and the cd was 6.88 you cant beat that, i trrew it in my cd player and was mesmerized by the way the heavy guitars, didnt overshadow the singers voice which caps of the amazing preformances on the album. after the listen i hoped on line to find out more only to be shocked that the voice i just heard was jared leto, jared deservse all the respect we give to other great singers as well as to his band kudos to 30 seconds to mars. i was even more impressed at the concert with how they treated there fans, they talked to me for about 10 minutes about the album and none of them includeing jared acted like they were better then you. class acts. these guys care about the music Expand
  17. Chrissie
    Oct 13, 2002
    10
    This is my new favorite album, I saw them in concert before it even came out and i knew i had to have it! They are an awesum band who kicks major ace!
  18. Tracie
    Nov 4, 2002
    10
    kicks ass!
  19. Tiffany
    Nov 5, 2002
    10
    Thank God,30STM, a band with musical depth and a fresh sound, have let us hear their talent. I quit listening to the radio b/c most of the crap out right now sounds the same. But from beginning to end this cd is a breath of fresh air. I am completely addicted to the cd; it's intoxicating and exhillerating. 2 enthusiastic thumbs up to Jared Leto and the boys!
  20. Deanna
    Oct 26, 2002
    10
    I absolutely adore this album. I fell in love with the music because it was different from all the other junk. Because I liked 30stm so much, I decided to go digging around on the net to find out some more info on the band. I was completely shocked to find that Leto was the frontman for the band. I must admit, the guy can rock. Just for clarity's sake, the rest of the band rocks too!
  21. KimberleyH.
    Oct 30, 2002
    10
    This is the best CD I've heard in a long time......I've been waiting for its release for a long time......but it was definitly worth the wait!!!!! Jared Leto is the BEST!!!!!
  22. TomD
    Oct 4, 2002
    10
    I have to say this band kicks some serious azz.
  23. Kara
    Oct 6, 2002
    10
    i saw 30 seconds to mars sep 18 with my all time fav ban incubus (awes show), and i had never heard of them or the lead singer, who had a rep as an actor. i guess i was looking for a type of rock that i liked and this was it. a cool blend of electronics and haunting guitar playing, i give them a 10. the only thing i regret is not going down to see them between shows!great music, great i saw 30 seconds to mars sep 18 with my all time fav ban incubus (awes show), and i had never heard of them or the lead singer, who had a rep as an actor. i guess i was looking for a type of rock that i liked and this was it. a cool blend of electronics and haunting guitar playing, i give them a 10. the only thing i regret is not going down to see them between shows!great music, great style, great lyrics. Expand
  24. JasonR.
    Aug 21, 2002
    10
    Great stuff, friend mentioned them to me, been listening to them since. Comes with the highest recommendations.
  25. zachbeebee
    Aug 22, 2002
    10
    this album rocks
  26. CW
    Sep 17, 2002
    10
    see these guys live twice. If you don't like these guys there something wrong with your hearing
  27. JiLL
    Sep 27, 2002
    10
    I saw these guys in concert with Incubus on sept. 19th also got the autographs and pictures of 30stm....they were very down to earth funny people...The album rocks and thats all I listen to from the time I wake up til the time I get home from school... All I hope for is that they dont end up becoming trendy like linkin park has...that would really set me off...and also I thought of the I saw these guys in concert with Incubus on sept. 19th also got the autographs and pictures of 30stm....they were very down to earth funny people...The album rocks and thats all I listen to from the time I wake up til the time I get home from school... All I hope for is that they dont end up becoming trendy like linkin park has...that would really set me off...and also I thought of the same thing as the other girl...I'm actually happy to see that Jared Leto's picture is not on the cd cover nor the website because I want people to like them for their talent and their music not just because of Jared's Gorgeous face...and to see its not all him the other band members are very talented too..Think about it, it wouldnt be 30 seconds to mars without the others... Thanks and Good Luck Guys! Keep Rockin' Expand
  28. ArleneS.
    Sep 6, 2002
    10
    I love this Album. It's one of my favorits. And I hope that the fans that see them on tour with Incubus appreciate them cuz not only can Jared Leto act, but he can also perform. I hope that who ever seems them enjoy the show, cuz i know that i did. GOOD JOB u guys.
  29. LindaS
    Mar 7, 2004
    10
    Great! It's completely different from the music that I usually listen, but... fantastic. The CD gives such an energy!... :)
  30. SharreG
    Feb 15, 2006
    10
    Justin you are the biggest idiot there is. This band is awesome and further more why dont you run back to seether and tell them the next album they make not to take every song from every cd they have ever made and put it on the d@mn cd. Tell seether to get some original material for once in their lives. 30 seconds rules leto is a better singer than I though he would be. At first I was Justin you are the biggest idiot there is. This band is awesome and further more why dont you run back to seether and tell them the next album they make not to take every song from every cd they have ever made and put it on the d@mn cd. Tell seether to get some original material for once in their lives. 30 seconds rules leto is a better singer than I though he would be. At first I was skeptical but then I actually gave them a chance and I love them. Expand
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Nov 11, 2015
    90
    30 Seconds to Mars has managed to record an album that breathes life into the empty shell that corporate rock has become, and in reanimating an avenue of musical expression that has for many years been on its deathbed, has quite possibly offered the single best rock experience of 2002.
  2. Blender
    60
    30STM manage a high-minded space opera of epic scope befitting prog-rock prototypes Rush. [#9, p.142]
  3. Q Magazine
    40
    The album has a polished sheen, but Leto's delivery of his earnest, sci-fi-tinged lyrics gets monotonous over the course of the album. [Dec 2002, p.96]