Thirty Seconds to Mars Returns with Optimistic Pandemic Album

With a new ensemble of songs, carved from the chaos of the pandemic, Thirty Seconds to Mars returns to the music scene. The band presents an album aptly named “It’s the End of the World But It’s a Beautiful Day”, a title ringing with melancholy yet brimming with optimism amid despair.

“It resonates with the spirit of our times,” explains Jared Leto, who formed the band with his brother, Shannon. “The world is in turmoil and we’re longing for respite,” he says. “Sometimes, amidst all this, it’s important to remember that life is inherently full of hope and beauty.”

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Despite its extensive title, the band’s sixth studio album ventures into unchartered territory with succinct and nuanced songs that move away from their customary anthems of grandeur.

“We’ve always pushed boundaries,” says Leto. “However, this album is different. The aim was to do less, focus on the vocals, and let the emotion resonate with the listeners.”

Adorned with eleven infectious tracks, the album headlines with “Stuck”, a dancehall track that earns a coveted spot on Billboard’s Rock & Alternate and Alternative Airplay top 10.

“This album marks a significant shift for us. It feels as though we’ve reverted to our early days, filled with anticipation and creative energy, even after six albums,” Leto remarks.

The music has provided the Oscar- and Golden Globe-recipient Leto an engaging alternate amidst the ongoing actors’ strike that has brought the film and TV industry to a standstill.

“I’m indeed grateful for having another expressive outlet, especially one that I share with my brother,” Leto expresses.

The brothers embarked on this musical journey at the onset of the pandemic, working remotely from their respective locations. Jared was based in Nevada and California during the lockdown while Shannon was in Seattle. A process Jared jokingly refers to as maintaining healthy distance while producing an album.

Once they’d exhausted their streaming content during the lockdown, the Leto brothers resolved to use their surplus time productively, resulting in the creation of their latest album.

From their initial compilation of a few hundred songs, they distilled it down to a poignant playlist of eleven, which range from the heartfelt ballad “Never Not Love You” to the uplifting “Get Up Kid”.

Leto explains, “Initially the songs were somber and reflective of isolation, but as we adapted, the songs bore elements of hope and positivity.”

To enhance some tracks, they collaborated with renowned writer-producers Monsters & Strangerz, Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, and Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds.

“Collaborations offer a fresh perspective and helps in personal and professional growth. I wish I’d realized earlier how rewarding and exciting such partnerships could be,” Leto admits.

An acclaimed artist in both the spheres of music and film, Leto is a testament to the fluidity of creative expression. Last summer, Thirty Seconds to Mars shared the Lollapalooza stage with The 1975 and Kendrick Lamar.

“The boundaries of genres and fields are becoming more flexible,” he observes. “Reminiscent of an era when musicians danced, dancers sang and singers acted, all art forms originate from a common source.”

Over time, Leto has eased his control over the band and its music. “In my younger days, control and autonomy were paramount. However, as I grew older, I learned to share and collaborate and remain open to inspiration from others,” he reflects.

Reaching their sixth album, Leto finds himself astounded. “The opportunity to create a sixth album is a privilege. Initially, I never anticipated creating even one album, hearing our songs on the radio, or seeing someone sing along at a concert.”