A Beautiful Lie Review

Released: Aug 16, 2005
Label: Virgin/Immortal
Genre: Rock
Styles: Post-Grunge
Number Of Tracks: 12
This CD is a little tighter and more streamlined than their eponymous 2002 debut, but the basic angst-ridden rock remains the same.

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	8.1
Impression:	8.8
Overall rating:	8.6
Users rating:	8.3
Comments:	23

overall: 5.3

Featured review by: UG Team, on october 26, 2005

Sound: It's never been a rare occasion that actors went into other kinds of art, trying to see where they can become more successful. 30 Seconds To Mars frontman and actor Jared Leto is no exeption. The band recorded their debut self-titled album in 2002 and the CD didn't get much attention at that time. "Beautiful Lie," out August 2005, is their second try to hit the charts. The album is 10 arena emo-rock songs plus a hidden track. The title track "A Beautiful Life" is probably the highlight of the record. That's a song by a bisexual guy, who was cheated by one of his partners. It sticks in your head and can't get rid of that annoying voice, howling "It's a beautiful li-i-i-i-ie-e-e."

The guitars are represented by a wall of distortion upon some melody line. Endless wall with no ups and downs, which makes the songs sound like there's no beginning and no end. Electronic keyboard sounds like it's been borrowed from '80s.

Most of the album sound like you've heard it somewhere before. I can't help thinking about Hoobastank and Puddle Of Mud listening to songs like "The Kill" and "Attack." Still the band says that their style is something different from other bands. Weird, but I didn't find anything new. // 5

Lyrics and Singing: Songs are about nothing and everything -? common phrases and words that only lazy ones didn't sing yet (like "Run away" and "Look in my eyes/you're killing me, killing me. All I wanted was you") that you've already heard a million times. Depressive lyrics about a young guy who lost his last hope and the way he's singing leaves you with no doubt -? that's a hopeless case. I don't know what it would make you feel like, but it puts in such boredom. // 5

Impression: What saves the record and makes it at least listenable is that everything is pretty well played and produced. But the band desperately needs new ideas. Seems like 30 Seconds To Mars are trying to be fashionable. But by the time they find out some new trend, write a song about it, record it and put on the album, this fashion is far far away.

I guess sometimes you can't be good in two things, doing them at the same time. If I could choose, I'd leave Jared Leto in acting. Playing music for the sake of being a rockstar is abusive for your ears. // 6

overall: 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on july 28, 2006

Sound: Well to start off A Beautiful Lie has changed a lot more than there first to CD to me by the way the songs are less trippy, more of a solid sound that is perfect. The sound to me is like a bunch of violens, very pure with no faults in it at all. Overall I'd have to say this is one of the greatest albums put with that actually use different distortions with tomo's keyboard playing. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Jared's job with them are amazing, they actually tell something about there lives and how they are struggling to make it into the music businesss with out the stupid handicap of Jared being an actor. Most songs have random lyrics about food being cooked and then the next line goes into something about a bridge. 30stm's lyrics are no where near that at all. Overall with Jared's voice, it is awesome, in the song From Yesterday Jared's voice is stratched and it shows his lung capacity which is very very impressive. // 10

Impression: Overall I would have to compare this album with no-one, I don't think anyone out there has a sound quite like this at all which makes it very unique. The most impressive songs by far are Attack, A Beautiful Lie, The Kill, The Fantasy, From Yesterday, a modern myth and the bonus track Battle of one. I basically love everything on this album up the last guitar stroke. If this album was lost I would have to buy it again because I would feel complete with having it again. // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: A Modern Myth, on september 08, 2005

Sound: So, 30 Seconds To Mars. Where do we start with these people? Firstly, for those who are old hands to the band, they've changed in sound alot. Gone are the sweeping space-rock-vistas of noise, gone are the whispered lyrics on most of the songs (but there are a couple he keeps the whisper for), and gone are tons of guitar effects. What remains, however, is the band. For those that are new to 30 Seconds To Mars, welcome to the universe. The band has changed direction, and kept a few of the old favourites, such as Jared's yell, and the kick-ass guitar playing, and added in new parts. Sure, it might not be massive shredding, or highly complicated solos, but the songs don't need them. Take, for example, Was It A Dream. Jared admitted he wrote this whilst in South Africa, and it sounds otherworldly. It starts off with the sound of a storm, and then an awesome drum beat (like Fallen, for those who have the first album), and the guitars and bass kick in. Simple riff, but awesomely effective. And that's just one song. Now times that by 13, as there are 13 songs on here, and you have an indication of how good this album is. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, 30 Seconds To Mars are on unusual footing with this album. Jared screechs, he yells randomly, he sings normally, he whispers, he howls, he holds notes. Before, compared to the first album, he's taken on a few new things, but kept the majority of the lyrics. The lyrics fit well with the music, The Story being a good example, as it's a quiet, reflective (kinda emo) song, and he sings the verses quietly, compared to other songs, and uses an echo effect in the chorus, which adds to it. The lyrics fit the songs well, with the exception of one of the bonus tracks, Battle Of One, which I feel could have gone on a bit longer, lyric-wise. The first track's lyrics, Attack, fit the music really well, as do most of the songs, with the exception of R-Evolve, which could have been quieter, I thought, to fit the mood of the song. But overall, the lyrics fit well. // 8

Impression: Compared to the first album, some would say it's weaker. I choose to say that it is just as good, just a different style, which may take getting used to if you've listened to the self-titled album constantly. But it is definitely worth getting. Fave songs: pretty much the entire album except for the two below. Worst songs: A Beautiful Lie, Hunter. // 8

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: Drew/Dawg, on january 23, 2007

Sound: Their sound is very peculiar in the beginning but after listening to the CD once or twice I couldn't stop. I listen to it once a day at minimum and it just seems to make my whole day better. They don't use very much guitar or drums that I have really noticed other then the recording sounds but it sure has worked for them and they absolutely need to keep it up all the way. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are very good. It shows a different outlook on love and hate and also the meaning of the word goodbye on the song "A Modern Myth." They show your their perspectives basically and try to make it so you think the same way and it is in no way bas over all refreshing and inspiring that someone can do so much with music. // 9

Impression: This album went above and beyond their other album in my opinion such as the songs "A Beautiful Lie," "R-Evolve" and "A Modern Myth." What I love is their sound all together how it mixes with the lyrics and everything seems to be perfectly times. It is very quick in specific parts and can sound slow and be slow in some parts and sound fast. I don't know how they do it but they of coarse need to make sure they never stop. I don't want them to fall off the map like Green Day did where only their old music was good and they start putting of no hit wonders. // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: shadowridge, on september 10, 2005

Sound: The sound is definitely different from the first album. I would like the hear more like this from Jared and the gang. If changes sometimes from song to song and you get an overall impression of the 3 years that it took the guys to make this album. And all the different impressions that they got for it. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Jared Leto, I'm sorry, but he just is not the best lyricist. There are a few songs on the album that have wonderful lyrics (Attack, A Beautfiul Lie) other than that, they are pretty mediocre. They are good, but not great (except for those two songs). // 6

Impression: I had never heard of 30 Seconds To Mars before going and seeing them play with The Used a few weeks ago. They really impressed me so I waited in stock antipation for the 30th when this album was released. As soon as it was I listened to it over and over again. It did not dissapoint me at all. It was better than I had hoped it would be after listening to the first album and seeing them live. Truly a wonderful album. // 10

overall: 9

Reviewed by: AVA_182_44, on september 01, 2006

Sound: I bought this CD ahile ago, and I love it. 30 Seconds To Mars is a great new band, they made a really good impression on me. They tie in the synthesizers of a keyboard with really mind blowing guitar parts with outstanding drums and bass. They've really developed since their self-titled debut, and you can tell they're trying to reach out to you, which they did amazingly. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Most lyrics to other bands are good, but the vocals writes the most brilliant, beutiful, lyrics of all the bands I've come to love. "I won't suffer, be broken, get tired or wasted, surrender to nothing or give up what I, started and stopped it from end to beginning a new day, and I am finally free!" (Attack) As long as you have a decent tatse in music, and give a listen to 30 seconds to mars, you'll realize you love them and there's no way for you to change your mind. The lyrics fit beautifully with the music, and the lead vocals has a strong, smoothe voice. // 10

Impression: "A Beautiful Lie" compares a lot to their debut album, "30 Seconds To Mars" but more developed, and more expierenced. The most impressive songs on this album are "Attack," "The Kill," "The Fantasty," and "Battle Of One." I love this album, but the only thing I don't like is how the intro's can be a little long, but I guess they're just getting you ready for the song. If I ever lost this CD, I'd buy it the second I realize it's missing. // 9

overall: 8

Reviewed by: gano22perez, on august 07, 2006

Sound: This melodic upbeat driven force of vocal enlightenment reveals to you the level of emotion put into "A Beautiful Lie". Almost every song seems to be pieced and laced together like a beautiful masterpiece and layered with a background of Synth from Heaven. Leto has worked hard on all his own lyrics and worked hard to keep it all part of his work and not collaborate with a High Paid Lyricist or Producer, Leto Was His Own Producer for the most part. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Like I said the Lyrics rock from outer space, Mars more than likely, and along with the music just rolling off of the guitars tongues easily, same does the lyrics come out of Jared's vocals like they were just meant to be! All lyrics from "A Beautiful Lie", to "Savior" to "The kill" to "Attack" rock just as much as you would get from a greatist hits album of one of your favorite bands, this album would have been more phenomenal had it been issued out along with a short 30 min DVD, and been advertised and Whored out to the radio stations like many other producers and record companies do, but underground and fan driven word of mouth is probably how Jared would have wanted it. In due time this band would get the credit they deserve, Hopefully this years 2006 MTV VMA's will be the first to acknowledge the talents and efforts of supreme being rock to better the world! // 7

Impression: A great big impact of compassion and heart as compared to the first album. Almost like a totally new band with the same singer, or maybe going from Sonar Drums and Techtronics to hiring a band and teaching Jareds brother the art of drumming band style. With a song like "I'll Attack" bringing the energy from the first album to transcribe a better message and newfound Heartfelt emotion from Jared's Africa expedition to shoot a little know Movie called "Lord Of War" starring Nicholas Cage. He has found himself a little more and is dealing with the same emotions all of us get when we realize how small the world is and how important it is to realize the real meaning of life and how we could make it better! // 7

overall: 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 10, 2005

Sound: wow, all I can say is when I heard 30SM first single 'Attack' I didn't even know it was them until I saw the name of the artist. people keep saying this album doesn't even compare to their first self titled album and that it's somehow weaker. I agree witht he first part. this album is nothing like their first album, it is much more lean, mean and a demolishing machine. their first album was way too clustered with space supernova wavelengths. On this effort they quit the half assing and really try and make a good album with great songs. I cant really pick out the best song because they're all good. In no way shape or form is this album weaker. jared leto is fed up with being the actor who chose to Rock Out, and made us believe. Definitely a new sound with much more precise tunes and better than the first, whatever anyone says about that; this album rocks and makes me forget than the front man is an actor, but a truly talented musician. and after listening to this album over and over I can't even listen to their first album anymore bc it doesn't even compare musically. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Jared Leto's voice travels miles and echoes in your head and sends a message to your soul: we are for real now. this album lyrically is better than their first. Leto's singing ranges in between singing and yelling, but he definitely pulls it off bc it gives us more conviction and passion than just plain singing. Some critics dont enjoy or think his singing is good, well they're all just ignorant of true vocalist talent. It kind of reminds me a little of AFI with his vocals but is orignal in that I can tell its 30 seconds to mars. way better than AFI to tell you the truth. With leto's passionate singing, even if people dont think the guitars and sounds are as powerful as the first, his singing definitely makes and fits into the songs to make them powerful and meaningful. cant stop listening to this record. // 10

Impression: The overall impression of this record is 'rock'. 'Rock' on this record is lean and very stripped down compared to their first and precise in their melodies and songwriting. The most rock song is 'Battle Of One' by far, even though it kind of sets its self apart from the rest of the album, it still flows pretty well following the most least rock song 'A Modern Myth' building progressively and leto repeats 'goodbye' multiple times getting louder and more emotional with each and every time he says it. I get goosebumps everytime I hear that song, and then after, you get rumbled by 'Battle Of One' the storm after the calm. This album truly makes me forget the uncertainty revolving around this band about jared leto and him being an actor. I still think about it a lot and it wants to make me ignore this band and not like them bc reeves, crowe and hundreds of other actors tried at this and failed miserably. But the music makes me forget all that publicism and ucertainty and I cant help but to love this music. So don't be fooled by leto, he is a true mucial talent and gives us something on this record that is truly magical and you'll forever be interested in 30SM and won't be able to stop listening to it and maybe even stop listening to their first album. // 10

Comments

[[NIN]_ROCK!]

Impressive!I never thought that Jared could sing this way,really."From Yesterday" is by far my fav song,it has weird and brilliant lyrics,outstanding and emotional vocals and a good guitar work.The rest of the album is great too,very intense and depressing(this is the mais reason why I love it).I noticed a lot of influence from Deftones on the last song of the album,"Hunter".Jared almost sings like Chino Moreno there,but it works perfectly,it's not a rip-off or a copy because he uses his own style of singing.This is a must-have for everyone who likes emotional,intense and refreshing rock(of course it has some elements that have been used by Grunge,Heavy Metal,Punk and Pop bands,but it's still innovating and different from everything ever done in the modern music industry).ROCK ON!

[Canfudil666]

men I love the way that the singer sing the song atack, is a must have disc

[Stu18]

I love both discs about equally, and have seen these guys a couple times. If you like the discs, you'll love them live! Jared and Shannon (the Leto bros.) really bring a lot of energy to theperformance, and that comes across on the records.

[krymson]

Isnt the lead singer that guy from Requim for a Dream?

[sheratonplyr369]

I saw these guys in concert opening for Audioslave and hated them. Just seemed like another dime-a-dozen emo artist.

[apc--ibanez]

I like a couple of songs from this album, id rate it a 5

[ThirtySTM]

"A Beautiful Life" is probably the highlight of the record. That's a song by a bisexual guy, who was cheated by one of his partners."

Perhaps if you had your facts right, I'd give a little more credence to your review. Seeing as you operate on hearsay and conjecture, however, your highly biased opinion can be easily dismissed.

[kryzay311]

i thought this was a fantastic album, maybe better than the self titled predecessor.


its a beautiful lie BTW, not beautiful life. + jared leto being bisexual would explain the video for the kill, wouldnt it?

[BRMC]

who cares if your gay,bisexual, or not. when i first listen 30stm, buddha for mary i thought it was orignial and amazing. the second album was amazing and in my opinon even better. you have to push back the fact that just because he is a actor doesnt mean that he cant in a kick ass band.

[Jonn0]

frickin' awesome album

[kevinmawae25]

kryzay311 wrote:

i thought this was a fantastic album, maybe better than the self titled predecessor.


its a beautiful lie BTW, not beautiful life. + jared leto being bisexual would explain the video for the kill, wouldnt it?

No the video for the Kill was actually a tribute to the movie 'the Shining" it follows basically the same plot twists with 30 secs putting their own rock and roll spin on it...

and i absolutly love this album, it is a great peice of music, maybe not the most technical but sure as hell is entertaing. and also 30 seconds is a phonominal live band

[schroederc]

i like 30 stm. ive heard a few of their songs. the kill is my alltime favorite. and to sheratonplyr369 if you dont like the band then why the hell are you on their review site. arent u just wasting your time saying theyre a "dime a dozen emo artist" or do u just not have a life outside of the internet.....dumb sh*t

[ready4thebreak]

i think th UG Team was most accurate. BUT I love that song "Capricorn" on there first CD. I can never forget the damn thing.

[30STM-4-life]

if 30STM goes back with their old sound than people wil think that they are AVA copycats

Checked.

[Cheezy]

BOSS BOSS BOSS band, and a really great sound. I would'nt say its a pioneering sound but definitely a fresh one in a world of emo wailing

[A7Xrulz]

There best c.d out right now.

[scb]

a great cd, i need to find out when theyre back in england!

[MrMDogg]

Awesome CD, "From Yesterday" is one of the greatest rock songs ever written.

[XChemicalPanicX]

The music sustains me, but Jared's voice keeps me coming back for more. This album isn't as "insane" as the last one. Though the very first cd was amazing beyond compare, this one captivaded me and I had to sing along.

[Inspir3d]

Fantastic band, Jared has a great voice, Shannon and Tomo are amazing musicians. If i ever get the chance to, I'd definitely go see them live. I found this album really well balanced and truly inspiring.

Motivating and energetic music is what I like to listen to. And 30STM delivers in spades. 10/10

[diabetic6string]

I think this album rocked. Some of th reviews sounded stupid, like the first review. I suppose though you need have a likenin for music with that simple scream.

[Tumble-weed]

Really sick of hearing "From Yesterday" and "A Beautiful Lie"...Very generic band imo.