Closer to the Edge

Thirty Seconds to Mars' third album for Virgin captures the band at peak arena-rock ambition, swapping the electronic experimentation of A Beautiful Lie for anthemic pop rock choruses and Jared Leto’s soaring vocals. Released during the height of their mainstream ascendancy, Closer to the Edge balances stadium-sized production with introspective songwriting, anchored by the propulsive title track and the sweeping “Kings and Queens.” The record solidified their position as alternative pop rock mainstays rather than cult experimentalists.