Thirty Seconds to Mars – Up in the Air
▶️ Watch the Official Video on YouTube
When it comes to defining moments in a band’s career, “Up in the Air” stands out as a turning point — a bold declaration of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ artistic evolution and ambition. Released in 2013 as the lead single from their fourth studio album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, this track isn’t just a song — it’s a cinematic, emotional experience.
In my opinion, it’s the greatest song the band has ever made.
🚀 A Bold New Direction
From the first beat, “Up in the Air” reveals a new side of Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Blending electronic rock and new wave, the song explodes with driving guitars, pulsing synths, and anthemic choruses. It’s a sonic leap forward — daring, futuristic, and unapologetically ambitious.
This track didn’t play it safe. It redefined the band’s sound without losing its rock identity.
💔 Emotionally Charged and Deeply Relatable
Beneath the explosive production lies a powerful emotional undercurrent.
The lyrics express turbulence and uncertainty — feelings we all recognize in the face of personal struggles or life-changing decisions.
“Up in the air, fadin’ away…”
That phrase alone echoes with the anxiety of not knowing what comes next.
Jared Leto’s raw, impassioned vocals amplify that chaos, making this track both relatable and cathartic.
🎥 A Visual Masterpiece
Directed by Jared Leto under the alias Bartholomew Cubbins, the music video elevates the song to an artistic spectacle.
Featuring Dita Von Teese, Olympic gymnasts McKayla Maroney and Jordyn Wieber, and surreal imagery ranging from wild animals to interpretive dance, it explores themes of strength, beauty, and inner conflict.
It’s not just a video — it’s a short film that expands the song’s meaning through intense, symbolic visuals.
📊 Critical and Commercial Impact
“Up in the Air” earned widespread acclaim, winning Best Rock Video at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. It also achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 3 on the U.S. Alternative Songs chart and breaking into the top 50 in multiple countries.
And in a bold promotional move, the band literally launched the track into space aboard the SpaceX CRS-2 mission. It premiered from the International Space Station, streamed live on NASA TV — making it the first commercial music release to debut in orbit.
🧠 Why It’s Their Greatest Song
This song represents everything Thirty Seconds to Mars does best:
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Grand, cinematic production
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Deep emotional storytelling
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Risk-taking artistry
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Anthemic power that moves crowds and hearts alike
“Up in the Air” is more than a track — it’s a journey through chaos and clarity, a soundtrack for anyone standing at a crossroads.
🎵 Overview
Artist: Thirty Seconds to Mars
Album: Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013)
Genre: Electronic Rock, New Wave
Length: 4:37
Label: Virgin Records
Released: March 18, 2013
Launched into space: March 1, 2013 (SpaceX CRS-2 Mission)
🌌 Final Thoughts
If you haven’t heard it yet — or if it’s been a while — now’s the time.
Put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and let “Up in the Air” lift you above the noise of everyday life.
🎬 Watch the official music video now
“I’ll wrap my hands around your neck so tight with love, love, love…”
Let this song remind you: uncertainty doesn’t mean defeat — it means transformation.
For a deeper insight into the song’s creation and significance, you might find this video informative:
What do you think? Is “Up in the Air” your favorite Thirty Seconds to Mars track? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!