When Thirty Seconds to Mars released “Up in the Air” in 2013, it wasn’t just a lead single — it was a sonic transformation. This track marked a bold shift in direction for the band, launching them into an era of sleek production, electronic textures, and visual artistry that went far beyond their earlier alternative rock roots.
It’s not a stretch to call this the most ambitious and defining song of their career.
A New Sound, A New Identity
Right from the opening beat, “Up in the Air” kicks down the door with synth-heavy energy and explosive choruses. It’s a far cry from the post-grunge and emo-inspired sound of A Beautiful Lie. Here, they embrace electronic rock with confidence — blending pulsing beats, aggressive hooks, and soaring vocals into a massive anthem.
The production is polished but intense. It’s big, bold, and made for arenas. And it works.
Emotional Chaos Turned Catharsis
Lyrically, the song captures that all-too-familiar feeling of being suspended in emotional limbo — stuck between holding on and letting go, between chaos and clarity.
“Up in the air / Fadin’ away…”
The repetition of that line hits like a confession — confused, restless, honest.
Jared Leto’s delivery is raw and dramatic, giving the track its emotional core. He’s not just singing — he’s unraveling, and that vulnerability is what makes the song resonate on a deeper level.
More Than a Video — A Visual Statement
The music video, directed by Leto under the alias Bartholomew Cubbins, is nothing short of surreal. Featuring gymnasts, wild animals, supermodel Dita Von Teese, and abstract symbols of beauty and destruction, it doesn’t explain the song — it expands it.
This isn’t just a music video. It’s a short film, stylized and strange, matching the song’s larger-than-life sound with powerful imagery that dares you to interpret it.
Space, Awards, and Breaking Ground
“Up in the Air” wasn’t just a creative risk — it was a commercial success. It hit No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart and earned the band Best Rock Video at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.
But even beyond the charts, the band made history by partnering with NASA to premiere the song in orbit — literally launching it aboard a SpaceX rocket and debuting it from the International Space Station. That’s not metaphorical hype — that actually happened.
This is the sound of a band refusing to stay in their lane. It’s the moment Thirty Seconds to Mars proved they were more than just a rock band. “Up in the Air” brought cinematic scale, emotional honesty, and artistic ambition together in one unforgettable song.
This is their evolution — loud, fearless, and unforgettable.
Listen to “Up in the Air”
Watch the Official Video on YouTube
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!