MTV Unplugged: Thirty Seconds to Mars - EP

iTunes Review

Although three of the four songs comprising 30 Seconds To Mars’ MTV Unplugged EP were taken from 2009’s This Is War, keep in mind that the Los Angeles trio offer awesome acoustic re-workings. Since the band’s controversial video for “Hurricane” was nominated at the 2011 Video Music Awards in three categories, it makes sense that they chose the song to introduce the performance. Jared Leto breaks the ice with some a cappella vocal gymnastics that lead into a lush string section opening the song. This version is wrought with more tension than the studio recording until the audience pipes in, singing along with the chorus — serving as a reminder that this is a live and intimate concert. “Kings and Queens” follows with more audience participation and some tastefully arranged strings accompanying Leto’s acoustic guitar. Inspired by growing up poor in Louisiana, “Night of the Hunter” plays with a more gripping urgency here. Giving into constant comparisons with Bono, Leto closes with a soulfully sung cover of “Where the Streets Have No Name” replete with a gospel choir.