11 Thrilling Songs About the Red Planet, Mars | Playlist

1. YUNGBLUD, “mars”

weird! • Locomotion Recordings / Interscope • 2020

Alternative musician YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) is ‘one of a kind’ – understatement.  What’s really cool about him is his absolute fearlessness.  Musically, he’s quite aggressive, bringing ample punch.  As a person, he’s unafraid to push the envelope, constantly challenging conformity.  “Mars” appears as a highlight from his sophomore album, weird!. “Mars” was written by YUNGBLUD and Matt Schwartz, while it’s produced by a team comprised of Mike Crossey, Chris Greatti, Zakk Cervini, and Omer Fedi.  The songwriting is notable, as Harrison imparts the tale of a transgender girl looking for acceptance, particularly from her parents.

Harrison highlights her struggles throughout the song.  On the first verse, he asserts, “But she can’t be herself when she’s somebody else.”  On the second, he sings, “Yeah, her Mum and Dad, they couldn’t understand / Why she couldn’t turn it off, become a better man.” He goes on to sing on the chorus her desires to “go to California / There everyone would adore her,” given the progressiveness of the state.  The chorus, is simple but nothing short of awesome as he asks, “Is there any life on Mars?” The first thing that comes to mind given the title, chorus lyrics, and the bombastic nature of this song? David Bowie, of course, which is clearly intentional. YUNGBLUD’s progressive spirit shines bright on “Mars.” The beautiful message of the song is nothing short of awesome.  All boxes are checked off: production, songwriting, and vocals.

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2. London Philharmonic Orchestra & Vladimir Jurowski, Holst: The Planets Suite, Op. 32, I. Mars

Holst: The Planets • London Philharmonic Orchestra Ltd • 2010

Gustav Holst is the renowned composer of The Planets Suite.  This classical piece of music, composed between 1914 and 1916, is comprised of seven movements, one for each of the planets (Earth not included).  It should be noted, The Planets Suite aligns with the Roman mythological gods and reflects his love of astrology. The first movement composed in The Planets was Mars, which also appears as the first movement of the suite. Mars is subtitled as The Bringer of War.

The Bringer of War, huh? Mars reflects such with its dark, enigmatic, and angst-laden sounds.  This is an intense, ear-catching opener that exhibits beauty despite its minor key and accented, fiery, rhythmic instrumental passages.  If the opener of a studio album is meant to draw the listener in and make them anticipate what’s to come next, that’s what maestro Vladimir Jurowski and the brilliant London Philharmonic Orchestra do on this sublime opener from The Planets.  No, there are no words for those merely enjoy singing and aren’t as hip to modern/20^th century classic music but imagine this as a soundtrack – picture those expressive instrumental lines as telling a story.  If you do, you’ll totally ‘feel the vibe’ of The Planets Suite, Op. 32, I. Mars in all its orchestrated glory!

3. Maxo Kream, “Mars”

Ft. Lil Uzi Vert

“Mars” • TSO Music Group / Kream Clicc • 2017

“I did them Xannies on Earth / I woke up right there on Mars.” Say what Lil Uzi Vert? The rapper isn’t being literal on “Mars,” of course.  That said, it’s a clever line he drops on the chorus considering he’s taking pills to attain a high that’s ‘out of this world.’ Not safe or recommended, of course, kids… or adults.  What is clear is that this 2017 single isn’t really about The Red Planet but rather drugs, drugs, and more drugs.

All that said regarding Lil Uzi Vert, it’s not even his doggone song! Maxo Kream is the main attraction, handling the verses while Uzi Vert gets high AF on the chorus and “flex on that bitch” (Note: the “bitch” is a car, we think). Of course, Maxo isn’t innocent either, as he asserts on the first line of the first verse that he’s “Mixin’ the lean with the Percs / Sippin’ on lean ‘til I burp.” Well, that’s risky AF… Before the “Xannies and lean” and “Mixin’ codeine and alcohol,” he manages to “Finger fuck Nina.” Charming.  I’m pretty sure he’s not lying when he says, “I went to Mars on bars.” All of those ‘family friendly’ examples hail from his first verse if you can believe it.  Some of the killer bars from the second verse include geometry (“We not congruent I’m obtuse / I’ll be on lean like hypotenuse”) and sex/drugs (“Smoke three hoes like Tic-Tacs / Breaking down the bar like a Kit Kat”).  Speechless right now.

4. Pat Reilly, “Mars”

“Mars” • Pat Reilly • 2021

Pat Reilly is fierce and unapologetic, two qualities that make a truly accomplished artist.” The LGBTQ+ pop artist is a queer voice that everybody should give their full, undivided attention to. Reilly ‘out of this world’ single, “Mars”.

“Mars” commences with dreamy, lush, and romantic production. Later, as the instrumental and song progress, some slick, ‘hip-hop’ drums anchor things down. Naturally, Reilly plays off this gorgeous, picturesque backdrop.  He sings beautifully and expressively, tackling ‘matters of the heart.’  Sure, the record is called “Mars,” and he references outer space, but he isn’t really focused on the Red Planet, no, he’s focused on pleasure – good loving that he proclaims, “feels like Mars.” Ooh wee, that’s some truly satisfying S-E-X… Satisfying, sexy, and stimulating, “Mars” is a fab addition to the growing LGBTQ+ catalog, but anybody who takes a listen to this bop won’t be able to stop listening.

5. Usher, “Mars. Vs. Venus”

Raymond v. Raymond • LaFace • 2010

“This is the big bang, so unpredictable.” Well, Usher does have a point as any explosion is unpredictable, particularly the potential damage.  Of course, it should be noted that the Grammy winner isn’t referencing evolution or outer space literally on “Mars v. Venus” which appears on his 2010 album, Raymond v. Raymond.  On the chorus, the excerpted section, he continues, “Sex, love, and drama, who’s in control / Mars vs. Venus.”

If you haven’t already figured it out, let me spell it out for you. “Mars Vs. Venus” is about sex, period.  Truly, sex is a universal three-letter word, and it doesn’t matter what language you speak! To Usher’s credit, the song does reference outer space consistently, such as “No, but gravity compels you to ignite and explode / Ooh / … Girl, it’s taking off the ground / You know how I put it down / Have you seeing stars, baby.” Da-yum Ush!

6. Chevelle, “Mars Simula”

NIRATIAS • Epic • 2021

“Hypnotic travelers, drift until lost / No sign of Earth now, just endless stars.” “Mars Simula” appears as the third track on NIRATIAS, the 2021 studio album by veteran rock collective, Chevelle.  NIRATIAS features a theme related to space prominently.  The song at hand naturally fits the mold.

Musically, there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into.  The driving, distorted guitars are at the top of the list.  Gotta heart those riffs and the high energy created by the backdrop.  Furthermore, Peter Loeffler serves up aggressive, assertive vocals.  He has some fine lyrics to work with, though the key lyrics, hailing from the chorus, keep it pretty simple: “I’m on my way to Mars.” The post-chorus – a bridge of sorts – is quite epic.  Perhaps even more than most of the song, the energy level is off the charts. Overall, “Mars Simula” rocks incredibly hard.

Also appears on :
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7. Mario, “Mars”

Closer to Mars (EP) • New Citizen • 2020

Once upon a time, Mario (Mario Barrett) had quite a successful run in contemporary R&B.  Like so many of his contemporaries, after a while, well, his most lucrative period waned.  Nonetheless, independently, Barrett has still dropped music including the single at hand, “Mars,” from the EP, Closer to Mars.  “Mars features silky smooth production ( Ronnie Jackson, Daniel Bryant, and Philip Lynah) that’s idiomatic of contemporary R&B, but also has a foot in the door of the past.

Beyond the backdrop itself, Mario shines.  He has an awesome melody to work with, characterized by its rhythmic nature and tunefulness.  Furthermore, Barrett matches the smoothness of the production with his refined, silky smooth, nuanced vocals; he sings with incredible expression.  The moments he shows off his falsetto are excellent.  The song has little to do with the fourth planet in our solar system, but it covers a relatable, ultra-popular topic: the bedroom.   Essentially, a different sort of rocket is launched! Memorable songwriting, particularly on the chorus, finds Barrett telling us exactly what’s going down on this trip to Mars.

Also appears on :
Mars: 5ive Songs No. 45 (2021)

8. Timmy Trumpet, “Mars”

Mad World • Spinnin’ Records / SINPHONY Ltd. • 2020

Timmy Trumpet is a beast.  Well, not literally, but ‘he’s a beast’ when it comes to production.  One of his most beastly examples of his ‘beastliness’ is his single, “Mars,” which appears on his 2020 album, Mad World. From a production/sound standpoint, Trumpet outdoes himself. There are an assortment of synths – bright, hard, intriguing, rhythmic and picturesque.  Had there been no lyrics, Timmy had a palette of sounds sufficient to carry “Mars” itself.  Add in a killer drop and awesome beat and the backdrop is ‘out of this world.’

Speaking of being ‘out of the world,’ that seems to be the goal of “Mars.” The uncredited female vocalist makes that crystal clear from the jump:

“It’s a fucked-up world we’re living in
So, I’m on my way to Mars
I am sick and tired of giving in
Fuck your hatred and your wars
I’m on my way to Mars.”

She has a point! Furthermore, she has the perfect bright, commanding voice to express her dissatisfaction with the happenings on earth. Is fleeing for Mars, a new planet to us earthlings the answer? Maybe, maybe not, but when things feel as ‘fucked-up’ as Timmy Trumpet suggests, something new and unknown feels like a much-needed, fresh start.

9. Alexander 23, “Mars”

I’m Sorry I Love You (EP) • Interscope • 2019

“I tried to give you the world, but you wanted Mars too,” Alexander 23 (Alexander Glantz) sings on “Mars.” He goes on to add, “No one who I could’ve been was good enough for you.” Woo! “Mars” appears as the fourth track on his 2019 EP, I’m Sorry I Love You.  Mars, as part of the solar system, unsurprisingly, has little to with song.  A23 is focused on matters of the heart… L-O-V-E…

“Mars” features a relatively slow tempo but maintains a steady groove. Alexander 23 shows off his upper register, singing expressively.  Even so, it’s the lyrics – particularly the profane ones – that stand out the most (“You say, ‘I love you,’ but it don’t mean shit” and “I don’t hate you, I just hate that you were mine to lose / And I fucked it up forever”).  The production (Glanz too) is lovely but nothing too crazy – more minimal than maximal. The potent ‘chorus’ is definitely the main attraction of this ‘red planet’ tune. 

Also appears on :
Mars: 5ive Songs No. 45 (2021)

10. Jay Sean, “Mars”

Ft. Rick Ross

Neon • Cash Money •  2013

Contemporary R&B artist Jay Sean has a brief run in the U.S., mostly thanks to a number one hit single, “Down.” Unfortunately, Sean never captured the same degree of success, even with his terrific single “Mars,” which hails from his 2013 album, Neon. “Mars” was easily the best moments from Neon, which, found Sean experiencing some artistic identity issues and lacking outright hits. Exemplary of R&B ala 2013, “Mars” felt like a perfect fit.

Here, Jay is as ‘high as a kite,’ exhibiting a stoner vibe perfectly.

“I’m so high
I’m wasted, I don’t wanna come down
Let me take you to Mars girl
We’ll make love on a star girl...”

Yep, trees have been smoked.  Oh, and as for featured guest Rick Ross, he’s right at home spitting bars on the third verse. There aren’t any scientific specifics about the red planet, but who cares? Faded, making love – it’s a vibe man!

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11. David Bowie, “Life on Mars?”

Hunky Dory • Warner • 1971

“Oh, man, wonder if he’ll ever know / He’s in the bestselling show / Is there life on Mars?”  To quote Willy as in William Shakespeare, “That is the question!” Basically, however, it’s simple. David Bowie was the ONLY musician that could conclude 11 Thrilling Songs About the Red Planet, Mars – FACTS. THERE IS NO DEBATE.  “Life on Mars?” is widely considered one of the greatest songs of all time.  Furthermore, it’s David ‘effing’ Bowie – one of the best to ever do it!

“But the film is a saddening bore
For she’s lived it ten times or more
She could spit in the eyes of fools
As they ask her to focus on.”

“Life on Mars?” is that rare perfect song.  Everything literally aligned with the universe to create such a classic.  Davie Bowie sings fantastically, putting his soul into the performance. The production is and overall sound is alluring – ear catching and grand.  The songwriting, arguably, is the crowning achievement.  Bowie imparts a brilliant escapist narrative where a little girl is bored of her boring, mundane life. Sadly, as she seeks to escape via “the silver screen,” she realizes even that means of escape ultimately doesn’t atone or replace reality.  Basically, it’s like the cycle will never end, hence, why she asks, “Is there life on Mars?” to legitimately escape.