Since the new millennium, it seems rock band Bon Jovi has had a new release every 2 years. Following that tradition comes The Circle. Many fans, including myself were worried that it couldn’t possibly live up to the standards set by Have a Nice Day and Lost Highway, their two most recent rock-solid efforts. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora both claimed that this album was a “return to rock”. Well, if you’re still waiting for a return to their 80s sound, you might as well turn away, because those days are over. But, if you’re one who has stuck with them all along, and enjoy their more modern sound, you will not be disappointed.
The album has a strong opening with the hit single, “We Weren’t Born To Follow”. This song is without a doubt going to be a brilliant crowd pleaser, and the addition of a blazing, if brief, guitar solo gives the seriously underrated Richie Sambora a chance to shine. After the energetic opener, the album slows for the second track, “When We Were Beautiful”, where Jon takes a look back on the band’s incredible success. The fourth track, “Superman Tonight”, is one of the albums strongest and a great choice for the album’s second single. The heaviest track, “Bullet”, is reminiscent of something off of 2002’s Bounce, with Sambora’s guitar playing taking center stage. The album has a few politically inspired songs, such as “Work For The Working Man”, and while the lyrics in these songs aren’t too impressive, the songs are so catchy that they can be forgiven.
The Circle is a very uplifting album. Lyrics like “You write your truth and I’ll write mine, one man’s ceiling’s another man’s sky high”, in the poppy track “Love’s The Only Rule”, are typical of the encouraging nature of their songs. The energy begins to slow by this point, with “Fast Cars”, “Happy Now”, and “Learn To Love” closing the album. The musicianship of the album is top notch, with pounding drums (Tico Torres), subtle piano and keyboard (David Bryan), and impressive guitar playing. Hugh McDonald takes the spotlight in “Work For The Working Man”, where the bass line drives the verses of the song, similar to “Livin’ On A Prayer”. And of course, Jon’s voice hasn’t changed much; with the same power and control he’s had his entire career.
This album will definitely go across well with the fans. It’s got the big choruses and catchy songs that everyone has come to expect from them. Bon Jovi is at the top of their game, and this may just be their strongest release in the new millennium. It’s a very confident and ambitious release, which really shows what the band is capable of. Although the band doesn’t have any new tricks up their sleeves, they’re doing what they do best, and that’s enough to satisfy the average fan and drag in some new fans along the way.
And if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars on a physical copy, you’ll also get your hands on the stunning documentary “When We Were Beautiful”. It isn’t a typical documentary, which instead emphasizes the stress the band goes through on the road, along with the sacrifices they must make to be so successful. For the price of the package, it is a great deal, and an offer many fans should take advantage of.
A.H. Keith-MuzikReviews.com Contributor 
