The Circle / When We Were Beautiful (CD + DVD) [Special Edition, CD+DVD]

Bon Jovi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Special Edition, CD+DVD
• Label: Island Records
• ASIN: B002N2XYBU
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,110 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. We Weren't Born to Follow

2. When We Were Beautiful

3. Work for the Working Man

4. Superman Tonight

5. Bullet

6. Thorn In My Side

7. Live Before You Die

8. Brokenpromiseland

9. Love's the Only Rule

10. Fast Cars

11. Happy Now

12. Learn to Love

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

"It's an interesting question to ask: Is that a fair dose of motivation or is that a chip on your shoulder?" Jon Bon Jovi posed that question to himself, and it's worth pondering. You might think that a man whose band has sold more than 120 million records and played before tens of millions of fans in the course of an illustrious 26-year career would be content to rest on his considerable laurels, at least for a while.

You might think that, but you'd be wrong, and the new Bon Jovi album, The Circle, provides irrefutable proof. As its title suggests, The Circle marks a powerful reassertion of Bon Jovi's commitment to the hard-hitting, uplifting rock & roll that has been the band's indelible signature since it began. The band share an abiding bond that informs and defines their music. It is a circle that remains unbroken.

"The album title," Bon Jovi explains, "has several meanings. Some may say that with this album we have come full circle. Others may see The Circle as never ending. I see it as very hard to get in to and even harder to get out of," the singer says with a laugh. Having had 5 studio records in this decade, there are songs on each record that represent the world around us. And while they don't always like what they see, they try hard not to see the cup as half empty. From the new single "We Weren't Born To Follow" to the powerful "When We Were Beautiful," the songs are as uplifting and anthemic as anything Bon Jovi and Sambora have ever written.

Another reason for the anthemic sound of THE CIRCLE is the re-emergence of Richie Sambora. "This is meant to be a stadium, turn-the-guitars-back-up record, and that's a testament to having Richie at my side," Jon says. "I can't tell you how much that's meant. With me and Richie, one and one makes three.

That flame burns at the heart of The Circle. "When We Were Beautiful" shares its title with the superb Bon Jovi documentary by filmmaker Phil Griffin. Like the film, the song is atmospheric and haunting. It opens with a sense of crisis: "The world is cracked/The sky is torn." Jon Bon Jovi hears the song as a true departure for the band. "That's a unique song," he says, "We've written hits, but this is something more, this is something different. I didn't want to sugarcoat things. Those lyrics are factual. As a country and as people, we hit a wall. But the idea is to try to get back to `when we were beautiful.'"

The new studio album, The Circle, was produced by John Shanks, who also worked with the band on the two preceding Bon Jovi albums, Lost Highway (2007) and Have a Nice Day (2005). The album has an underlying positive theme that is apparent throughout the songs. Whether it's questioning your vitality in "Fast Cars," or asking what the future holds in "Work for the Working Man," the songs are about the prospect of people having to find new directions in their lives. In these trying times every word relays the truth.

So The Circle, then, like all of Bon Jovi's best music, stares down the troubles that afflict our lives, and offers a bracing vision for overcoming those obstacles. It's stirring, and it's an emotion that, strong as the album is, will find its most convincing expression on the concert stage. And this is why Bon Jovi have managed to play over 2600 concerts to over 34 million fans in over 50 countries. "I can't believe I'm even saying this, but I can't wait to go on the road again," Jon Bon Jovi exclaims.

Product Description

Deluxe CD/DVD edition includes bonus DVD that contains the groundbreaking band documentary When We Were Beautiful. 2009 release from the veteran rockers. The Circle was produced by John Shanks, who also worked with the band on Have A Nice Day and Lost Highway. Includes the single 'We Weren't Born To Follow', one of the fastest selling tracks in the band's history.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 41 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Bon Jovi Comes Full 'Circle' November 10, 2009

By Antoine D. Reid VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

For me, 'The Circle' is probably the best Bon Jovi album since 2002's release of Bounce. Ever since then, it's felt like Bon Jovi was mellowing and going away from their roots as they experimented with taking the rock out of their songs and playing with acoustics (as with This Left Feels Right: Greatest Hits With a Twist) or watered-down pop (as with Have a Nice Day) or country (as with their last release Lost Highway). While I know one of these three albums struck a chord with new and old fans alike, as a hardcore Bon Jovi fan, these lacked what 'The Circle' has. It's back to rock, it's back to the stadium anthems and 1980s vibe and spirit that the group seemed to have strayed from. In all, this is probably one of the most unexpected musical surprises for me in 2009; not only did Bon Jovi return but they came back with a heavy-hitting rock album that really holds nothing back and sounds as if it belonged among some of their best albums like 'Slippery When Wet' and 'New Jersey'.

The Good: There's much to like about this album. The overall direction of this album feels somewhat retro; this doesn't sound at all like what Bon Jovi's produced as of late. It was true return to their roots with lots of guitar riffs and heavy drums (such as on "Work For the Working Man", an anthem for middle-class America); there was more depth and emotion packed into the music such as the reflective "When We Were Beautiful" and "Live Before You Die". Even though the music sounds dated with its 1980s rock treatment, the lyrics feel very modern and current, a penchant that attributes to Bon Jovi's popularity throughout the past few decades. If there's a theme to 'The Circle' it's optimism in the face of adversity and challenges. Whether it's through asking for love and compassion as in "Bullet", encouraging you to get the most out of life as with "Live Before You Die" or simply surviving heartbreak as in "Thorn In My Side", 'The Circle' feels very inspiring and encompassing. The last few albums from this group left me somewhat uninterested because they felt like concept albums; deliberately dabbling in country or putting aside their personality and rock background for something different. That was okay, but 'The Circle' packs a punch. It's far more emotional, leaves a lasting impression, is more catchier than the group's efforts in the 2000s. This album definitely got me excited and has me listening from track one to the end without skipping, a rare quality in many releases these days.

The Bad: There are a few songs that didn't work as much for me as others. "Superman Tonight" is my least favorite on the album; yes, it's rock but it felt like an attempt at a rock-love song but lacks sentiment and emotion. It also felt like a re-hashing of music the group's done before because they've made reference to 'Superman' in the context of love and relationships before on previous albums and this track just didn't vibe as well with the rest of the record. "Loves The Only Rule" is another track that didn't click with me; it's not as rock orientated and more pop and feels like an outtake from 'Have a Nice Day'. These two tracks aren't horrible but they feel awkward and disrupt the flow of the album just a bit.

When We Were Beautiful (DVD): The Good - It's beautifully shot in crisp, all black and white. It includes snippets of live performances from the 'Have a Nice Day' and 'Lost Highway' tours. It features all of the members of Bon Jovi, giving them each a moment to shine and explain what they contribute to the group. Probably the most poignant moment was Richie Sambora describing his personal troubles in a very candid manner and how work and Jon Bon Jovi keeps him in line. The Bad - the documentary is a tad bit lagging. Jon Bon Jovi spends a good portion of the album playing the 'it's lonely at the top' role; he and others in the group casts himself in the role of leader and creative genius and explains that he's responsible for so much that he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. Hearing him complain about the woes of fame scene after scene got a bit irritating and annoying.

In all, if you're a fan of old-school Bon Jovi, 'The Circle' is going to please you. It's a definite return to form and ditches the mellow/country vibe the band's been playing with for the last few years. This edition also comes with a DVD of a mini behind the scenes documentary that celebrates the group's 26 years in the business. While the casual fan may not find the 'When We Were Beautiful' documentary interesting, die-hard fans will definitely be pleased with it and should check out Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful, a book of photos that covers the groups history in addition to this special edition. It's refreshing, invigorating, rock music; something that's very rare and missing in today's music market. Because it's not country or mainstream, and because it's more akin to what was popular in the '80s rather than what's en vogue today, some may dismiss or overlook 'The Circle' but I encourage everyone to give it a listen. Definitely more fun, inspired and better produced than most of the group's 2000s efforts. Definitely worthy of your listening to and purchase.

Listen to These: "When We Were Beautiful", "Happy Now", "Live Before You Die", "Learn to Love", "We Weren't Born to Follow"

29 of 35 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Bon Jovi Album This Decade November 16, 2009

By Stefan Todorovic

Format:Audio CD

I have some mixed reactions about this album. If I had to compare this album to any other Bon Jovi album I would say it is the 2000's version of "These Days," only a little less depressing, and a harder rocker. This album is a commentary on our declining social conditions in the U.S. today. Instead of taking people away from how depressing our society is today, it brings it to the forefront, kind of like the daily news. When you hear lyrics like "Can someone somewhere help me justify why these strong hands are on the unemployment line," "What is the distance between a bullet and a gun God are you listening or have you just given up,"And all I got I'm holding in my hands We're breaking out of brokepromiseland." Lyrics like that aren't necessarily going to uplift individuals. Another huge criticism I have on this album is that a lot of the songs sounds like they are recycled older Bon Jovi songs. The main riff for "Work For The Working Man" sounds like a revamped "Livin' On A Prayer." "Bullet" sounds like "Hey God." "We Weren't Born To Follow" sounds like a mix of most of their anthems made this decade. Having said that, this album is still is better than any other Bon Jovi album released this decade. It's a lot heavier than any of the albums released this decade.

"WE WEREN'T BORN TO FOLLOW" is clearly this album's hit anthem. It sends a pretty powerful message by stating no matter how bad things are today you have to remain true to yourself and your beliefs, and not to let the world kick you around. 5/5

"WHEN WE WERE BEAUTIFUL" takes the band and its listeners back to their days of adolecence. It's a return to innocence if you will. It's the band reminicing of their glory days. Good little power ballad. 3/5

"WORK FOR THE WORKING MAN" a revamped "Livin On A Prayer," much heavier with no talkbox; sends another powerful and is a good hard rocker. It's a song where you can pump your fist in the air. 5/5

"SUPERMAN TONIGHT" it's not a bad song, typical Bon Jovi ballad. 4/5

"BULLET" another hard rocker, another song commenting about social conditions today. Hardest rocking song on this album and probably one of the hardest songs they released this decade. Richie Sambora tears it up on this one a killer solo, complete with talkbox, and heavy guitar riffing. Still an awsome tune. 5/5

"THORN IN MY SIDE" something different from the band, no comment on social conditions, doesn't remind me of any other Bon Jovi song in the catalog. Very good solo by Richie. Very up-tempo, another great rocker. 5/5

"LIVE BEFORE YOU DIE" uptempo ballad, more of a mellower rocker. 2/5

"BROKENPROMISELAND" slower-paced rocker, great guitar riffing with an equally good solo, very good. 5/5

"LOVE'S THE ONLY RULE" faster-paced mellow Adult Oriented Rock song, reminds of something off of "Crush." 2/5.

"FAST CARS" yet another slower paced ballad. To me, it seems like an album filler. 2/5

"HAPPY NOW" great riffing with use of a wah pedal, I like the solo. Little bit slower, not quite a power ballad. 5/5

"LEARN TO LOVE" closing power ballad, with Jon and Richie harmonizing together. Good track 3/5

In closing, I wish this album had come after "These Days." However, I think this entire album was inspired by the recent troubles plaguing this country, without that this album wouldn't be possible. "The Circle" blows away any of the new materials recorded this decade. It's not "Keep The Faith," "New Jersey" or "Slippery When Wet," but much better than anything after "These Days." My advice to the Bon Jovi boys is avoid the social commentary and politics, and keep up the harder-driven songs and melt it together with "Keep The Faith," "New Jersey," and "Slippery When Wet." The reason I give it a 4/5 Stars is because there's a decent amount of criticism, however I would say they are on the up and up and I think the next album they release will be as good as "Keep The Faith" or "N.J." If you're a fan buy it, you won't be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it. February 23, 2010

By Hasti Mojarradzadeh

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved it to death! I always wanted to know how he does all this work and this DVD clears it all. He is just amazing.