The Circle / When We Were Beautiful (CD + DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)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.


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Bon Jovi is back with another tremendous rock album "The Circle" which was produced by John Shanks, who also worked with Bon Jovi on Have A Nice Day and Lost Highway. The first single "We Weren't Born To Follow" is the fastest growing single in the band's HISTORY, and the fastest growing ever on the Hot AC chart.Also included is the groundbreaking band documentary When We Were Beautiful. Filmed while the band was on its unprecedented Lost Highway world tour, this is the first intimate look at this legendary group. Unlike the usual band documentary, When We Were Beautiful reveals the inner workings and unique personalities that have made Bon Jovi one of the most successful rock groups of all time.

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