Bon Jovi – The Circle (2009)
Release Date: November 10, 2009
Label: Island / Mercury
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Hard Rock / Pop Rock
Length: 46:50
Producers: John Shanks, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
Overview
The Circle is Bon Jovi’s twelfth studio album, released during the band’s 25th anniversary year. It marks a return to the classic arena rock sound while addressing modern themes such as social commentary, political unrest, and personal reflection.
The album’s lead single, “We Weren’t Born to Follow,” served as an anthem of resilience and optimism in a challenging era, earning significant radio play. The record balances signature anthems, melodic rockers, and introspective ballads, reaffirming Bon Jovi’s ability to remain relevant in the evolving music landscape of the late 2000s.
Tracklist
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We Weren’t Born to Follow – 3:59
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Work for the Working Man – 3:51
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When We Were Beautiful – 4:05
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Superficial – 3:42
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Bullet – 3:52
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Live to Love – 3:56
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Broken – 3:44
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Love’s the Only Rule – 4:18
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I’ll Be There for You – 3:41
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Fast Cars – 3:35
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The Last Night – 4:18
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The Circle – 4:42
Bonus Tracks / Special Editions:
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“No Apologies” (iTunes / Japan Edition)
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“Thief of Hearts” (Deluxe Edition)
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Political Undertones: “Work for the Working Man” and “We Weren’t Born to Follow” comment on economic hardship and social struggles, showing the band’s socially conscious side.
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Lead Single Success: “We Weren’t Born to Follow” reached #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped rock radio charts.
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Did You Know? The Circle was recorded in New Jersey and Los Angeles, blending East Coast grit with West Coast production polish.
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Tour Tie-In: The album was supported by the Circle Tour (2010), which included stadiums and arenas worldwide, incorporating classic hits alongside new material.
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Chart Performance: The Circle debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, making it Bon Jovi’s third consecutive US #1 album.
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Anniversary Tribute: Released during the band’s 25th anniversary, the album reflects on the journey of the band with tracks like “When We Were Beautiful.”
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Collaborative Writing: Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora co-wrote the majority of tracks, maintaining the signature Bon Jovi songwriting partnership.
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Modern Rock Sound: The album features crisp production, layered guitars, and contemporary rock arrangements, showing the band adapting to the 21st century.
Album Credits
Bon Jovi:
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Jon Bon Jovi: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar
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Richie Sambora: Guitar, backing vocals, talk box
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David Bryan: Keyboards, backing vocals
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Tico Torres: Drums, percussion
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Hugh McDonald: Bass guitar, backing vocals
Production Team:
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Producers: John Shanks, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
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Engineers: John Shanks, Obie O’Brien
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Mixing: Bob Clearmountain
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Mastering: Ted Jensen
Mini Review
The Circle is Bon Jovi at their arena-rock peak, combining anthemic choruses, melodic hooks, and socially aware lyrics. Tracks like “We Weren’t Born to Follow” and “Work for the Working Man” showcase resilience and commentary, while songs like “Broken” and “When We Were Beautiful” offer introspection. With polished production and classic Bon Jovi energy, the album balances timeless rock sensibilities with contemporary themes, making it a solid addition to their 2000s discography.
