Do people still drive around in Camaros blasting Bon Jovi? In Bon Jovi's perfect world they do, and their 11th album is made for these people. Opener "We Weren't Born to Follow" even runs down a list of folks "this one goes out to" (sadly, "mullet-wearing thirtysomethings who haven't updated their record collections since 1988" aren't on the list). The song's sentiment, declared in its title, is forced. This is a band that's pretty much followed musical trends to multi-platinum success for a quarter-century, including a country album the last time around. The idea that Jon and the guys are trailblazers is ludicrous. The Circle is a straight-up rock record like Slippery When Wet, but without "Livin' on a Prayer": overproduced and filled with fist-pumping songs about working men, promised lands and living life to the fullest. This one goes out to the Camaro owners. Roll down the windows and turn it up.
— Gallucci
