Entertainment Ireland

Bon Jovi
The Circle

Rock stalwarts Bon Jovi have been going strong for the past 26 years, and the past decade has seen them maintain a moderate level of success with their last 4 albums. Nevertheless, 'The Circle' is an apt title for a band who continue to chase their tails in the hope of scoring another mega chart hit - which isn't to be found on this album.

There's a theory that goes when the world is vaporised by a nuclear holocaust, all that'll be left is cockroaches, Daniel O'Donnell's teacup collection, and Bon Jovi. It's been 26 years since the New Jerseyites formed, and having never split or even fractured during that time (apart from original bassist Alec Such's departure in the '90s), the rockers are certainly due credit for their longevity. Credit is due, too, for their ability to move with the times - well, to a degree. Even if you're a dedicated detractor, their ability to market themselves to a younger generation of (dad)rockers (presumably the same people who were responsible for Journey's renaissance) with songs from their recent albums - 'It's My Life', 'Have a Nice Day' et al - is an impressive feat.

Unfortunately, that admiration doesn't stretch to albums that are, in a word, bland - and the quartet's 11th album is, in a word, bland. At 52 minutes, it's too long, and is lacking that crucial element for bands of Bon Jovi's stature these days - the rock anthem that will translate to mainstream chart success, and generate sales outside their hardcore fanbase.

Sure, there are attempts at capturing such an anthem; 'Work for the Working Man''s blue collar schtick is worryingly similar to 'Living on a Prayer', particularly the bassline and verse, but ultimately falls short at the lacklustre chorus. 'Bullet' dances around politics and gun culture, with Jon Bon Jovi hoarsely drawling the awful lyric "What is the distance between a bullet and a gun? / God, are you listening, or have you just given up?", and the quiet-loud tone of 'When We Were Beautiful' sounds like a U2 rejection.

Die-hard fans won't be put off by the platitudinous lyrics, the cheesy power ballads and Jon Bon Jovi's soppy tales of playing baseball with his dad and striving to achieve his dreams - after all, that's been the band's method for the past 26 years. Without any real progress, however, you might wonder how much longer Bon Jovi will continue to repeat themselves.

Review by Lauren Murphy : Agree/Disagree? Write a review... win iTunes Music vouchers!