Circles (Dante Bowe album)

Last updated

Circles
Circles - Dante Bowe.jpg
Studio album by
Dante Bowe
ReleasedMarch 26, 2021 (2021-03-26)
Genre
Length41:17
Label Bethel Music
Producer
  • Lael
  • Ben Schofield
  • Stephen Blake Kanicka
Dante Bowe chronology
Son of a Father
(2017)		Circles
(2021)
Singles from Circles
  1. "Joyful"
    Released: March 13, 2021 (2021-03-13)

Circles (stylized in lower case) is the second studio album by American Christian singer and songwriter Dante Bowe. Bethel Music released the album on March 26, 2021. [1] The album contains guest appearances by Trevor Jackson, Lael, and Bizzle. The album was produced by Lael, Ben Schofield, and Stephen Blake Kanicka.

Contents

The album was supported by the release of "Joyful" as a single. The album debuted at number seven on the US Top Gospel Albums chart.

Background

Circles is Dante Bowe's second studio album, following his independent debut release, Son of a Father (2017). and his first label debut project, [2] since signing with Bethel Music in 2019. Bowe began songwriting for the album in 2020, in the aftermath of his grandfather's passing and consumed by the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, working with Lael and Ben Schofield in the production of the album. [3]

Bowe said that the album title was drawn from the song "Circles", saying: "I wrote that song because I felt like last year, and still a little bit this year, that people feel like they’ve been spinning around in circles, dizzy and out of control." Bowe said that the song's message is that God is "the God of the circles," and he felt the song represented the whole project. [2]

Music and lyrics

Sonically, Bowe drew inspiration from the music of his childhood—gospel, '90s R&B, hip-hop, and soul. [3] [4] The lyrics of the album revolve around "themes of gratitude, forgiveness, perseverance, and understanding." [2]

Artwork

The photo for the album cover was shot by Donté Maurice. Bowe had initially wanted the album cover to be in a field, but Maurice suggested that the photo be done in a studio, with Bowe jumping off a trampoline to appear as though he jumping in the sky. [2]

Release and promotion

On March 1, 2021, Dante Bowe announced that he will be releasing his second studio album, Circles, on March 26. [5] [6] He released "Joyful" as the lead single from Circles on March 12, 2021. [7] [8] On March 19, 2021, Circles was availed for digital pre-order. [9]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Jesus Freak HideoutStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]
JubileeCast4.5/5 [11]

Timothy Yap of JubileeCast praised the album, saying, "With most songs clocking in at the 2 to 3 minute mark, most of the entries are punchy without much wasted notes. Though there are a couple of songs ("Over and Over" and "Keep Going") that border on the side of the ordinary, this record is superb. It is diverse, interesting, and it also hits you in the heart. "Love is in the Air," in particular, is the bomb." [11] Reviewing for Jesus Freak Hideout, Andrew Blauwkamp wrote a positive review, saying: "I was pleasantly surprised with how creative and well-produced this album was. This is Dante Bowe's album through and through. He does nothing but shine on each track. Give Circles a spin and enjoy each minute of this musical experience." [10]

Commercial performance

In the United States, Circles debuted at No. 7 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. [12]

Track listing

Circles [13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) [14] Length
1."Circles"
Lael2:49
2."Okay" (featuring Trevor Jackson and Lael)
  • Bowe
  • Schneeweis
  • Trevor Jackson
Lael2:36
3."Joyful"
  • Ben Schofield
  • Bowe
Ben Schofield2:17
4."Just Me"
  • Bowe
  • Schneeweis
Lael3:04
5."All God's Children"
  • Bowe
  • Stephen Blake Kanicka
Stephen Blake Kanicka2:56
6."Real Kind of Love"
  • Bowe
  • Schneeweis
Lael2:49
7."Good Times"
  • Bowe
  • Schneeweis
Lael2:47
8."Keep Going"
  • Bowe
  • Schneeweis
Lael3:11
9."I Wanna Know You"
  • Bowe
  • Kanicka
Stephen Blake Kanicka3:38
10."Love is in the Air"
  • Bowe
  • Kanicka
Stephen Blake Kanicka4:06
11."Family Tree"
  • Schofield
  • Bowe
Ben Schofield3:56
12."Over and Over" (featuring Bizzle)
Lael3:37
13."You"
  • Bowe
  • Schneeweis
Lael3:37
Total length:41:17

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousMarch 26, 2021
 Bethel Music [13] [14]

Related Research Articles

<i>Revivals in the Air</i> 2020 live album by Bethel Music

Revival's in the Air is the twelfth live album by California-based worship collective Bethel Music, and their twentieth full-length release overall. The album was released through the collective's imprint label, Bethel Music, on May 29, 2020. The featured worship leaders on the album are Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Cory Asbury, Jonathan David & Melissa Helser, Josh Baldwin, Kristene DiMarco, Paul McClure, Hannah McClure, Brandon Lake, Bethany Wohrle, and Dante Bowe. Brian Johnson and Joel Taylor produced the album, working with assistant producers David Whitworth, John-Paul Gentile and Matthew Ogden.

Michael Brandon Lake is an American Christian worship singer, songwriter and worship pastor. Lake is a member of the Maverick City Music collective, and serves as a worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Lake began his recording career with a successful crowdfunding campaign to produce an album in 2015, which resulted in the independent release of his debut studio album, Closer, in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evidence (Josh Baldwin song)</span> 2020 song by Josh Baldwin

"Evidence" is a song by American Christian singer-songwriter Josh Baldwin that was released via Bethel Music on June 12, 2020, as the lead single from his fourth studio album of the same name, Evidence (2020). Baldwin co-wrote the song with Ed Cash and Ethan Hulse.

Maverick City Music is an American contemporary worship music collective founded by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay originating from Atlanta. The collective made its debut in 2019 with the release of two extended plays, Maverick City, Vol. 1 and Maverick City, Vol. 2. In 2020, Maverick City Music released two live albums: Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1 and Maverick City, Vol. 3 Pt. 2, with the former featuring the singles, "Man of Your Word" and "Promises". The collective later released their first collaborative EP with Upperroom, You Hold It All Together (2020) which was followed by the holiday-themed EP, Maverick City Christmas (2020). In 2021, Maverick City Music released several projects, the most notable being their second collaborative EP with Upperroom, Move Your Heart; a collaborative album with Elevation Worship titled Old Church Basement which contained the hit songs "Jireh", "Talking to Jesus" and "Wait on You"; and Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, which attained commercial success and garnered widespread critical acclaim. Maverick City Music's accolades include 5 Grammy Awards, 4 GMA Dove Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award, and 1 Soul Train Music Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Champion (Bethel Music and Dante Bowe song)</span> 2020 song by Bethel Music and Dante Bowe

"Champion" is a song by Bethel Music and Dante Bowe, which was released as the fourth single from Bethel Music's twelfth live album, Revival's in the Air (2020), on July 17, 2020. The song was written by Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe, Jonathan Jay, Steffany Gretzinger, and Tony Brown. Chuck Butler handled the production of the single.

<i>Old Church Basement</i> 2021 live album by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music

Old Church Basement is a collaborative live album by American contemporary worship groups Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music. It was released on April 30, 2021, via Sony Music Nashville through their imprints Elevation Worship Records and Provident Label Group. The featured worship leaders on the album are Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Brandon Lake, Joe L. Barnes, Tiffany Hudson, Chris Brown, and Amanda Lindsey Cook. The album was produced by Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Jason Ingram, Tony Brown, and Jonathan Jay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dante Bowe</span> American Christian musician

Dante Bowe is an American Christian worship singer, and songwriter. He is known as a former member of the Bethel Music collective and Maverick City Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joyful (song)</span> 2021 song by Dante Bowe

"Joyful" is a song by American Christian singer and songwriter Dante Bowe, which was released on March 12, 2021, as the lead single to his second studio album, Circles. Bowe co-wrote the song with Ben Schofield. Ben Schofield handled the production of the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dante Bowe discography</span>

American Christian musician Dante Bowe has released two studio albums, and twenty-six singles.

<i>Milk & Honey</i> (Crowder album) 2021 studio album by Crowder

Milk & Honey is the fourth studio album by American contemporary Christian musician Crowder. The album was released on June 11, 2021, via Sixsteps and Sparrow Records. A deluxe edition of the album was released on March 4, 2022. The album features guest appearances by Hulvey, Maverick City Music, and Dante Bowe. The album was produced by Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka, Hank Bentley, Jeff Pardo, Zach Paradis, Solomon Olds, and Tommee Profitt.

<i>Jubilee</i> (Maverick City Music album) 2021 EP by Maverick City Music

Jubilee is the fourth live album American contemporary worship music collective Maverick City Music. It was initially released on February 24, 2021, via Tribl Records, as an exclusive to Tribl App customers. The album was made available to other streaming platforms on February 26, 2021. The featured worship leaders on the album are Naomi Raine, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Maryanne J. George, Chandler Moore, Nicole Binion, Ryan Ofei, Joe L Barnes, Nate Moore, and Dante Bowe. The EP was produced by Jonathan Jay and Tony Brown.

Chandler David Moore is an American singer, songwriter, and worship leader. Moore currently partners Maverick City Music, a collective of worshippers working in the contemporary Christian music and Gospel world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wait on You</span> 2021 song by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music

"Wait on You" is a song performed by American contemporary worship bands Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music, which features vocals from Dante Bowe and Chandler Moore. The song was released on April 23, 2021, as a promotional single from their collaborative live album, Old Church Basement (2021). The song was written by Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Dante Bowe, Steven Furtick, and Tiffany Hudson.

"Old Church Basement" is a song performed by American contemporary worship bands Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music, which features vocals from Dante Bowe. The song was released as the opening track of the collaborative live album of the same name on April 30, 2021. The song was written by Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Dante Bowe, and Steven Furtick.

<i>Homecoming</i> (Bethel Music album) 2021 live album by Bethel Music

Homecoming is the thirteenth live album by California-based worship collective Bethel Music. The album was released through the collective's imprint label, Bethel Music, on September 24, 2021. The featured worship leaders on the album are Cory Asbury, Zahriya Zachary, Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, David Funk, Dante Bowe, Hannah McClure, Brandon Lake, Paul McClure, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Josh Baldwin, Emmy Rose, Kristene DiMarco, and Bethany Wohrle, with guest appearances from Gable Price, Matt Redman, Naomi Raine and Chris Quilala.

<i>What Are We Waiting For?</i> 2022 studio album by For King & Country

What Are We Waiting For? is the fifth studio album by For King & Country, an Australian Christian pop duo comprising brothers Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone, released via Word Entertainment on 11 March 2022. The album contains guest appearances by Dante Bowe, Sleeping at Last, Tori Kelly, and Kirk Franklin. The duo collaborated with Tedd T., Josh Kerr, Jeff Sojka, Federico Vindver, Benjamin Backus, and Seth Mosley in the production of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gratitude (Brandon Lake song)</span> 2020 song by Brandon Lake

"Gratitude" is a song by Brandon Lake. The song was released on June 3, 2022, as the third single from his second studio album, House of Miracles (2020). Lake co-wrote the song with Benjamin Hastings and Dante Bowe. Jacob Sooter worked on the production of the single.

<i>Tribl Nights Anthologies</i> 2022 live album by Tribl and Maverick City Music

Tribl Nights Anthologies is a collaborative live album by American contemporary worship groups Tribl and Maverick City Music. The album was released on April 29, 2022, via Tribl Records. The album features appearances by Lizzie Morgan, Cecily, Melvin Crispell III, Ryan Ofei, Joe L Barnes, Dante Bowe, Jonathan Traylor, Doe, Jekalyn Carr, JJ Hairston, Amanda Cook, Brandon Lake, Mariah Adigun, Nate Diaz, Katie Torwalt, and Sam Collier. The album was produced by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay.

<i>Kingdom Book One</i> 2022 live album by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin

Kingdom Book One is a collaborative live album by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin. The album was released on June 17, 2022, via Tribl Records, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and RCA Inspiration. The album features appearances by Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Lizzie Morgan, Dante Bowe, Maryanne J. George, and Ryan Ofei. The album serves to raise awareness on the injustice of mass incarceration. The deluxe edition of the album was released on July 22, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">God Really Loves Us</span> 2022 single by Crowder and Dante Bowe

"God Really Loves Us" is a song performed by Crowder and Dante Bowe featuring Maverick City Music. It was released on June 3, 2022, as the third single from Crowder's fourth studio album, Milk & Honey (2021). Crowder co-wrote the song with Ben Glover, Dante Bowe, and Jeff Sojka.

References

  1. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (March 26, 2021). "Dante Bowe Debuts 'Circles' Album – TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Clarks, Jessie (April 6, 2021). "Dante Bowe Debuts 'Circles' Album – TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Benitez-Eves, Tina (March 30, 2021). "Brandon Lake of Bethel Music Collective Discusses Inspiration Behind Solo Effort, "I Need a Ghost"". American Songwriter . Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Dante Bowe to Release Sophomore Album 'circles' Mar 26 – CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine . March 19, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Dante Bowe to Release 'Circles' Album Mar 26 – CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine . March 1, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  6. ↑ Longs, Herb (March 1, 2021). "Dante Bowe To Debut 'Circles' March 26 – TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  7. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (March 12, 2021). "Dante Bowe Releases "Joyful" – TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  8. ↑ Chavez, Lizet (March 13, 2021). "Dante Bowe Shares New Single 'Joyful'". Vacancy Magazine. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  9. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (March 19, 2021). "Dante Bowe Channels His Roots On Upcoming Album 'Circles' – TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  10. 1 2 Blauwkamp, Andrew (December 31, 2021). "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Dante Bowe, "circles" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  11. 1 2 Yap, Timothy (March 25, 2021). "Dante Bowe "Circles" Album Review : Exclusives : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  12. 1 2 "Top Gospel Albums Chart | Billboard". Billboard . Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. April 6, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  13. 1 2 "circles by Dante Bowe on Apple Music". Apple Music . United States. Apple Inc. March 26, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  14. 1 2 "circles by Dante Bowe on Spotify". Spotify. March 26, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Top Gospel Albums – Billboard". Billboard . Year-End Chart. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Top Gospel Albums – Billboard". Billboard . Year-End Chart. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.