Purity, clarity & consistency... Void of altering your focus on true meaning. The songs of Full Circle may span a 30 year voyage of one song writers experience with life and love but it most difinitely expresses all listeners, old and new, our hearts quest for true meaning of what is real and what is false. Dan, please continue to sing to those of us, who are now and may always be, needing to here and be inspired to endure. I've been listening, and most importantly, hearing your message of hope, faith and conviction of what is meaningful and just all of my adult life. Never silence your voice. ~ Vixen (L.A.)

After a more than 30-year career and four years since his last studio release, Dan Fogelberg is back where he began. On his newest CD, Full Circle (Morning Sky/Mailboat), the much-loved singer/songwriter hearkens back to the acoustic country-folk sound fans will recall from his early-70s albums Home Free and Souvenirs. And while many enjoyed Fogelberg's often thrilling forays through pop, bluegrass, and world beat, no doubt they will hail his return home.

Produced at the artist's own Mountain Bird Studio, Full Circle offers nine original tunes and two intriguing covers, Bill Martin's stately, green-themed "Earth Anthem" and the title track, an obscure yet wonderful Byrds composition. Together with the originals, the CD presents thoughts on love, relationships and life backed by Fogelberg's trademark lush harmonies, masterful instrumentation, and crisp, clean production that -- happily -- is not as glossy-sounding as his some of his later works (such as 1984's Windows and Walls, 1987's Exiles, 1990's The Wild Places, and 1993's River of Souls).

The album starts -- as many older, beloved Fogelberg collections do -- with a piano-driven instrumental that features lots of gorgeous strings. "Half Moon Bay" gives one the sense of being near water, the source of life. It makes a fitting entryway to the music to come.

And that music, for those who appreciate finely crafted acoustic sounds, is prime. Like his earliest efforts, love is the main topic. Songs such as the bouncy "When You're Not Near Me," the haunting, intimate Gordon Lightfoot tribute "Whispers in the Wind" (which evokes memories of Nether Lands' "Dancing Shoes"), and "Once in Love" will resonate with listeners who carry on with hope in spite of life's inevitable romantic tribulations. It's a good thing "Drawing Pictures," a song Fogelberg composed 30 years ago, was saved until now: The piece's wisdom sounds most appropriate coming from a fiftysomething.

Vocally, the singer doesn't showcase the soaring, supple tenor of his youth. But that is more than OK -- the older Fogelberg's voice is deeper and mellower, world-weary but hopeful, and it lends a richness and gravitas to the music that enhances the whole.

The CD's best track, the dynamic, encouraging "Icarus Ascending," makes Full Circle worth the price all by itself. One lyric likely will resonate with me until I breathe my last: "There is a gamble in each proud act of flight / But the losses pale before the winnings." The Fogelberg faithful and new fans will be thrilled that the artist took this gamble. If you haven't heard Dan Fogelberg or if you are one of those only familiar with his hits, buying Full Circle is a gamble that will pay off in spades. ~ Journalist Natalie Davis on Blogcritics.org

The New DF-CD is absoloutly a great piece of music. For me it is the best DF CD since "The Innocent Age" (which is my absolute favorite CD from Dan, and not just from Dan it is my all time favorite CD ever). My personal favorite songs on the New CD are: Whispers in the Wind, This Heart and Reach Haven Postcard. So, what else have I to say - the same as always -- DAN, please make it possible and come to Germany for a few concerts. ~ Chris Haldenwang (Germany)

Since I received word of the upcoming release of Full Circle, I anxiously awaited being able to purchase it. I finally got it and there is so much to say! I was able to sit back, just listen and appreciate the words, music, and the emotion that he was able to express! It is right up there with all his other releases. I'm trying to replace my cassette tapes or vinyl with CD's so that I can listen to him in the car or at work (thank goodness for the PC CD players!) I really enjoy how Dan's music has evolved over the decades and how it has been there during different times in my life. I can pick one title and it will either take me back to the first time I heard the song(s) or bring me to the present, and then things don't seem as bad as they first appeared to be. I look forward to hearing from him in all formats and perform for many years to come! ~ Marcy Collins (Bowling Green OH)

OH MY, DAN!!! YOU ARE SO FANTABULOUS!!! This new CD is so much a part of your past brought together with the present. I love it as much as every other piece of music you have done. Since the beginning, your deep expression from your inner self hits deep in my heart. Innocent Age was always my favorite collection of music and I truly feel Full Circle combines many of those heartfelt tunes brought present. "Icarus Ascending" - I actually use in my Prenatal Yoga classes to give women power and strength to birth their babies. (Let your faith be your strength, and your love be your guiding star.) I love it all, Thank you AGAIN DAN for a connection to you, me and life. ~ Debra Geymayr (Miami, Fl)

I've been a fan of Dan's for many years, and he, among a select few, is why I started and continue to pursue to write songs and play music. I remember a handwritten note Dan wrote to me once when I asked him to review my songs. I'm paraphrasing because I lost the note along with most of my worldy possessions in a fire a while ago. Anyway, he said something along the lines of critics and critique being an unfortunate part of society. He believed it didn't much matter whether he or anyone else liked my songs and music as long as it gave me joy. I imagine he feels the same way about his songs and albums. The fact that people enjoy them is just a benefit of the gift he and I have both been given. With regards to the new album I would say it takes a couple of spins to "get it" but I find it to be one of his best efforts both lyrically and musically. ~ Bill Frank (New Jersey)

It´s been a long wait, but certainly worth the while. I can only repeat what other reviewers said, i.e. the CD was very hard to come by. Having come over to the US from Europe to travel the West and Midwest (and see Dan live along the way, of course!) in late May and early June, none of the major shops carried it, and I could only obtain it through a special order. Anyway, I think "Full Circle" is a wonderful, very acoustic album. Recorded over the past couple of years at Dan´s house up in Southern Colorado, light, love and happiness seem to transcend the eleven tracks. It´s a wonderful addition to an outstanding 30-year recording career. As always, there are no stronger or weaker songs to mention. All of the songs Dan chose to release are flawless and a joy to listen to, be it his own eight new originals (plus the lovely instrumental "Half Moon Bay") or the two adopted songs. "This Heart" could do great on the radio, but having been released independently, "Full Circle" will probably not reach vast audiences (which seems to be fine with Dan, anyway).

There are only two things I would have liked differently: More of "Full Circle", to start with: After working on this material for almost ten years, there are a few unrecorded tracks he´s performed over the years that might have easily fit on here to bring the CD up to just a little more than the 40 minutes we got. And "Earth Anthem" is a wonderful closing number, but why did Dan (as producer and recording engineer) have to "fade" this one out, especially right during the chorus? Apart from that, "Full Circle" is a wonderful timeless recording that will provide listeners with joy for years to come. It does reflect the happiness that Dan finally seems to have found and sparkles with musical craftmanship. ~ Christian, Germany

Full Circle is interesting. It has a few good tunes and some not so great. It's all opinion after all. Here's my breakdown of the good, bad and otherwise:

Bad: No actual strings (synthesized stuff) in songs that might have really been taken to another level as they did so beautifully on "Home Free" and his other earlier work. The choral voice at the end of "Icarus" that instead of echoing the style of "Gambler" and "Along the Road" turned into the kind of "Lion King" chant he used on "River of Souls". Argh. The length and repetitive-ness of "When You're Not Near Me" and "This Heart". These songs could have used some tightening up. (Why not take off with an acoustic break? I love those Martin/Gretch strings being worked by Fogelbergian pickin'.)

Good: "Reason to Run". Ahhh now that's quintessential Fogelberg... the long acoustic beginning and power intro of electric down the line. Almost worth the price of admission. Nice work inside of "Once in Love", "Icarus", and "Reach Haven" (the chorus of "Reach Haven", as with some of the other material here, is too "80's" for me instead of "70's") Hum "Gambler" while you listen to "Icarus" and you'll feel the two compositions merging. I like the simplicity and length of "Drawing Pictures". The two non-Fogelberg songs are not that great and- not being by him- seem like add-ons. He should've put "Hearts and Crafts" on here instead.

A note on the "unprofessional looking" packaging: a peek at the liner notes reveals "D.F." to be the layout person. Thus the rather plain look compared to his other album graphics and typography. Kind of surprising but maybe OK considering the modest sound accompanying the work.

Anyway, I'll always love Dan's stuff. He did so much early on that he doesn't have to deliver for me. An era is forever gone and not even he can bring it back, but "Full Circle" is a modest revisitation of the beautiful, powerful musical beginnings of the man. ~ Matt Kambic

We are not critics. We are fans. We are fans through thick. We are fans through thin. We are patient. We have bought endless compilation cds. We have long been anticipating something new from Dan. He delivered! This cd manages to be new yet nostalgic. I feel that I too have come full circle and the message of the cd really speaks to my soul. Especially when I know that many of the compositions are from twenty years ago or more! That was when I became a fan. That was when DF's music first sang to my spirit! His voice has changed and mellowed with time. I appreciate that. After all, haven't we all? I also appreciate the message in much of his lyrics. Icarus Ascending gave me that same feeling I got from "Lessons Learned" and "Part of the Plan." These days, we need all the positive vibes we can get! And I defy any of the fifty-somethings out there to lay down dozens of tracks for one song and still have that purity of art and craft!

I am a Dan Fogelberg fan and I am thankful that he is still creating music that speaks to my heart! I am a Dan Fogelberg fan and I am proud to say that I appreciate intelligent lyrics and complicated chords. I am a diehard DF Fan and I'll keep buying if he keeps singing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~ Cindy

I've been listening to this record for over a week now and I just had to send my message. A great poetic gesture you have bestowed upon us once again. Nostalgia notwithstanding, this album took me back to all those feelings and made it well worth the wait, Dan. Your storytelling gets better with each lyric you write and I agree with everyone one else, it is magnificent. Congratulations on giving us a wonderful musical montage that will forever be your legacy. A devoted fan since 1973 you continue to amaze me and your fans as a lyricist, a musician an artist and spiritual soul. Passion and poetry are our finest forms of expression and you have once again filled our lives with both. The beautiful "Reach Haven Postcard" and "Icarus Ascending" only draw me closer to your passion. Those of us who fight each day to assure ourselves that our chosen endeavor is our passion, understand the "gamble in each proud act of flight ". Your passion for our plight and self destructive ways make me only care that much more for our planet and her destiny, for we are her thorn and her flowered perfume of the same vine. Only as a species can we save her from our "self-indulgent ways". Thanks again Dan for your care and concern as the "politicians and lawyers bicker" to find better ways to steal her from us for another "parking lot". Keep your passion coming Dan as we reap the rewards of your endeavor. ~ Dave Poisel

This CD is just breathtaking! The more I listen, the more I hear. It just gets better and better. The music is spirited and uplifting. Dan takes the words and lyrics of his youth and brings them to life as the mature, passionate artist he is now. What a journey that must have been for him to mold them into present time for us. Thanks again Dan for letting us experience your proud act of flight. May you continue to ascend! ~ Karen

I am a big Dan Fogelberg fan, and I have loved every album he has ever put out. I can always find at least a few songs that I love, and I hold close to my heart, while the other songs I enjoy for different reasons. What about FULL CIRCLE? I am going to sound like a critic, but as a fan I have to be honest. I wasn't blown away with this album like I was with his past albums-The Innocent Age, Nether Lands, Phoenix, The Wild Places, Windows and Walls, High Country Snows, and River of Souls. There are a few songs that I love that remind me of past Dan F. music - "Once In Love", "Whispers In The Wind", and "Reach Haven Postcard". I am not saying that I don't like the album. The album is starting to grow on me each time I go back and listen to it. I have to praise the sound man for excellent sound. The acoustic sound is awesome -as well as the other instruments. Lyrically Dan still knows how to touch the heart. The song that spoke to me was "Icarus Ascending". "When You're Not Near Me" has a great melody, and I love the 12 string that Dan plays in it. Overal, I enjoy the album. ~ Craig Blann

I have been listening to music some 41 odd years now and I can honestly say that I have NEVER listened to a more well-rounded, emotionally-charged CD as Full Circle. From the warmth of "Half Moon Bay" to the naturalistic plea of humanity in "Earth Anthem", Dan delivers, in my opinion, a project perfected by songs that truly come from a poets' heart. And knowing Dan's music as well as my own, he has once again touched every emotion as he has in the past. But there is something different this time around....going back to the early Fogelberg sound with just as much passion as he displayed in the 70's and now the cake has been iced with a sense of maturity and fulfillment as this master craftsman has truly come FULL CIRCLE. This CD is a must for all Fogelberg Fans and will surely bring in a new generation of listeners that will be touched as we have so many times before. BRAVO DAN!!! BRAVO. ~ Donnie Mills

After listening to this wonderful CD one time...I am sure it will become a favorite. I have been enjoying Dan's music since 1975 and it's nice to see a return to the basics. As I write this the 2003 tour is beginning and I think I speak for many -- we look forward to hearing some of these songs performed on the road. ~ Dan Shouse

Dan, I absolutely love this CD. It reminds me so much of Souvenirs and I wore out that album and even the CD! The one thing I noticed is that you are singing in a better key suited for your voice. You have such a lovely voice and it is so soothing to hear you sing in that deeper tone. The lyrics don't seem strained and seem to just flow. I love the guitar work so much! This entire CD has such a good feel to it. Peaceful, calm, and just plain lovely. I do hope we get to hear all of this while you are on tour. Peace be with you Dan in all your endeavors ~ Denise H. from Pittsburgh

I found this album to be a disappointment. I feel that DF is capable of much more depth, as evidenced by his River of Souls album. That album I found impressive. I hope his next venture is more indicative of his talents. ~ YanuAdisi

This has been a highly anticipated CD for all of us (fans). I held back on listening to the 30 sec. clips only because I felt you really can't get a feel for the flow of the music in that short time frame. I wanted to hear the entire CD on my stereo. I received my copy on this past Wednesday overnight from Tower records.(I must add they did a great job on getting it here overnight). Anyway, I just love this CD. I love the acoustic feel throughout the CD. The sound quaility is superb. What can I say about the musicianship of Dan? Just outstanding. He's the truest of what a musician is all about. We can ask is this his best work? Who knows but I feel it ranks up with his best. I like what this CD has to say and I like the feel of it. My favorite song on this CD is tough to pick. I like each song for different reasons, but "Once in Love" is my pick and a tough pick. It's a very solid CD. If there is any downfall to this CD it would that it's about 43 min long. Would of liked to see a bit longer CD. As a long time fan, I think we have all come full circle and it's been a great ride. And thanks Dan Fogelberg for that experience. YOU ARE THE BEST! Looking forward to hearing the songs on tour. May we all find peace in our hearts and on earth, may God bless you, Dan and your family, friends and all us fans. May you all have a great summer! Take Care. Peace ~ William

This music has the gentleness of Home Free, the spirit of Souvenirs and Captured Angel, the depth and creativity of Nether Lands and Innocent Age, the richness of Wild Places and River of Souls and the maturity, wisdom, hope, faith and love we have all come to terms with through our years. It truly brings us 'full circle'. Thanks Dan for a beautiful album! ~ Laurie

Just spent a few hours of my weekend listening to the new cd Full Circle. I couldn't wait to hear some new music from Dan, what a great treat. I have always loved the old music the best, Home Free/Souvenirs/Captured Angel. I don't know if it was just that those albums were so good, or those years of my life with that music playing in the background brings back such great memories. I still listen to those albums/cds, all these years later. I often wake my kids up singing To The Morning, and have done that with them for 21 years! So, Dan's music has become a part of my life. I like the new cd, and am especially delighted with REACH HAVEN POSTCARD. I also like WHISPERS IN THE WIND. Thanks Dan for the new music--keep it coming.~ Diane

I'd like to say a great thank you to Dan (and Jean) for yet another gift of such wonderful music. Full Circle seems to touch on all aspects of Dan's music through the years. The melodies and harmonies are beautiful, yet sometimes eerie. For me, the most inspiring part, as always in Dan's music, is the constant wisdom within the lyrics, which is subtley imparted to us as we listen. Listening to Full Circle, evokes many emotions. Everytime I listen to it I come away with something new. Dan, even though you've come "Full Circle", I hope this is not the end, but just the beginning of the next cycle! ~ DL

Dan's new CD is great as always. I love every song. The only complaint I have is that it was very hard to find. No store had it the day it was released and had to purchase from Amazon. But it was worth the wait. Keep them coming. ~ R.Bower

I think Full Circle will please Dan's long-time fans because it really is a traditional Fogelberg disc (like Captured Angel/Innocent Age, not like Wild Places/River of Souls). It's comforting to know that Dan's gift for melody has not deserted him nor has his instrumental prowess. (Dan plays many of the instruments on this disc, like the old days.) Dan layers his vocals and concentrates on melody, as opposed to rhythm (like River of Souls).

My favorite tracks include the opener, "Half Moon Bay", an instrumental piece that hearkens back to "Aspen" (from Captured Angel) and "Tullamore Dew" (from Phoenix); "Drawing Pictures", a sad song that Dan wrote when he was 21, thus the rather banal lyrics, but a nice melody, nonetheless; and "When You're Not Near Me" and "Icarus Ascending", which are full band songs. However, the highlight of the Full Circle disc for me is "Whispers in the Wind", which was written in 1985, but sounds more like 1973 (Home Free, Souvenirs). This song possesses one of the most haunting melodies Dan has composed in a long time.

Now for the down sides. First of all, Full Circle lacks the variety on some of Dan's older, "classic" records. Most of the songs on Full Circle are acoustic guitar-based. Piano is in short supply, and instrumentation is sparser than on some of Dan's earlier releases (and even than on No Resemblance Whatsoever). However, the quality of the songs is high enough to compensate for this oversight. Secondly, Dan's voice is not quite as "pure" and clear as in the old days, but I must admit that I was surprised that Dan can still hit so many of the high notes. (And I am really happy that Dan chose to not use the "bluesy" voice he has employed since Exiles, a voice which I always found to be rather phony and plain old annoying anyway.) Again, Dan's singing is good enough to compensate for this shortcoming. Finally, it is easy to see that Dan is working with an independent label from the rather cheap-looking packaging and artwork on Full Circle. However, Dan did include the lyrics to his new songs in the packaging and, once again, the quality of Dan's songs shines through and compensates.

All in all, I really enjoy Full Circle. I believe it is Dan's best disc in years (although I really enjoyed First Christmas Morning and No Resemblance Whatsover, as well). I hope Dan decides to record more discs in the style of Full Circle, because this type of music really is his forte, i.e., it is what Dan does best. ~ Michael Shogi

I searched days for this CD, I found it at Salzers here in Ventura. Paid more for it than I would have buying through your web site, and yet, I was in a hurry to get it (spank my hand later). I've listened to this CD several times in the last two days, and I'm damn glad he finally put this out. "Half Moon Bay" is a wonderful awakening to what you find on this CD. "When You're Not Near Me", is quite good, and I was impressed by the structure of the song and his voice on the song ( I hope he plays it on tour!). "Full Circle" isn't my favorite song on the CD, but I can understand how many might enjoy this song because of the country flavor to it. "Reason To Run" wasn't nearly as good in the short clip on Dan's web site, as the song is in full. My God, it's going to be one of my favorite Dan Fogelberg songs of all time. But there are three more songs on this CD that will pinch it out of top 10 Fogelberg songs in my collection. "Once in Love" is probably the most commercial song because of its length not quality, but the song stands on its own very well, and I do like it very much. "Whispers In The Wind" was good but doesn't make my top songs list off this CD. "This Heart", is this CD's number 3 song in my humble opinion. I love the change up in it and the voice is spectacular on this song. (Dan, if you read this, you simply must play it on tour or I'm gonna start a donation site to bribe your wife to fire the guitar tech and make you re-string all your guitars yourself .) The song is fantastic, people! "Reach Haven Postcard" is another amazing song, and number 4 in line of favorites for me -- beautifully written and put together. "Drawing Pictures" is the song that is going to grow on any Fogelberg fan and will climb the ladder in status. It's simply amazing and I'd rate it number 2 currently on this CD. "Icarus Ascending" is my number 1 pick on this CD. Its music is outstanding and the words of this song, and his voice on this was again quite exceptional and the whole song is so well blended and smooth that it surpassed all I could hope for after hearing the sound clip of it. "Earth Anthem" - well, I prefer "Face The Fire".Lol, Rock Dan Rock we all know you can do it!

Overall, Full Circle is Full Dan and proves what we've always believed. He is an Artist and Song Craftsman blessed with a gift that once again shines and I thank him, and the people in his life that made him happy enough to do this project. Now, FINALLY, he's taken some wonderful gifts shelved for so long, and given them some air and light of day. Thanks again for everything, Dan. This CD has made this a wonderful year for music! ~ Rick ...