Released 23 October 1981 by Capitol Records, Circle of Love was the Steve Miller Band's first album of new material since the May 1977 release Book of Dreams.

[2] (The band's Greatest Hits 1974–78 compilation disc had been issued in November 1978.)

In its original vinyl album format, Circle of Love featured a total of five tracks, Side 2 of the album comprising one extended track, "Macho City" (18:32).

Although Circle of Love was certified Gold for sales of 500,000 units in December 1981[3] the album, with its lead single "Heart Like a Wheel" only managing to reach #24 in the US (and #17 in Canada), was a commercial disappointment in contrast to the band's three preceding albums which had all reached million-selling Platinum status.

[4][5][6] Record World called the title track a "pretty ballad [that] features warm, pinpoint harmony choruses and a unique guitar bridge.