Despite A Perfect Circle teasing new music as far back as 2008, only one new track, “By And Down,” has surfaced between then and now. The most recent album came out 16 years ago. Given how long frontman Maynard Keenan’s main band, Tool, is taking to create anything new, it’s unsurprising that A Perfect Circle fans had almost lost hope for the supergroup to gift us with fresh material.

However, there’s finally a glimmer of hope. Guitarist Billy Howerdel recently announced that A Perfect Circle will perform live again next year and that new music is on the horizon. Maynard elaborated that they’ll grace the Hollywood Bowl on May 7, 2017, and, based on reports, didn’t seem to refute the idea that new music is underway—a significant contrast to his 2010 comments expressing disinterest in albums.

To commemorate their comeback, we delved into their discography to highlight their 10 finest tracks.

Exploring the Depths: A Perfect Circle’s Hit ‘Magdalena’

Initially, it requires a bit of patience to engage, yet the entrancing resonance of Maynard’s vocals amidst the minimalistic commencement rapidly draws you into the haunting lament of Magdalena. Despite its comparative lack of a catchy allure in comparison to other tracks within the Mer De Noms album, its rightful place on this list is secured by its flawless integration of disparate segments, sidestepping the conventional verse-chorus framework.

Unraveling Perfection: Exploring A Perfect Circle’s Best Songs through ‘Pet’

Is this a comforting melody or the murmur of a captor, camouflaging threats within soothing words to coax their prey into a Stockholm Syndrome-like surrender? Given Maynard’s inclination toward life’s darker facets, the latter seems plausible. The revealing phrase “I must isolate you” strongly implies this notion. Yet, it’s the sinuous guitar riffs of Billy Howerdel, resembling a stealthy serpent, that distinctly elevate this composition, granting it a sharp edge.

Exploring Perfection: Unraveling the Beauty of ‘3 Libras’ Among the Best in A Perfect Circle’s Anthology

The fine threads and flute decorations within the verses might nearly steer 3 Libras towards prog terrain, were it not for the somber bassline and the sudden introduction of acoustic strums during the chorus. The disparity between the tender longing expressed in the verses and the fervent outcry of “You don’t see me” encapsulates the whirlwind of human feelings; if sorrow transitioning into frustration had a sound, it could resemble a semblance of 3 Libras.

Exploring the Best: Unveiling the Essence of ‘Weak and Powerless’ Among A Perfect Circle’s Top Songs

It may sound bleak, yet it’s not as uncomfortably personal as certain content within Mer De Noms. Rather, it serves as an ode to the monotony of feeling confined within a state of misery. However, its chugging, propulsive rhythm renders listening to it far more desirable than remaining ensnared within the mindset it vehemently opposes.

Vanishing: Unraveling the Melancholic Mastery of A Perfect Circle’s Best Songs

The track unfolds gradually, simmering in ambiance and texture as it moves forward. The ethereal a cappella vocals at the beginning, coupled with the whispers intertwining with the bassline – an uncommon focal point in this composition – possess the power to either raise goosebumps on your skin or serenely lull you into slumber, depending on your prevailing emotional state. To evoke such a diverse range of emotions with sparse instrumentation stands as a truly remarkable achievement.

Exploring Isolation and Identity: ‘The Outsider’ by A Perfect Circle

A hint of Mer De Noms finds its place within. Though The Outsider isn’t particularly weighty, Maynard snarls instead of drawls here, and a portion of the raw anger he let loose on the initial album resurfaces—a fiery signal amidst Thirteenth Step’s relative tranquility.

Exploring Emotions in ‘Blue’: A Perfect Circle’s Melancholic Masterpiece

The foreboding initial jangle, akin to a phantom trailing its fingers across suspended crockery within a horror film’s kitchen, yields to a chorus inviting sing-along, delving into the realm of deliberate ignorance. The somber, unyielding rhythm beneath subtly insinuates the underlying tragedy the song’s central figure adamantly denies. Engage with a distracted mind, and you encounter a delightful melody that ingrains itself in your psyche; however, delve deeply, and you’ll unearth APC’s distinctive eerie essence.

Unveiling ‘Passive’: A Deep Dive into A Perfect Circle’s Evocative Soundscapes

One of merely two original compositions featured on the 2004 album eMOTIVE, Passive maintains a distinctive call-and-response framework that imparts an almost pop-like quality to its essence. The song’s lyrics remain straightforward, devoid of embellishments or metaphors, cutting straight to the core of emotion. Its tone embodies anger and relatability, rendering it not just a good but an exceptionally compelling piece of music.

Exploring ‘The Hollow’: A Definitive Look into A Perfect Circle’s Best Songs

The lyrics delve into the darkness, touching upon the concept of filling an emotional void with hollow, meaningless encounters. Yet, when juxtaposed against a sophisticated 6⁄8 rhythm, these dark verses acquire a poetic and almost ethereal beauty. The rhythmic complexity, skillfully executed by Primus’s Tim Alexander on the drums, blurs the lines between the 6⁄8 and 4⁄4 time signatures. It’s this seamless fusion that anchors the song’s harsh rock nature in a fluidity that captivates the listener. Positioned as the opening track of the album, it undoubtedly sets a tone that beckons for further exploration, urging one to delve deeper into the sonic journey.

Exploring A Perfect Circle’s Best: Unveiling the Power of ‘Judith

Musically, ‘Judith’ maintains the same essence as ‘The Hollow,’ with its riffs smoothly gliding over intricate rhythms and breakdowns. However, it’s the profoundly personal lyrics and the tangible anger they exude that truly elevate ‘Judith’ to masterpiece status. Crafted in response to Maynard’s mother being confined to a wheelchair following a stroke, the song encapsulates Maynard’s incredulous despair at her unwavering faith in God despite her immense suffering. This poignant, tear-inducing emotion permeates the song, underscoring the rawness and depth of his feelings.

In conclusion

As this musical journey through A Perfect Circle’s repertoire draws to a close, it’s evident that their top 10 songs transcend mere melodies, resonating as profound emotional narratives. Each track becomes a testament to the band’s artistic prowess, revealing layers of intensity, introspection, and sonic mastery. Through this exploration, the essence of A Perfect Circle’s musical legacy shines brightly, captivating audiences and etching their indelible mark in the annals of rock history.