Although
Brainstorm's debut album,
Stormin', didn't make the Motor City outfit a huge name in R&B, it did contain a number 14 R&B hit ("Lovin' Is Really My Game") and indicated that
Brainstorm was a band to watch out for. There was reason to believe that
Brainstorm might go on to become huge, but regrettably, its sophomore effort,
Journey to the Light, was a commercial disappointment. The LP didn't provide any major hits, and the only people who bought it were
Brainstorm's hardcore followers. Regardless,
Journey to the Light is generally excellent.
Brainstorm had a gem of a lead singer in
Belita Woods, who really soars on tunes that range from
Stevie Wonder's funky "Every Time I See You, I Go Wild!" to the quite storm pearl "If You Ever Need to Cry" and the jazzy,
Roy Ayers-ish "Brand New Day." Nor are the lead vocals of
Trenita Womack (who is featured on the slow jam "Loving Just You") and
Deon Estus anything to complain about. One can speculate on the reasons why
Journey to the Light wasn't as commercially successful as
Stormin' -- some would argue that none of the songs had as much disco and dancefloor appeal as "Lovin' Is Really My Game." At any rate, this is an album that should have done a lot better. ~ Alex Henderson