Hot on the heels of the Streets album I just reviewed, here comes another classic AOR album that the AOR anoraks rave about. The Storm were put together by three ex-Journey members, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith (although Ron Wickso is on drums on this one). Joined by Kevin Chalfont on vocals and self confessed Neal Schon fan, Josh Ramos on guitar. In case you’re wondering, yes they do sound like Perry-era Journey.
This was actually album number two which came out in ’95, a full four years after their debut. This album is a lot more reliant on the laid back softer songs with the up tempo grooves lacking somewhat. So when the needle actually gets to one it’s a welcome change. Livin’ It Up is the fifth song in, and we had to wait a while, but it was worth it. Yes, it’s my favourite tune. A nice guitar intro leads to a slight funked up groove with a dirtier vocal hits the spot for me.
This is not a bad album by any stretch, but it would have been nice to have a couple more uptempo tunes added in there. It’s fine if you want to chill out and have some background music.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
