Brainstorm
Brainstorm was an American funk, disco, and R&B band that emerged from Detroit, Michigan, in 1976. The band was formed as a splinter group from the ensemble 5th Revelation and consisted of a blend of talented musicians known for their energetic performances and technical instrumentation. The group gained prominence in the late 1970s, recording for the Tabu label and earning a dedicated following.
The band's debut album, "Stormin'," released in 1977, became their best-selling record and showcased their signature sound, which combined elements of funk, disco, and R&B. Throughout their active years, Brainstorm produced several tracks that were well received in the funk and soul music scenes, contributing to the rich musical landscape of the period.
The members of Brainstorm included notable figures such as Renell Gonsalves, whose familial connections to the music industry played a role in the band's development. They continued to perform and produce music until their disbandment, which occurred in the early 1980s. Despite their brief period of activity, Brainstorm left an enduring legacy in the genre, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and contributing to the evolution of funk and R&B music in America.
Journey To The Light
Lead Vocals – Belita Woods
Written-By – Gerald P. Kent 3:44
A2 Loving Just You
Lead Vocals – Trenita Womack
Written-By – Belita Woods, Ken Harris, Larry Sims 4:31
A3 Every Time I See You, I Go Wild!
Lead Vocals – Belita Woods, Deon Estus
Written-By – Henry Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy 6:14
A4 Brand New Day
Lead Vocals – Belita Woods
Written-By – Charles (Chuck) Overton, Gerald P. Kent, William L. Wooten, III 3:23
B1 Journey To The Light
Lead Vocals – Belita Woods
Written-By – Jeryl Bright 5:19
B2 If You Ever Need To Cry
Lead Vocals – Belita Woods
Written-By – Belita Woods, William L. Wooten, III 6:30
B3 We're On Our Way Home (Part 2)
Lead Vocals – Belita Woods
Written-By – Gerald P. Kent 2:50
B4 Positive Thinking
Lead Vocals – Deon Estus
Written-By – Deon Estus 4:31
Label: Tabu Records – JZ 35327
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Brainstorm's 1978 album Journey To The Light is a highly regarded, sophisticated R&B, jazz-funk, and soul album that is widely considered their best work by fans and critics. While it was a commercial failure at the time, failing to produce a major hit like their debut single, it has since become a cult classic praised for its rich musicianship and Belita Woods' stunning vocals.
The album is noted for being musically richer and more sophisticated than the band's debut, Stormin'. It blends R&B, soul, funk, and jazz, making it difficult to pigeonhole into a single category like "disco".
Reviewers consistently highlight the superb musicianship of the self-contained band, particularly the strong bass lines from Deon Estus and the powerful vocals of lead singer Belita Woods.
Many reviews mention the album's initial lack of commercial success, attributing it to its departure from the more breezy disco sound of their previous hit, "Lovin' You Is Really My Game". It is often described as an overlooked or "sleeper" album that deserved more attention.
The title track, "Journey to the Light," and "We're On Our Way Home" became underground classics in the New York dance scene (specifically "Loft" and "Garage" classics), appreciated for their jazzy, ethereal grooves that reward repeated listens.
Reviewers often praise specific tracks for their quality:
"Journey to the Light": The title track is described as sinuous, urgent, and delightful.
"We're On Our Way Home": A "killer jazzy R&B groove" that has an almost ethereal feel.
"If Ever You Need To Cry": A mid-tempo deep soul track that gives listeners "chills" with Woods' vocals and the band's instrumental skills.
"Brand New Day": Noted for its uplifting, positive quality and impressive orchestration.
Journey To The Light is an album that warrants repeated listening and is best appreciated as a cohesive, brilliant work rather than a collection of potential hit singles. It is a must-have for collectors of sophisticated 70s soul, funk, and jazz fusion who appreciate strong musical arrangements and exceptional vocal performances. The CD reissues are also highly praised for their excellent remastering and informative liner notes.
Stormin’
Written-By – Woods, Womack
4:59
A2 Waiting For Someone
Written-By – Womack
6:13
A3 This Must Be Heaven
Written-By – Ross, Overton, Johnson, Myles
6:35
A4 Easy Thangs
Written-By – Johnson
4:48
B1 Prelude
Written-By – Peters
0:51
B2 Wake Up And Be Somebody
Written-By – Kent
6:25
B3 Stormin'
Written-By – Johnson
4:20
B4 We Know A Place
Written-By – Ross
4:22
B5 Hangin' On
Written-By – Kent
4:06
Label: Tabu Records – BQL1-2048
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Brainstorm's Stormin' (1977) is a highly-regarded debut funk/soul album, celebrated for its tight musicianship, catchy grooves, and standout tracks like the disco-funk classic "Lovin' Is Really My Game" and the soulful ballad "This Must Be Heaven," offering spirited, danceable funk that transcends mere disco and showcases the self-contained band's strong talents, especially in its remastered CD form with bonus tracks for collectors.
It's a blend of Funk, Soul, and Disco, featuring intricate arrangements, strong vocals, and driving rhythms, though reviewers note it's more sophisticated funk than pure disco.
Standout Tracks: "Lovin' Is Really My Game" (a major hit), "Waiting For Someone," "We Know A Place," and the beautiful ballad "This Must Be Heaven" are frequently praised.
The band was self-contained and highly skilled, with fantastic musicianship and seamless guitar work adding to the experience.
Considered a "long lost gem," the album holds up well, with its quality often compared favorably to later releases, notes this Amazon review.
Fans and critics view Stormin' as a strong debut that foreshadowed the band's potential, offering deep grooves and soulful moments that make it a classic for funk and soul lovers.