"Soul Of A Man" by The Storm

The Storm is an AOR supergroup formed in 1991 by former members of Journey, Santana, and Kevin Chalfant, the lead singer for 707. Chalfant also took the helm for Steel Breeze in 1984 and the modern AOR outfit Two Fires. Things got off to a promising start with the minor hit "I've Got A Lot To Learn About Love," which cruised to #26 in 1992. But the band could not crack the Top 100 again with other singles from their debut self-titled record.

The band completed a follow-up album in 1993 called "Eye Of The Storm" (see what they did there?) but it languished as their label moved into rap and hip-hop. Another label allowed it to see the light of day in 1995, but by then everyone had forgotten about AOR, much less The Storm.

"Eye Of The Storm" is a worthy follow-up to its predecessor, with many songs besting their debut. If you miss the glory days of that Journey sound, you're sure to like "Soul Of A Man" and the other offerings the band produced.

“Can’t Hold Back” by 707

707 is an AOR band that made a small dent on the charts in the early 80s but never reached the popularity of their brethren, Journey and Styx. They got off to a promising start with their debut single, “I Could Be Good For You”, which went to #52 on the charts in 1980.

The second hit remained elusive, though, and by the third record the group decided to stop dividing vocalist duties and stick with one guy, Kevin Chalfant.

The third album by 707 was called “Mega Force”, the title track of which was written for a 1982 movie.

While “Mega Force” is a solid anthem for an action film, the stand out track for me is the brilliant pop rocker, “Can’t Hold Back”.

“Can’t Hold Back” features a driving verse that leads headlong into a memorable chorus with bouncy keyboards. A wild guitar solo during the instrumental break provides the last requirement needed for AOR perfection.

Despite some promising signs, including a chart appearance for the track “Mega Force” and tours with the likes of the Scorpions and REO Speedwagon, the members of 707 went their separate ways. Kevin Chalfant joined Steel Breeze and then resurfaced on the charts in 1991 with a new band called The Storm (remember their hit, “I’ve Got A Lot To Learn About Love”?)