Love Storm [Expanded Edition]

The Tavares brothers' debut album, Check It Out, established them as soul stars, and when they delivered their fourth album, Sky High!, in 1976, they became disco stars as well -- at least for a few years. The man Tavares has to thank for its popularity in the disco world from 1976-1978 is Freddie Perren, who made sure that Sky High! had both soul appeal and disco appeal. And Perren did the same thing when he produced Tavares' fifth album, Love Storm. Perren brings a fair amount of disco gloss to the major hit "Whodunit" and the Latin-tinged "Watchin' the Woman's Movement," but the 1977 LP also has plenty of unapologetic soul crooning. Those who were initially sold on Tavares because of their romantic ballads and slow jams won't be disappointed by "Keep in Touch," "Out of the Picture," the Blue Magic-like "Fool of the Year," or a heartfelt cover of Jesse Belvin's 1956 doo wop hit "Goodnight, My Love." Also memorable is Tavares' cover of the Jim Weatherly song "The Going ups and the Coming Downs," which Gladys Knight & the Pips had recorded in 1974. Love Storm isn't among Tavares' essential albums, but it's a decent, satisfying effort that the group's hardcore fans will enjoy. ~ Alex Henderson