Program - Keep Away From That Girl // Rare AOR Gem from 1987
Note: This story is a fictional tribute, created solely for fun and our channel’s love for AOR music. It’s a mini-novel about a band that could have been—struggling, like so many bands did in that era.
PROGRAM – "Dreams In Colors"
In 1987, Boston’s music scene saw the rise of a young band called PROGRAM. Formed by five friends with a shared love for melodic rock, PROGRAM embodied the grit and drive of 80s AOR bands. The lineup featured Mark Reynolds (vocals), Evan Daniels (guitar), Tommy James (bass), Alex Harding (keyboard), and Sam Connors (drums). Mark and Evan had previously played together in a local band called Lightwire, while Tommy, Alex, and Sam were part of Neon City, a group known for their energetic live shows but which never managed to break out.
PROGRAM’s debut album, Dreams In Colors, brought them together with AOR veteran producer Rob Masters, a name behind some of the decade's most iconic sounds. Masters’ guidance helped PROGRAM refine their style, bringing a polished yet powerful edge to each track on the album. Dreams In Colors was recorded in a modest Boston studio over six grueling weeks, with the band living on pizza and coffee, pouring everything into creating something truly memorable. Their lead single, "Keep Away From That Girl," became the focal point of the album, capturing the spirit of young heartbreak and cautionary tales, with the powerful vocals and harmonies that only Mark, Evan, Tommy, and Alex could bring to life.
Although PROGRAM was signed to Monarch Records, Dreams In Colors faced budget constraints. The record didn’t get the promotional push that some of Monarch's bigger acts enjoyed, leaving PROGRAM to carve their own path in a crowded music scene. They hit the road, embarking on a tour that took them up and down both coasts and through the Midwest. From New York to Chicago and Los Angeles, PROGRAM played wherever they could, often in smaller venues with devoted fans but limited reach. Their biggest following remained in Boston, where the locals connected with PROGRAM's energetic shows and passion.
Despite these hurdles, the album garnered a warm reception from a few key publications. Rock Highway described Dreams In Colors as “a heartfelt, powerful testament to AOR’s most melodic moments,” while The AOR Voice praised the band’s blend of anthemic energy with smooth harmonies, calling it “a sound that revives the golden era of rock with every beat.” Fans loved the album’s ability to transport them back to the height of AOR, with riffs and harmonies that echoed legends like Foreigner and Journey.
PROGRAM’s journey was far from easy. As they continued their tour, they felt the strain of life on the road—limited budgets, unreliable vehicles, and countless late nights. Yet, in every show, they found a way to bring their music to life, playing to those who felt the same passion for AOR that they did. With time, Dreams In Colors gained a sort of underground fame, becoming a hidden gem among AOR enthusiasts. While PROGRAM never hit mainstream success, the legacy they created in that modest Boston studio lives on as a tribute to an era where dreams and music were woven together in colors.
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