Information/Write-up
Prism's debut release automatically struck a chord with Canadians, netting a number 23 hit in that country with "Spaceship Superstar," thanks to the bright, animated keyboard playing of John Hall. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, 1978's Prism introduced the band's staunch, Journey-like arena rock sound, guided by vocalist Ron Tabak. The album sold relatively well in Canada, but went rather unnoticed throughout the U.S. or the rest of the world. Aside from the opening cut, "Open Soul Surgery" harbored a strong up-and-down rhythm, with Lindsay Mitchell's guitar emitting some favorable riffs. "It's Over" is a gorgeous, semi-sweet ballad, while "Take Me to the Kaptin" is in the same league as "Spaceship Superstar" as a distinguishable but synth-aided rocker. After the first four tracks, the album begins to wear a little thin, suffering from a routine, radio-rock feel and commonplace songwriting. "Freewill," "Julie," and "Amelia" end up sounding quite redundant, and it's evident that Prism puts all of their energy and vigor into the first half of the album. Tabak's singing is worthy of hearing, giving the album's filler a wee bit of promise, and is enough of an indication that Prism wasn't just another makeshift project, especially with Bruce Fairbairn as the band's producer.
-Mike DeGagne
Prism is the self-titled debut album by Canadian rock band Prism, released in May 1977 on the Canadian record label GRT. It was produced primarily by Bruce Fairbairn, and the majority of songs were written by Jim Vallance (who also served as co-producer on two tracks). It achieved platinum status in Canada (in excess of 100,000 units sold). Prism peaked at #137 on the Billboard 200 in November 1977.
"Spaceship Superstar" became the band's signature song and a staple of Canadian rock radio. Record producer Bruce Fairbairn and songwriter Jim Vallance both went on to achieve huge international success.
The song "Open Soul Surgery" was covered by April Wine in their 1986 album Walking Through Fire, as well as Ian Lloyd's 1979 album “Goose Bumps”. The song "Take Me to the Kaptin" was covered by Parallel 49 and released as a single in June 2020.
Ron Tabak: lead vocals
Lindsay Mitchell: lead guitar, vocals
Tom Lavin: rhythm guitar, vocals
Bruce Fairbairn: horns
Tom Keenlyside: horns
John Hall: keyboards, vocals
Ab Bryant: bass
Rodney Higgs: drums, keyboards
Produced and arranged by Bruce Fairbairn and Rodney Higgs
Engineered by Rolf Henneman, assisted by Jeff Tolman
Executive producer: Jeff Burns
Art Direction and photography by James O'Mara
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