Prism - Armageddon (Reissue) (1979/1996)

Armageddon is by far Prism's best album, with the band sounding faultless through all of the eight tracks. The songwriting is sharp and thoughtful, there's an even amount of guitar and keyboard interplay, and, on the whole, the album sports a sturdy, mature feel. More importantly, Bruce Fairbairn manages to elevate the band slightly above the arena rock norm, even if it is for a short while. The album's title track is the band's best song, employing the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on their ode to Elvis Presley. "Armageddon"'s fullness comes from the resilient, catchy chorus and the slick but abundant mixture of Norton's drums, Mitchell's guitar playing, and John Hall's stalwart keyboard work. "Night to Remember" is a simple but elegant ballad aimed at the teenage crowd, eventually becoming Prism's highest-charting single on the Canadian charts, reaching number 11. "Virginia" chugs along with its locomotive-like guitar riffs; "Mirror Man" sparkles in an abundance of synthesizer; and Bryan Adams' "You Walked Away Again" is spotless because of its pop/rock amiability. The other three tracks are anything but leftovers, combining Tabak's voice with the rest of Prism's accomplished instrumental output. Although the following year's Young & Restless tried to emulate Armageddon's solid stature, it fell short, and the band would never recapture this album's prowess.