Prism was not so much a band as a multi-part children's music project. The concept, developed by
Chris Harris and
Mark Heimermann, was to create a collection of snappy, keyboard-based pop versions of popular Christian songs culled from Sunday school songbooks, hymnals, and camp song collections. This first
Prism record,
Blue, includes only two original songs:
Heimermann penned the undeniably catchy "Heads or Tails" and "Selah." The other selections will be familiar to anyone who ever sat through a Vacation Bible School class. The opener is the venerable "Jesus Loves Me," dolled up in an '80s pop arrangement that is the musical equivalent of dark glasses, neon sports coat, and ripped blue jeans. The same treatment is given to "This Is the Day," "Jesus Loves the Little Children," and "This Little Light of Mine."
Heimermann shares lead singing duties with several other male and female vocalists, all of whom draw from the same Top 40 influences. The approach holds obvious appeal for young children and the execution is polished and engaging. There is some question as to whether the strong '80s vibe of the production will be off-putting to generations who have not been weaned as heavily on synthesized pop music, but the chances are good that the infectious melodies and energetic presentation will be of timeless appeal for the youngest listeners.