Well, I will say that I think Canadian rock music (and rock in general) peaked a few years before this. So we are at 1987 for top Canadian albums and I am not as enthusiastic….. Good albums, but most of these bands have passed their ’80s peak, and they’re either done (splitting up soon) or changing direction.

Triumph – Surveillance

The last album before the band split, released in November. I actually liked most of this album, a slight improvement over Sport Of Kings with “Never Say Never”, “Carry On The Flame”, “All The Kings Horses”,… Steve Morse (pre Deep Purple) guests on 2 tracks. Surveillance only contains 1 pointless outside track. Out of all these, I probably play this one the most. Another fine cover from Dean Motter.

Loverboy – Wildside

The 5th and last from the original line-up. I thought this one was an improvement over the previous album (no Mutt Lange!), and a bit more hard edged than Keep It Up. Lots of outside writers / co-writers, particularly American writers Todd Cerney and Taylor Rhodes. Lots of good songs, surprised this didn’t do better – “Notorious” (co-written with Bon Jovi guys), “Read My Lips”, “Hometown Hero” (co-written w/ Bryan Adams), and the title track. CD version included extra song (ballad) “Don’t Keep Me In The Dark”.

FM – Tonight

Released in early ’87, Tonight was the follow up to the reunion album Con-test, which featured the original trio. However, Martin Deller is gone here, and Nash The Slash and Cameron Hawkins are joined by 3 new members for an even more aor sounding album. From what I understand Nash was not a fan of any commercial approach or the new line-up. But hey, for what it was – this was a pretty good album! A few hits and plenty of good tracks like “Magic In Your Eyes”, “Take The Time To Dream”, “Dream Girl”, and “She Does What She Wants”. Also included a cover of The Beach Boys “Good Vibrations”. Album cover art by Robert Vanderhorst who’d done the previous album, as well as a few of Nash’s solo albums.

Rush – Hold Your Fire

Although I eventually got every Rush album, following Power Windows I was in no ‘rush’ to get the next few. I love Rush, but this one, (released in September of ’87) sits near the bottom for me, but it did include the big hit “Time Stand Still” (feat Aimee Mann of Til Tuesday), and favorites like “Force Ten”, “Prime Mover”, and “Lock And Key”.

Bryan Adams – Into The Fire

The follow up to the mega successful Reckless album, released in March. I really preferred this one, but it didn’t live up to it’s predecessor in sales, and got criticized for it , but really – it still went Top 10 in Canada and the US, and had 4 hit singles! Favorites include the hits “Heat Of The Night”, “Victim Of Love”, “Hearts On Fire”, and the title track.

Saga – Wildest Dreams

This was the first album to feature the band as a trio , with session players filling in, notably legendary German drummer Curt Cress (once of Lucifer’s Friend). Coming out late in the year, I remember getting this one in the delete bin, and not being crazy about it initially. A bit of a grower, with good tracks in “Only Time Will Tell”, “Chase The Wind” and the title song.

Helix – Wild In The Streets

The follow up to the band’s commercial sounding Long Way To Heaven. This one being a bit rockier. Includes the excellent title track, as well as the anthem “Never Gonna Stop The Rock” (written by the Overland brothers, of British band ‘FM’), as well as a cover of Nazareth’s “Dream On”. A few interesting guests, notably Don Airey. Went top 30 in Canada, certified Gold, but kinda flopped in the US, and the band were done with Capitol Records. Cool cover too.

Lee Aaron – Lee Aaron

Released in February of that year. This self-titled record features a new ‘less metal’ image, and a cleaner, more radio friendly sound, and included 4 singles, notably “Only Human”, and “Powerline” (co-written w/ Joe Lynn Turner). A great step up for the era.

Gowan – Great Dirty World

The follow up to the 1985’s Strange Animal, released in March. A bit lighter overall, but included the big hit “Moonlight Desires” (feat. Jon Anderson of YES), as well as minor hits “Awake The Giant” and “Living In The Golden Age”.

Anvil – Strength of Steel

The fourth album from Anvil. This one featuring favorites like “Concrete Jungle”, “Cut Loose”, and a cover of The Stampeders’ “Wild Eyes”.

*Other albums from 1987 : David Wilcox, Breakfast At The Circus. Body Electric, Walking Through Walls. Sacrifice, Forward To Termination. Haywire, Don’t Just Stand There