Released back in ’79, this is album number three for Toronto’s finest. After Rush, Triumph are probably Canada’s second biggest asset to the world of heavy rock n’ roll. Having built up a head of steam both in Canada and the US with Rock N’ Roll machine, this album was the band’s opportunity to build on that success.
Just A Game contains one of the band’s most endearing tunes in Lay It On The Line. A kick ass tune that builds and builds in dramatic fashion, and it became a staple in Triumph’s live shows. Having two members that can sing was a great advantage to the band as they could swap with whatever mood the song needed. Although, when they played live and Gil Moore sang there was no focal point, and being only a trio that stage was a big place to fill.
Other highlights of the album are the bluesy Young Enough To Cry which features a fiery solo from Rik Emmett, the heavy groove of American Girls, and the epic Hold On. Triumph for sure made their mark on the heavy rock scene and I’m not sure they get the credit they deserve.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
