Triumph-Just A Game (1979)

Thanks to their first two albums, the Canadian trio Triumph was on an upward trajectory. Their album "Rock & Roll Machine" had launched them into the global spotlight, and their reputation as one of the emerging hard rock bands of the late seventies was steadily growing. However, constant comparisons to their contemporaries and fellow countrymen Rush would eventually stifle their progressive creativity, as they were labeled mere clones of the band comprised of Lifeson, Lee, and Peart. These accusations from the specialized press led them to focus on hard rock and melodic rock at the expense of their aforementioned avant-garde sounds. In this third release, they move away from the complexities of their earlier work, showcasing a more direct and accessible style. Even so, Rik Emmett's guitar virtuosity shines through, demonstrating with his heavy riffs and dizzying solos that he was on par with the best hard rock guitarists. Songs like "Lay It On The Line" , "Hold On", "American Girl", "Just A Game", "Suitcase Blues" or "Young Enough To Cry", are performed sublimely under careful production, thus taking the resounding step to find the definitive sound that differentiated them from their compatriots Rush.