Progressions of Power

Album review

Even during the best of times, Triumph's career was defined by a never-ending power struggle between its two lead singers and primary songwriters, Rik Emmett and Gil Moore. So after taking a back seat to guitarist Emmett on the previous year's impressive Just a Game album, drummer Moore fought back to secure a slim margin of victory on 1980's Progressions of Power. One of Triumph's most consistent albums, even though it lacked for major chart-topping hits, Progressions of Power proved true to its name when launched by the absolutely relentless "I Live for the Weekend," which along with the self-explanatory "Tear the Roof Off" figured among Moore's most undeniable copyrights ever. What's more, the vocalist/drummer seemed intent on beating Emmett at his own game, submitting a pair of extremely competent singles candidates in the rousing "I Can Survive" and the laid-back, BTO-grooved "Woman in Love" (if not the less dynamic "Nature's Child"). For his part, Emmett was responsible for the memorably moody power ballad "In the Night," the gutsy album closer "Hard Road," and the regrettably Muzak-level schmaltz of "Take My Heart," as well as indulging in one of his always stunning (for the muso fans, anyway) instrumental acoustic showcases -- aptly named "Fingertalkin'." Go ahead and award the fourth round of Triumph's ongoing musical boxing match to Gil Moore then; his creative sparring with Emmett would produce several more exciting albums and years of action before they knocked each other down to the canvas, taking ever-patient producer/bassist/keyboardist/referee Mike Levine down with them.

© Eduardo Rivadavia /TiVo