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Triumph: Allied Forces (remaster)

"I'm young now, I'm wild now, I want to be free, I got the Magic Power of the music in me..."

Remember that FM Rock radio staple from 1981's hit album Allied Forces by Canada's Triumph? "Magic Power" seemingly brought the hard rock trio into the world of arena rock, and started a string of top selling albums, singles, and MTV videos that brought them worldwide acclaim throughout the 80's. The Triumph catalog has recently been remastered, and their albums have never sounded better. Allied Forces, containing better songwriting, heavier riffs, and catchier melodies than their previous offerings, produced a slew of memorable and classic cuts.

Who can forget the intense title track, complete with muscular guitar riffs and a blazing solo from axe man Rik Emmett, as well as wailing vocals from drummer Gil Moore? More headbanging riffs can he heard on the album opener "Fool For Your Love", again sung by Moore, while the party track "Hot Time(In This City Tonight) sees the band having fun with some heavy 50's style rock, blues, and boogie. This tune is sung by Emmett, who also delivers some amazing and nimble solos that are like a cross between Chuck Berry and Ted Nugent.

The real highlights though (besides the catchy and enchanting "Magic Power" of course)are the final few tunes, all sung by Emmett. "Fight the Good Fight" is a wonderful tune that mixes prog and hard rock, led by bassist Mike Levine's synths, Emmett's 12-string electric and crunchy 6-string power chords. Rik's vocals on this track are very much like fellow Canadian Geddy Lee, and his guitar solo is a work of wonder, fluid, flashy, and ultra melodic, the work of a real pro. More progressive tinged hard rock can be heard on "Ordinary Man", which hints a little at early Foreigner as well as late 70's Rush, with lush acoustic guitars, synths, and the emotional vocals of Emmett, before the mid section brings in crushing down-picked power chords and Moore's bombastic drum fills. After the lovely acoustic guitar instrumental "Petite Etude" (Emmett is an amazing classical player) comes the bluesy hard rock & pop of "Say Goodbye", a real catchy tune with Emmett hitting the high notes, Levine's rootsy organ, and the great mixing of electric and acoustic guitar chords.

Allied Forces is perhaps the best place to start for any newbie who is looking to check out the band. There are plenty of classic tunes here, plus the remaster sounds great, and a full booklet with lyrics is included.


Track Listing
1) Fool For Your Love
2) Magic Power
3) Air Raid
4) Allied Forces
5) Hot Time (In This City Tonight)
6) Fight the Good Fight
7) Ordinary Man
8) Petite Etude
9) Say Goodbye

Added: July 4th 2005
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Triumph Website
Hits: 4367
Language: english

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Triumph: Allied Forces (remaster)
Posted by Ken Pierce, SoT Staff Writer on 2005-07-04 10:18:22
My Score:

If there is one single album by the band Triumph that belongs in your CD collection then Allied Forces is that CD. Any collector of great music will agree that the numbers on this release (originally released in 1981) make this a must have in your collection to start you off on music of Triumph properly. With Allied Forces the Canadian power trio touched upon the lines between Hard Rock and Progressive Music, and this release contains some of their most seminal numbers. In addition to the title track, this CD is the home to "Magic Power" and the big arena rock anthem "Fight The Good Fight". The impact of these songs was so great in that you would always find the band including them in their live set until they ceased touring in the 1990's. Looking back on their rich catalog this is perhaps the most classic of all of their releases and is a high recommendation in this version. Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and Mike Levine never sounded better and it is my hope that with these remastered editions and people rediscovering Triumph music that perhaps a reunion of some type is in order.

The production of the Remaster is fantastic and meant to be turned up very loud. Similar to the other releases in this collection of the Triumph back catalog, this edition includes all the original artwork and lyrics are provided. If one can find a criticism it is simply the lack of added tracks or any other bonus recorded material. Even old interview pieces would have been a nice inclusion to this historic CD. This comes with very high recommendations, so check it out.






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