Stephen
What makes me into this disc is solely because of my friend told me that most songs were written and arranged by Robby Valentine, and second reason is because I basically love keyboard-driven melodic hard rock which is the strong point of 1st Avenue. While you may not discover any symphonic Queen-influenced songs like in Valentine's solo albums, "Tears And Triumph" is a comprehensive set of beautiful tunes, ranging from uptempo hard rock, midpaced smooth songs, and passionate ballads.
Several outstanding songs that made this album shines are the extravagant guitar touch on "Out of Reach/Out of Touch", the late-80s Europe style of "Never Too Late To Live", the uptempo blissful melodic rock of "You Forsake Me" and "Help Me Out", and two sensational ballads, "Heaven In Your Arms" and "Once In A Million Years". "Going For The Gold" has a dark atmosphere and dominated by keyboard, but it's still a heavy rockin' tune and pretty good one. The title track and the sappy ballad, "Hurt Before", are the only songs that I don't think are somewhat fillers, but as bad as it goes, both are still acceptable.
Peter Strykes vocal fits the music very well, Gil Lopez' guitarworks are thunderous and harmonic at the same time, Joby Bosboom's keyboard is another highlight of the disc. Some says this is very similar to Scandinavian bands such as Skagarack, Treat, or Glory, while I also think they're also very close to bands like Atlantic and Zinatra, so if you're into that kind of music, this is purely heaven for you.