Songs with the Same Title – Triumph Edition

We’re back with another edition of the Songs with the Same Title series, people! While tackling Thundermother for the previous post, I discovered Triumph’s “Follow Your Heart” and really got into it! Therefore, I decided to make Triumph my next victim for the Songs with the Same Title series, so I’d have an excuse to check out more of their songs. They’re a Canadian trio, by the way. Yes, Rush weren’t the only Canadian trio to exist in the rock ‘n’ roll world, shocker!

How this works is, there are six rounds total. In each round, I’ll compare two songs with the same title, one by Triumph and one by a different artist, and then, I’ll pick my favorite of the two. After the final round, I’ll tally up the score and pick the winner of the overall battle, Triumph or the other artists. With all that said, let’s get on with the music!

“Hold On” (1979) by Triumph

“Hold On” (2007) by the Jonas Brothers

Strangely enough, the music video for Jonas Brothers’ “Hold On” reminds me of the UK version of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” because in both videos, the bands are performing in houses/rooms being destroyed. Anyways, I never paid attention to the lyrics when I was a kid. If the beat sounded good, it was a good song. However, listening to it again as an adult made me realize that “Hold On” has some deep lyrics. It’s catchy and insightful. On the other side, Triumph’s “Hold On” is a more complex and mature song that contains the youthful spirit of holding onto your dreams. Plus, that dude Rik Emmett can sing, man! Triumph takes the win for round one. 

“Woman in Love” (1980) by Triumph

“Woman in Love” (1992) by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi’s Keep the Faith (1992) has masterpieces like “Dry County” and “Bed of Roses,” yet, songs like “Woman in Love” are average and lackluster. Plus, nothing dates a song more than a line that references MTV: “I saw a hundred pretty girls / Sing this song on MTV.” Triumph’s “Woman in Love,” on the other hand, is such a banger! To be fair, with a song title like that, the lyrics aren’t groundbreaking, but the instrumentation is really good. Sounds like old school rock ‘n’ roll, Gil Moore’s vocals are excellent, and Emmett’s guitar solo is very tasteful; great guitar tone, by the way. Triumph takes the win for round two. 

“Ordinary Man” (1981) by Triumph

“Ordinary Man” (2020) by Ozzy Osbourne

First of all, the lyrics for Triumph’s “Ordinary Man” are relatable, especially the ones dealing with politics. However, it’s three minutes too long with the instrumentals and midtempo pace; a little too progressive for my taste. Ozzy Osbourne’s “Ordinary Man” tells the story of Osbourne’s life in five minutes. The lyrics detail his childhood, rise to fame, drug addictions, hitting rock bottom, and redemption. Plus, with Elton John playing the piano and helping Osbourne out on vocals, all bets are off. Osbourne takes the win for round three.

“When the Lights Go Down” (1982) by Triumph

“When the Lights Go Down” (2002) by Faith Hill

Both songs are the complete opposite of each other. Faith Hill’s “When the Lights Go Down” is a soft ballad about staying true to who you are in the face of difficulty and I’ve always liked that song, thanks to season four of American Idol. Triumph’s “When the Lights Go Down,” however, is an arena rock anthem with big drums, blistering guitars, and charismatic lead vocals from Moore. For those that got to witness this song live, God bless you, because that must’ve been amazing! Not only does Emmett show off his slide guitar chops, he also throws in some wah-wah guitar bits, which is always a win in my book! Triumph takes the win for round four.

“Stranger in a Strange Land” (1984) by Triumph

“Stranger in a Strange Land” (1986) by Iron Maiden

Not sure if it’s because Triumph are a Canadian rock trio like Rush, but “Stranger in a Strange Land” sounds like a Rush song. The medieval lyrics don’t sound far off from Neil Peart’s lyrics, the intricate bass line reminds me of Geddy Lee, and I can see Alex Lifeson playing the scorching lead guitar parts. Emmett’s high register also reminds me of Lee’s vocals. However, I have a soft spot for Iron Maiden’s “Stranger in a Strange Land” because I saw them perform it live on The Future Past tour in Las Vegas last October and they were amazing! The first time I listened to Somewhere in Time (1986), I really got into the bass line for that song; thanks Steve Harris. For obvious reasons, Iron Maiden takes the win for round five.

 “Tears in the Rain” (1986) by Triumph

“Tears in the Rain” (2013) by the Weeknd

As soon as I heard Triumph’s “Tears in the Rain,” I knew that the Weeknd was screwed! Just skip that garbage; it’s just seven minutes of the Weeknd singing in a high autotuned voice. Triumph’s “Tears in the Rain” is from The Sport of Kings (1986) album, a time where tensions began to rise between the band and their label, MCA. This was also when they started to go a little too commercial (at least, that’s what I’ve read). Sure, there are synthesizers in the song and the production is over-the-top, but it’s really catchy and another stadium rock anthem. Triumph takes the win for the final round.

Triumph won four of the six rounds, making them the winner of the overall battle. Though, if it weren’t for my nostalgia for Iron Maiden’s “Stranger in a Strange Land,” Triumph would’ve won round five because their “Stranger in a Strange Land” is really good! My dad and Canadian WordPress friends tried to get me into Triumph years ago, but I never showed interest until now. It’s funny how time works, isn’t it? I totally get the hype for them now because these guys were unbelievable and it also helps that they had two lead vocalists with Emmett and Moore. Triumph, you guys are awesome and I’m sorry for not becoming a fan sooner!

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Comment below which song you would pick for each round!

Take care and see ya real soon!

Lana