Yep, Steve H. Hackett. The thing is that since Genesis he has had his solo career while Howe releases work with Yes and Asia (his solo career?) Or his other solo career? Ok just album sunder his name, I've heard 3 and got one (now). The '79 eponymous LP and Beginnings were good stuff. But the revelation of his lead vocal style horrified me. (e.g. Australia) Mind you the other SH is not great on vox either.

Wonder why Steve H could not have joined Steve H in Asia. Not GTR. After all they both enjoyed the vocals and bass of Wetton on their respective efforts. Even one album. Guys. C'mon. After all they both covered ITCOTCK... (that would make a good poll...)

Nothing like that (sorry) awful album SH did with Chris Squire. What a disappointment. Good opener track though.

But for the most part Hackett's albums are interesting (often at worst) e.g. Darktown  - and the reworkings of Genesis material show what a master he is at performance, arrangements and writing. I get more from more Hacektt solo albums which actually includes more let downs than Howe's work, But more good things than Howe's work. It might be a numbers thing.

Howe's work is instrumental and I've only the one Home Brew album. Oh well. I like it. So long as he sticks to guitar work, instrumental or with someone else on vocals all's well. The only person worse on lead vocals than these two is me so I have a decent basis of comparison.

Oh yes, speaking of which one thing about Yes compositions. These are often a multiple partner effort (Anderson Howe) while Genesis did much of their writing solo. It's an interesting comparison. I was just considering that box set of demos Anderson released about...7 -8 years ago. I got the free CD. He's quite a good multi-instrumentalist. These recordings are good and they sound like they just need the input of various musical experts (you know who) to apply their input and lo and behold Yes material abounds.

I think it may be that Hackett is more used to making his own decisions, pursuing his own interests - and is very successful at it that gives him the edge.

Tapfret wrote: Hackett's bad albums are better than Howe's good....er...uh...least unlistenable albums.

Just dandy. Then suck on most of Cured!

Tom Ozric wrote: Another vote for Hackett.  No contest.  Steve Howe in YES .  Steve Howe solo  (and please don't ever, EVER sing lead....).

I'd pay to see Mr. Howe sing lead rather than put up with Hackett attempting to do the same in the higher registers (he sings like a little girl).

Hackett for sure--but for me Genesis was amazing because all 5 guys put out some real good albums and Hackett has enjoyed an amazing solo career as has Gabriel and Collins. Yes was always a group where the individuals did their best work (the 70's) as a band. Howe did his best work with Yes for sure---Hackett you could argue did great work in Genesis and as a solo artist.

verslibre wrote: Hackett To Bits!

I agree !!!

Oh, freaking Hackett stuff, hands down. More variety. And Steve Ha. didn't do a yawner of a Dylan tracks album, either. Just did what he does best (albeit a few clunkers scattered among the mix). Really enjoyed the first couple of Howe albums, I must say.

If my avatar is any indication, then Hackett wins by a country mile. No contest really. Howe's work with Yes is fantastic of course, but Hackett's solo work is quite fine while Howe's solo albums aren't emotionally/intellectually stimulating in any way to me.

Edited by Mirror Image - April 08 2014 at 20:02

Blacksword wrote: Not sure why, but I've never been inspired to listen to a Steve Howe solo album.

Hackett......and it's surprising that as good as Howe is his solo work hasn't been more interesting.

Snow Dog wrote: uduwudu wrote: infocat wrote: I think Hackett's voice has actually been quite good on recent albums. Ah, the blessings of auto tune. Unless it is a coincidence.So long as he writes, plays guitars and gets worthies like Mr Wetton to do the vox - and bass! then all is well. Shame H and H did not get JW and the rest of Asia to do the super group thing. Fashions eh. I disagree. I positively like Hackett singing on his own solo albums but i doubt autotune goes anywhere near him.

I actually like/love most of Hackett's singing, even early on. He has gotten better too. Squackett vocals were exceptional. I like his vocal on the Genesis Revisited version Fountain of Salmacis too. It holds up surprisingly well next to Gabriel's.

Edited by HackettFan - May 25 2013 at 15:00