10 Essential Steve Howe Songs From His Solo Albums

Steve Howe Songs

Photo: By ocad123 from Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Steve Howe Trio Uploaded by Harold) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you were a rock and roll fan growing up in the 1970s or even 1980s, chances are you would quickly recognize Steve Howe’s name. However, if you’re new to the Classic Rock scene, especially the Progressive Rock genre, there is a good possibility you may have never heard the name Steve Howe. I have middle school students who never even heard of Mick Jagger. Yes, I know that’s sad, but it’s true, to quote Metallica.

Steve Howe became a household name for rock and roll fans when he joined the band Yes in 1971. However, Steve Howe’s professional recording career had begun many years earlier, in 1964. Steve Howe’s first band was the Syndicats, which he joined in 1964. A year later, Steve Howe joined a band called The In-Crowd. The band The In-Crowd would eventually change their name to Tomorrow. A few years later, in 1967, Steve Howe joined the band Bodast.

In 1970, Steve Howe joined the band Yes. Steve Howe did not appear on the band’s first two albums. Steve Howe made his Yes recording debut on the band’s third album, The Yes Album, released in 1971. Tracking Steve Howe’s career in the band Yes is way beyond the scope of this article. Steve Howe’s work in Yes defined the concept of Progressive Rock. Over the years, Yes changed lineups and even split into two separate camps. Steve Howe left and rejoined the band numerous times. However, the legacy that the band Yes has left behind from their work, especially in the 1970s, is beyond words.

Besides his work with Yes and the pre-Yes bands, Steve Howe was responsible for being a founding member of the band Asia in the early 1980’s. While his run in Asia proved very successful commercially, Steve Howe also collaborated with other famous musicians throughout his career while spinning through the revolving lineups of Asia and Yes. Let’s not forget the great GTR album, the work with Paul Sutnin, and the Explorers Club.

We have not even touched on the many guest appearances Steve Howe has made on countless classic and progressive rock records. Many may not realize that Steve Howe played on Queen, The Dregs, Lou Reed, and Dream Theater albums.

In the end, Steve Howe has performed on hundreds of classic rock albums between the famous bands he had been a permanent member of and the many collaborations and guest appearances he has performed. Astonishingly, Steve Howe has found the time to record fourteen solo studio albums throughout his busy career. Steve Howe’s first studio album, Beginnings, was released in 1975. Steve Howe’s latest studio album, Time, was released in 2011. Our 10 Essential Steve Howe songs list will attempt to look at the various styles of music Steve Howe has recorded on his solo albums. This list only defines the music from his solo albums as the music he has recorded with Yes, and everyone else would need an entire website to present it.

# 10 – Cactus Boogie

We start our Top 10 Steve Howe song with good old fun time “Cactus Boogie.” The great finger-picking tune was released on the Steve Howe Album. The album marked the second solo venture of Steve Howe, the iconic guitarist from Yes, and debuted in 1979. Alongside Howe, the album boasts contributions from his Yes compatriots—Alan White, Bill Bruford, and Patrick Moraz—as well as a special appearance by Clive Bunker, the erstwhile drummer for Jethro Tull, who brings his percussion prowess to “Cactus Boogie.” The album, a blend of progressive rock, charted in the UK and the US upon its release, securing spots on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. Recorded throughout 1979 and produced by Howe himself, the album was first unveiled in the UK in November 1979, followed by a US release in January 1980

# 9 – The Grand Scheme of Things

The dramatic difference between the styles of songs, arrangements, and playing would convince the average listener that the artist in selection 10 is not the same as the artist in selection number 9. That’s the brilliance of Steve Howe. This was the title track of The Grand Scheme of Things album, released in 1993.

Steve Howe lends his voice and mastery over an array of instruments to the album, including acoustic, electric, steel, pedal steel, and bass guitars, as well as the mandolin, koto, flute, keyboards, and percussion. Keith West contributes harmony vocals and harmonica, while Virgil Howe adds depth with keyboards and piano. Anna Palm enriches the sound with her violin and vocals. Nick Beggs anchors the rhythm section on bass and stick, and Dylan Howe rounds out the ensemble with his work on drums and percussion.

# 8 – Secret Arrow

A little laid-back Steve Howe is always good for the soul. From his moody and mellow album, Skyline. Skyline is an album that, while officially attributed to Steve Howe, is a collaborative effort between Howe and Paul Sutin. This project marks their third partnership, following the release of Seraphim (1989) and Voyagers (1995), both of which were billed as ‘Paul Sutin with Steve Howe.’ The album stands out for its tranquil and straightforward compositions, deviating from Howe’s typical complex style. In a conversation about the album, Howe reflected on the continuity within the music, noting a subtle thread that connects the pieces. He mentioned that the album’s serene and laid-back nature posed a unique challenge in achieving the intended musical narrative. On this album, Steve Howe takes on guitars, bass, and keyboards, while Paul Sutin handles keyboards and percussion.

# 7 – Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 (Aria)

As we go through this 10 Essential Steve Howe songs list, our goal is to define many of the styles of music that represent Steve Howe’s wonder. The brilliant recording of “Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 (Aria)” was released on the Time album in 2011.

The Bachianas Brasileiras series, composed by Heitor Villa-Lobos from 1930 to 1945, encompasses nine suites that marry the essence of Brazilian musical traditions with the classical forms of Johann Sebastian Bach. Villa-Lobos designed these pieces for diverse ensembles of instruments and voices, ingeniously weaving together the rhythmic vitality of Brazilian genres and the sophisticated structures of Baroque music. This endeavor sought to meld Baroque practices, particularly those relating to harmony and counterpoint, with the rich tapestry of Brazilian sounds.

Each suite within the series is given dual names, reflecting the convergence of Baroque influence (with terms like Preludio, Fuga) and Brazilian cultural elements (with titles such as Embolada, O canto da nossa terra). Through the Bachianas Brasileiras, Villa-Lobos captures the essence of Brazil’s scenic beauty, its dance rhythms, and the bold colors and textures of its modernist expressions, all while infusing his compositions with a distinct and innovative flair.

# 6 – Tigers Den

One of our favorite Steve Howe albums was the 2005 record Spectrum. The song “Tiger’s Den” was the album’s opening track. Listen to Steve Howe let her rip on this smoking track. Steve Howe showcases his talent on guitars and contributes to bass and keyboards on several tracks, in addition to playing percussions. Oliver Wakeman graces the album with his organ, synthesizer, and piano skills across multiple tracks. Virgil Howe adds texture with the Moog synthesizer on a couple of pieces. Tony Levin brings his expertise on bass for a significant portion of the album, while Dylan Howe holds down the rhythm section on drums.

# 5 – Doors Of Sleep

I have always loved the cover of this album. Artist Roger Dean has done many excellent Yes album covers and continued his work with Steve Howe. The Steve Howe acoustic guitar strumming paves the way for the listener on the “Doors of Sleep” track from his 1975 Beginnings album.

# 4 – Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands

One of the best covers of a Bob Dylan song ever was recorded by the great Steve Howe. The Bob Dylan song “Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands” was released on the Steve Howe album Portraits of Bob Dylan, which was released in 1999. Jon Anderson performed the lead vocal on the track. Dylan Howe anchors the beat on drums, while another Yes member Geoff Downes weaves in textures with keyboards. The ensemble is enriched by Anna Palm’s violin and Nathalie Manser’s cello.

# 3 – Lost Symphony

# 2 – Turbulence

One of our favorite Steve Howe songs from his solo albums is the excellent track “Turbulence.” This one really rocks. Turbulence, the third solo album from Yes guitarist Steve Howe, emerged in 1991 via Relativity Records, marking Howe’s initial solo endeavor since 1979. This album features contributions from ex-Yes drummer Bill Bruford and ex-Ultravox keyboardist Billy Currie, with recording sessions spanning several locations including Hot Food Studios, Advision, Sarm East, Sarm West, and Langley Studio.

# 1 – Pennants

You will fall in love with this one from the very first note. If you are a fan of Steve Howe’s guitar, playing this one will make you smile. “Pennants” was the album’s opening track. It features ex-Yes drummer on Alan White on the skins. Ronnie Leahy is on synths and of course, all the guitar work is handled by Steve Howe.

10 Essential Steve Howe Songs From His Solo Albums article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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