Steve Harley – Hobo With A Grin (1976)

Steve was, of course, Cockney Rebel – who he dropped after a few albums to go solo.   But this was also a change of direction in many ways; gone were some of the histrionics and innovative sounds of his former band.  This was a more conventional album, no longer the glam-rocker, but a softer sounding singer-songwriter.  The songs are still excellent, of course – though not as instant (best is The Waves).  This is one of those albums that takes a bit longer to appreciate.   Steve took a break after one more album for a few years, and returned; sometimes as a solo artist, sometimes using the Cockney Rebel moniker.  A mixed second life really, still a large following form the Seventies.  I saw him back in the Seventies and again a few times in the two thousands – always a brilliant show.  Sadly, he passed away earlier this year – same age as me too.