As fans of both Peter Gabriel and Steve Winwood, I've listened to several of their records many times. This may be a controversial and debatable point, but I've found that others have shared the same opinion online and in the discussion circles I've been in. Does anyone else think their voices sound similar? The characteristics of the two voices are different, but to me Steve sounds like a squeaky, clear Gabriel on perhaps a bit of helium. The qualities of his's voice are sort of the inverse of PG's. When Peter sings in his higher register, there are some similarities to me aside from his unique vocal strains and gravely rasp. While one would never confuse the two voices due to the differences, the tone of their voices sounds very, very similar. Especially in the 1980s, they at times sounded similar, in my opinion, on some of their recordings.
Also, recall many voices change over the years. 2013 Peter Gabriel doesn't sound like 1970 Peter Gabriel either. The greatest example of change is Bruce Springsteen, who on "Hungry Heart" sounds nothing like his later self, and in fact sounds more like Barry Manilow. I am comparing early Gabriel with early Winwood.
I've always meant to ask this and I'm curious as to what your opinions are. One voice is gruff and often sounds quite strained; the other is squeaky and smooth. One often sings in a much deeper voice, while the other sings in a much more elevated pitch, making the comparison less apparent than it should be. When both are singing in the same pitch, though, the similarities become quite clear to me. Look past the rasp as a factor. What do you think?
Most of us often say Phil Collins could sound like Peter Gabriel when he wanted to. I've always found that interesting, as I think there are some very easy ways to distinguish between the two voices. I don't completely understand the comparison aside from the two being lead vocalists in the same band. I believe Steve Winwood's voice more closely resembles the latter's than Phil's does, though. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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