Inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan, Lennon and McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and others, Hunter sought to become a "rock poet," creating music that "could really move you with... lyrics and melodies".
Following a lack of commercial success with these albums, the group broke up at the end of the decade, with Hunter retreating into songwriting again.
Although there were occasional Hounds reunions in the years that immediately followed, Hunter largely stayed out of the spotlight until deciding to pursue a solo career.
[1] In 1984, he released his debut solo album, Famous at Night, which featured instrumental backing from former Hounds bandmates Glen Rupp (guitar) and Joe Cuttone (bass), along with former Heartsfield drummer Artie Baldacci.
His 1986 follow-up album More Than Meets the Eye, despite featuring the upbeat, synth-punctuated leadoff single, "Why Does It Have to Rain?