2 tracks, 4 tracks, 8, 16, 60+ tracks... wall of noise !!

I read about projects with 30, 40, 60 tracks and think... (well I am not going to say what I think). I'm not saying I don't believe it, I do... however. I can record two or three tracks and it sounds like two bands playing. I think it comes from decades of playing solo acoustic guitar and singing. I am stepping on my own toes. I guess the more I learn to mix, the better it will get but I sure ain't there yet. I think the solo gig results in a tendency to develope a playing style that tries to compensate for all the instruments.
I am having a hard time with this but I am convinced that in this case, less is more. I can always add another track but it is hard for me to figure out how to play less when I play.
Any suggestions to combat this? I've thought that doing the traditional "scratch track" then a basic drum track, then bass, then vocals before adding electric guitar, pads, or anything else may help.
Have you ever been through something like this? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I mean... I sort of know the answer but don't know how to get there. Even though I know I should play less it is really hard for me to realize I am playing too much until I listen to a few tracks together.
 
I know this probably should go in techniques but I like it here...

I'm thinking about putting each syllable of my vox on separate tracks from now on.
 
That way I can boast that I have hundreds of tracks in THIS SONG.