Essential Listening #61: The Air That I breathe

My Comments

The very first note of this song grabs you. I love the guitar intro. I remember the first time I heard this song late one night in 1974 when I had my first apartment living in Pasadena, TX. When I heard Creep by Radiohead I thought they used the same chords as The Air That I Breathe. Sure enough, after researching the song, I learned they were sued for plagiarism.

Details

“The Air That I Breathe” is a classic ballad by the British rock band The Hollies. Released in the mid-1970s, the song is renowned for its lush orchestration, emotive lyrics, and powerful vocal performance. Here’s a comprehensive look at the song:

Song Overview

• Title: The Air That I Breathe
• Artist: The Hollies
• Album: Hollies
• Release Date: January 1974
• Genre: Soft Rock, Pop Rock
• Length: 4:11
• Label: Polydor Records (UK), Epic Records (US)
• Writers: Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood
• Producer: Ron Richards

Background and History

• Albert Hammond’s Original: “The Air That I Breathe” was originally written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. Hammond first recorded it for his 1972 album It Never Rains in Southern California. The song did not gain much traction in its original form but was later picked up by The Hollies.
• The Hollies’ Version: The Hollies, known for their harmonies and catchy pop songs, recorded their version of “The Air That I Breathe” in 1973. The song was included in their 1974 album Hollies and became one of their biggest hits.
• Chart Success: The song reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart and #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of the band’s most successful singles. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including Canada and New Zealand.

Musical Style and Composition

• Instrumentation: The song features a lush arrangement, with a prominent string section, layered harmonies, and a soft rock rhythm section. The use of orchestration adds to the song’s emotional depth and grandeur.
• Vocals: Allan Clarke, the lead singer of The Hollies, delivers a powerful and emotive vocal performance. His voice conveys the longing and passion expressed in the lyrics, and the harmonies from the rest of the band add richness to the overall sound.
• Melody and Harmony: The melody is haunting and memorable, with a sense of yearning that matches the lyrical themes. The chord progression and harmonies are characteristic of the soft rock genre, creating a soothing yet impactful listening experience.

Themes and Lyrics

• Themes: “The Air That I Breathe” explores themes of love, peace, and contentment. The lyrics convey a sense of deep gratitude and fulfillment, suggesting that love is all one needs to be happy.
• Lyrics: The song’s chorus famously declares, “All I need is the air that I breathe and to love you,” encapsulating the idea that love is as essential as air. The lyrics are simple yet profound, capturing the essence of romantic devotion and the peace that love brings.

Impact and Legacy

• Critical Reception: “The Air That I Breathe” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It is often regarded as one of The Hollies’ finest recordings, praised for its production, vocal delivery, and emotional resonance.
• Influence: The song has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, including Julio Iglesias, Olivia Newton-John, Simply Red, and KD Lang. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and timeless quality.
• Radio and Pop Culture: “The Air That I Breathe” remains a staple on classic rock and oldies radio stations. Its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials has further cemented its status as a pop culture classic.
• Legal Note: The chord progression and melody of “The Air That I Breathe” were noted for their similarity to Radiohead’s 1992 song “Creep.” Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood were subsequently given co-writing credits for “Creep” due to these similarities.

Notable Covers and Versions

• Julio Iglesias: The Spanish singer recorded a version of the song for his 1975 album A Flor de Piel, bringing a romantic Latin interpretation to the track.
• Olivia Newton-John: She covered the song for her 1975 album Have You Never Been Mellow, offering a softer, more acoustic rendition.
• KD Lang: Lang included a cover of “The Air That I Breathe” on her 1997 album Drag, showcasing her unique vocal style and emotional depth.
• Simply Red: The British band released a cover on their 1998 album Blue, adding a soulful twist to the classic track.

Conclusion

“The Air That I Breathe” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and emotive performance by The Hollies. Its impact on popular music is undeniable, influencing artists across genres and generations. The song’s universal themes of love and contentment continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring its place as one of the most enduring ballads of the rock era.