The journey of ballads continues with Air Supply's sixth studio release, 1981's The One That You Love. Expectations are low, but spirits high.
Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell met while performing in the chorus lineup for the show Jesus Christ Superstar in Australia. Along with fellow cast member, Chrissie Hammond, they would form Air Supply with Hitchcock and Hammond on vocals, and Russell on guitar. However, Hammond would leave in 1976 to form Cheetah with her sister.
To replace her, the two would once again turn to their Superstar alum, bringing in Jeremy Paul on backing vocals and bass. Their first single, Love And Bruises would be released that same year, and reach number six in Australia. Because they were still performing in their show, contractually, they were unable to promote the single. However, once this ended, they would release their self titled debut in 1976.
Led by the single, it would go on to reach number seven in Australia. Joining the band during this time were keyboardist Adrian Scott, drummer Jeff Browne, and guitarist Mark McEntee. Oddly, McEntee would leave the band before the end of the year to become a session musician. Though this wouldn't be the end of his story. McEntee and Jeremy Paul would go on to form the group Divinyls with singer, Chrissy Amphlett in 1980 (awesome musical connection). Browne would also depart around this time frame, with both he and McEntee being replaced by Nigel Macara on drums, and Brenton White on guitar.
After a tour, which White oddly rehearsed for, but did not perform on, the band would return to the studio for their follow up album, 1977's The Whole Thing's Started. The lineup for the recording would consist of Hitchcock, Russell, Scott, Paul, Macara, and new guitarist, Rex Goh. Despite their debut becoming gold, sales for their sophomore album didn't meet these expectations.
A lineup change would occur again, and Air Supply would release their third album, Love & Bruises in 1978. In its entirety, it was comprised of re-recorded material from their past two albums, with the sole purposes of it to be as an introduction to American audiences. Unfortunately, it too failed to chart.
As noted yesterday when we went through Lost In Love, this song would initially be released on the band's 1979 album, Life Support, and later remixed by Clive Davis of Arista Records for a US release as a single. This opened the door for international recognition, and led to the 1980 titled album, Lost In Love.
The success of the single, and subsequent album, would pave the way for 1981's The One That You Love. At this point, Air Supply would frequently appear on the show, Solid Gold, and even fill in as hosts when resident co-host Andy Gibb wasn't available. This exposure helped to keep the band in the forefront, aiding in album sales.
Air Supply would cross yet another international border with the aid of I'll Never Get Enough Of You, which became popular for its use as the main theme in a Japanese TV novel. However, for me, the biggest hit from the batch is easily, and hands down, Sweet Dreams. As I noted in my prior post, All Out Of Love was a contender as my favorite. Sweet Dreams gets that coveted title.
Also among the bunch of "goodens" was the title track, The One That You Love, and This Heart Belongs To Me. I don't admit to liking ballads often, but this one definitely earned its spot on my shuffle list.
As for the rest of the album, not so much. More ballads, and more mediocrity. Mind you, I didn't expect anything short of this. I knew what I was getting into, realized that the hits were what would probably stand out to me, and for the most part, that's exactly what's happening. Do I still hope there will be more diamonds in the rough? Absolutely. For now, I'm content with what I'm getting out of this.
Let's see if that continues with tomorrow's post, 1982's Now And Forever!
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS May 27, 1989 |
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