The Toy Box: Air Supply

Showing posts with label Air Supply. Show all posts

Retro Spins: Air Supply - Hearts In Motion

Air Supply was in a steady decline by the time the band returned to the studio for their 1986 album, Hearts In Motion. Their prior album would be their last gold release, and from there sales, as well as charts, would fair worse. Also by this point, the two founders, Russell Hitchcock, and Graham Russell were the only credited remaining members.

Hearts In Motion wouldn't track well with critics and fans, having only one minor hit, Lonely Is The Night, which piqued at 76. As for me, I only picked up the album because it seemed silly that it was the only one from them in the 80's that I didn't have. Did I want it? No. Not at all. But, it was cheap, in comparison to the others, so I grabbed it to essentially fill a hole.

Historically, I find a way somehow of really liking the albums from artists that did the worst in their careers. Maybe this is because the material is relatively fresh, having not been subjected to steady radio rotation, or possibly being true diamonds in the rough. However, that has typically also been with artists I like a lot, such as Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, etc. Air Supply is not among that honor, but I'll be optimistic as I dive in.

First impression, it's much louder, volume wise. Someone cranked microphones up for this, and it sounds like a lot of the drumming was achieved via a generic drum machine. Overall though, Hearts In Motion has an up tempo sound to it, well, at least for the first three tracks, It's Not Too Late, Lonely Is The Night, and Put Love In Your Life. It's a refreshing change of pace for the band, and I wish there was more like this in prior albums.

The inevitable ballad does come, and yes, for me, they're skippable. On the whole, there are no hits to be found on Hearts In Motion. However, it's not a bad album. What stood out the most was how the mediocre nature of it still resonated better than the lackluster impressions of previous albums.

Air Supply would have one final entry in the decade, 1987's The Christmas Album. This, while technically a studio release, is one I'm going to skip for now. I own it, it's just not the time of year that I want to fire it up. Career wise, it was their last obligation to label Arista. They would return in 1993 with their twelfth studio release, The Vanishing Race, and while they would frequently change labels from there, released period new material through 2010's Mumbo Jumbo.

Despite my personal opinions, there's no doubt this "sissy rock" group made a major impact over the many decades they were active. They have their ensemble of hits, good ones, nay, great ones, and I appreciate and respect that. Though every song in their massive catalog may not be for me, I'm still glad to own their complete studio run for the 80's. They're a must have on my shelf.

For now, our journey with Air Supply ends.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 30, 1981

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 30, 1987

Retro Spins: Air Supply - Air Supply

By 1982, Air Supply's studio albums were declining in sales, yet oddly, all their prior releases were eclipsed by their 1983 Greatest Hits, which to date has gone 5X platinum. To say the band had piqued and were on a downward slope would have been a fair statement. A noteworthy detour before jumping in was their 1984 I Can Wait Forever, which was featured on the soundtrack to Ghostbusters. Though it may not have charted, I find it to be a goodin'

Also around this time, several members had left, and a new lineup was once again put together. When the band finally return in 1985 for their eighth and second self titled album, the only remaining consistents were founding members, Russell Hitchcock, and Graham Russell.

I was concerned, well, maybe that's not the right word. I was hesitant to want to continue on with Air Supply based on yesterday's post where I noted their '83 compilation was the last to feature a top ten hit. With the bulk of their songs not really resonating, I was less than enthusiastic to keep hedging through studio albums, but I bought them, so onward I went.

Well, slap me in the face because that's what track number one did! How was Just As I Am not a top ten hit? I mean, I know by this point in the Billboard Charts it was a bloodbath for number one contenders. The tune did manage to make it to the number nineteen spot.

Additionally, though not very noteworthy for me personally, was the cover of Jennifer Rush's 1984 released Power Of Love. Supply's rendition would chart, but only peak at 68. For me, it's not very good. Jennifer Rush's version was decent for its time, but the person who really smashed a version of this out of the park was Celine Dion in 1993.

Make It Right got my attention as it played. It wasn't amazing, but it stood out among the rest as more enjoyable, probably from its more upbeat tempo than most. Beyond that, there's not much to say.

Tomorrow's post will wrap up my journey through Air Supply, and I'm just going to say it now, I don't suspect it's going to end on a high note. Don't get me wrong, this hasn't been as bad as I may have made it sound. Air Supply won't contend for the number one spot as my favorite band, but they're far from what I would call the worst. They have hits, really good ones, and hey, sometimes that's good enough.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 29, 1982

Retro Spins: Air Supply - Now And Forever

Air Supply sure has a knack for changing lineups. By 1982, several members had come and gone, with the lineup for their next studio album consisting of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Graham Russell, additional lead vocalist, Russell Hitchcock, keyboardist Frank Esler-Smith, drummer Ralph Cooper, lead guitarist Rex Goh, and bassist David Green. Together, they would produce Now And Forever that year, which continued the trend of the group's popularity. The album would become their last platinum status to date.

There's not much more to tell on the history of Air Supply at this point, having covered most of it in yesterday's post. So, what say we just jump right in? Admittedly, this one's not going to be as long as the prior two.

Now And Forever has hits, for sure. It starts out strong with the title track, continues well with Even The Nights Are Better, and then kind of tapers off with remaining singles / hits (subjective), Young Love, and Two Less Lonely People In The World. However, from there, things nose dive into boring and bland ballads.

While I'd love to say that at this point it was just Air Supply fatigue, having listened to three of their albums in a row, the fact of the matter is that this was the first of the bunch I played. Basically, this was my starting point for the band, and it wasn't shaping up to be all that amazing.

Truthfully, of the four songs noted above, I only grabbed the first two for my shuffle list. Thus the notation of the other two being "subjective hits". The charts may have been kind to Now And Forever, me, I'm not as forgiving. Like I said above, it's bland and boring for the most part.

Air Supply would take a break from the studio after its release not returning until their 1985 (second) self titled album. However, noteworthy in between this was their 1983 Greatest Hits, which featured the Jim Steinman penned and produced Making Love Out Of Nothing At All. This would be the band's last top ten hit. It was also never featured on any studio albums, having been released as a single prior to being featured on the compilation.

My interest in Air Supply is waning, and my level of excitement only dips further based on the above notation of there being no further hits to look forward to. But is this true? Could it be possible that Air Supply had nothing left to offer? Well, I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 28, 1983

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 28, 1988

Retro Spins: Air Supply - The One That You Love

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.

The One That You Love kicks off with a peppy, Don't Turn Me Away, but then quickly shift back into a series of ballads, the staple formula for the group. It was a disappointing shift, but expected.

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!

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 27, 1989

Retro Spins: Air Supply - Lost In Love

Oh, boy. This next series of albums may get a little rough. I like Air Supply's hits, but I don't know how the rest of their material will fare. I guess we'll find out together...Breath...Here we go...

Air Supply is what I candidly call sissy rock. Now, replace the word sissy with a female body part that starts with a "p", and you see what I really call it. This label serves as two purposes in my mind. 1) The music itself is so, well, sissy. All about feelings and emotions, uncool to its roots. 2) I'm sure in singing these songs, these two got a lot of "sissy" from women who all but threw their panties at them. They're the band your sister and mom liked, but that young boys didn't start to notice until the birds and the bees came a-knockin'.

I won't deny Air Supply their overall popularity, and I'll even acknowledge that in their multi-decade career, they've had many a hit. Thirteen Billboard chart toppers, eight of which went to the top ten, is no small feat for any artist. With that said, of their seventeen studio albums between 1976 and 2010, only three have gotten platinum status, and two gold. That's a pretty bad average, all things considered.

Anyway, now that I've given my subjective opinion of the band, today marks the start of my run through their many 80's albums. Because as much as I like to frown upon Air Supply, I clearly contradicted this by opening my wallet, owning all six of their 80's releases, plus Greatest Hits.

The first thing I will say as I went on that journey was how shocking it was to see the prices. On average, albums were costing me fifteen to twenty-five dollars, used. Now, with that, I have to say that the pressings I was after were the first made in Japan. Those do tend to be more costly in comparison to re-issues and remasters, as these were typically made in the early to mid-eighties when CD's were not made in as mass quantities as they were by 1989 (and beyond). However, this didn't make me feel any better about it. This aspect alone is what kept the albums on my want list much longer than initially intended. I definitely had to mentally psych myself up to make these purchases, and then dive in headlong when the moment finally hit me.

After sitting on the shelf for several years, we finally reach today when I had to once again mentally prepare myself for Air Supply. Despite liking the hits, I knew what I was getting myself into, and needless to say, I had to be in the right headspace.

As I turned on their 1980 release, and fifth studio album, Lost In Love, I was at least content, for the moment, to be greeted by the title track. I was even happier with track two, All Out Of Love, which if I had to confess, I'd say was a contender as my favorite from the band. This was followed by Every Woman In The World, or what we'll call, the third single from the album.

Unfortunately, this eleven and a half power house of a start left me with an additional twenty-five minutes of uncharted territory. I was both surprised and happy to find two new songs in this fold that piqued my interest, American Hearts, and I Can't Get Excited.

I was also caught off guard as I continued to dig through the rich history of the band, discovering that the version of Lost In Love from the album was actually a remixed second recording. The first, which had an additional two minute runtime was featured on their prior album, 1979's Life Support. It was Arista Records boss, Clive Davis, who would take an interest in the tune, have it remixed, and released in the US in the early 80's. This would also lead to the group signing a deal with the label, who they would stay with through 1987. The album would also become their best seller of all time, being certified 2X platinum.

See, this is what makes these Retro Spins fun. Really learning about the history, finding out where things came from, how they came to be, and so on. While overall, Lost In Love was mediocre at best for me, I really enjoyed the knowledge of Air Supply that came with it.

We'll dig in more to that history next time, when we jump into their 1981 released The One That You Love.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 26, 1984

Retro Spins: Air Supply - Air Supply

As a kid, I was always confused by why two men were singing love duets which came off as them singing to each other. As I grew older and became acquainted with the life choices some make, I at least could grasp on the circumstances that would call for that. As an adult, I can at least listen to the track without thinking that, and don't think at this point that they were. Instead, I look at lead singers Russell Hitchcock and Mark McEntee as geniuses. They probably racked in so much pus.....um....love, with their sappy songs.

Since 1976, Air Supply have released seventeen studio albums, of which I own four: 1980's Lost In Love, 1981's The One That You Love, 1982's Now And Forever, and 1985's Air Supply, the latter not to be confused with today's debut album of the same title. My introduction to the band was throughout the 80's via the various tracks which got played frequently on the various radio stations. It's because of this I never really got plugged into anything from their 70's years, and since they relatively fell off the map in the 90's and beyond, despite releasing albums, I obviously never kept up with them.

As I dig into the classic years of several artists and bands, I felt it appropriate to go all the way back to the beginning with this group and see just what exactly they had to offer. Firing up their 1976 self titled debut, I immediately felt a funk / disco groove to the opening track, Feel The Breeze. From there, things mellowed out a bit, falling in line with the typical ballad sound Air Supply is known for, but revisited the upbeat tempo with a few tracks here and there.

Reading through the track listing, I can honestly say that none of them jumped out at me as anything I had heard. Not even the lead single from the album, Love And Other Bruises.

Overall, their debut release wasn't for me. I just didn't particularly care for it. I'm perfectly content with the albums I have from the band, and don't see much point to really delve into them much deeper than I already have. Air Supply has their hits, but at the end of the day, they were never really a band for me. Considering between the two of them, Hitchcock and McEntee are worth almost twenty million dollars, I don't think they necessarily care at this point that an aging 80's kid won't be buying used albums they won't see any profit from anyway.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.