Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of The Hollies' melancholic masterpiece.
The Song
"The Air That I Breathe" is a poignant ballad written by the acclaimed songwriting duo Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. They penned the song shortly after moving to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. Hammond first recorded it for his 1972 album, It Never Rains in Southern California, but it was The Hollies' 1974 rendition that achieved widespread global success. The lyrics express a profound sense of devotion, with the protagonist stating that their love is as essential as the very air they breathe.
The inspiration behind the song is multifaceted. Albert Hammond initially explained it as being about a short, intense love affair that left him feeling lonely in Los Angeles and longing for family. However, he later clarified in a 1992 BBC interview that while the emotional core was a love story, Mike Hazlewood's contribution of the "air that I breathe" line was also influenced by the pervasive smog they encountered in LA. The Hollies' version is noted for its lush orchestral arrangement, engineered by Alan Parsons, and a powerful, emotive vocal performance by lead singer Allan Clarke.
The Artist
The Hollies are an English pop and rock group formed in Manchester in 1962, known for their distinctive three-part vocal harmonies. Founding members included Allan Clarke (lead vocals), Graham Nash (guitar, vocals), and Tony Hicks (lead guitar, vocals), along with Bobby Elliott (drums) and Eric Haydock (bass, later replaced by Bernie Calvert). They were a prominent band during the British Invasion era, achieving numerous hits throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.
Even after Graham Nash departed in 1968 to form Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Hollies continued to produce successful records. "The Air That I Breathe" notably marked Allan Clarke's return to the band after a brief solo career, appearing on their 1974 album, also titled Hollies. The band's enduring legacy was recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Chart Performance
"The Air That I Breathe" was a significant commercial success for The Hollies upon its release in January 1974.
- It soared to number two on the UK Singles Chart.
- In the United States, it reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the Adult Contemporary chart.
- The song also performed well internationally, hitting number five on the RPM charts in Canada and peaking at number one in South Africa.
The track was The Hollies' last major hit single, solidifying its place as one of their most recognizable and beloved recordings.
Cultural Impact
"The Air That I Breathe" has left an indelible mark on popular culture, celebrated for its beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and emotive performance. It is often cited as one of The Hollies' finest recordings and continues to be a staple on classic rock and oldies radio stations. Its universal themes of love and contentment resonate across generations, ensuring its timeless appeal.
The song's influence extends to other artists and media. It has been covered by numerous musicians across various genres, including Julio Iglesias, Olivia Newton-John, k.d. lang, and Simply Red. Furthermore, the song's distinctive chord progression and melody were famously reused by Radiohead for their 1992 hit "Creep", leading to Hammond and Hazlewood receiving co-writing credits. The Hollies' version also found new audiences through its inclusion in the trailer for the 2023 horror film Saw X.
Fun Facts
- Alan Parsons, who would later achieve fame with The Alan Parsons Project, engineered The Hollies' version of "The Air That I Breathe" at EMI Studios at Abbey Road. He recalled that Eric Clapton once said the first note of the song had "more soul than anything he'd ever heard."
- Drummer Bobby Elliott overdubbed "huge" tom fills, processed with plate reverb, which Parsons noted "brought the song to life."
- The song's orchestral arrangement was the work of composer Christopher Gunning.
- Before The Hollies' hit, Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers also covered the song in 1973 for his solo album Star Spangled Springer, arranged by Warren Zevon. Producer Ron Richards was impressed by Everly's version and brought it to The Hollies.
- In a curious twist of fate, Phil Everly was reportedly "pissed off" that The Hollies chose to cover "The Air That I Breathe" from his album, as he had sent them the album hoping they would record one of his songs.