Air Supply – The One That You Love (Album Review)

Released in 1981, The One That You Love marked another successful chapter in the Australian soft rock duo's career. Building upon their signature sound of melodic ballads and heartfelt lyrics, this album continues to capture the hearts of listeners with its emotive tunes and strong vocal performances. The result is a record that is not only one of the best albums of their illustrious career, but is what I consider to be amongst the greatest albums released in 1981.

While the music may be exceptional, the album artwork is uninspiring. Seriously, the rear photo of the band, featured on the original releases, would have been far better to adorn the album cover for the hot air balloon on the initial releases, and the series of hot air balloons on the Australian reissue, is about as pointless as you can get. I really should add this album to The Worst (And Most Disturbing) Album Covers Of All Time ranked list, but it almost isn’t worthy of inclusion. Yes, dear reader, I’m extremely critical of this album artwork for it is an immediate deterrent and is unlikely to appeal to anyone, other than the most ardent fans. It certainly doesn’t showcase, or represent, just how outstanding the music is.

As for the sonics of the Apple Music stream, the lossless non-Apple Digital Master is derived from the CD counterpart and is sonically pleasing. Could it be better? Absolutely, but I wouldn’t want an overzealous remastering for the current dynamic range of the recording is already quite pleasant. It could do, however, with a slight boost to the mid and low end of the audio spectrum. Naturally, EQ settings can address this issue, but modern digital options can also be a little too aggressive and sometimes the minor adjustments of a skilled mastering engineer yields better results. 

Disappointingly, much of Air Supply’s back catalogue has remained untouched for decades with CD reissues only showing up within the Japanese music industry. Modern listeners who are not interested in picking up secondhand copies are, subsequently, left with few options outside of streaming and digital download stores. Yes, we need to be grateful that the music remains readily available, but the collector within would prefer that all music remains in print, both physically and digitally, for it gives music lovers a choice and further guarantees cultural heritage. 

Don't Turn Me Away gets the album started with a solid soft rock tune. I don’t, however, feel that it was the perfect opening track for it isn’t as strong as many of the other songs on the album and should have been repositioned in the album’s sequencing.

Here I Am is the song that should have been the lead track for it is much more in tune with Air Supply’s renowned and revered style. Here I Am, subsequently, sets the tone for the rest of the album; one that is filled with memorable ballads, melodies, and harmonies that will appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike. 

Keeping The Love Alive has a beautiful flow for the verses are simply incredible. Yet, in classic Air Supply form, it’s the addictiveness of the sing-along choruses that are the ultimate highlight as the shift from verses to chorus, and back again, makes for a thoroughly engaging listen.

The One That You Love, the album's title track, is a timeless classic that remains one of Air Supply's most iconic songs and again, as the song reaches the chorus, you’ll feel compelled to sing along.  

This Heart Belongs To Me has an incredible rhythm. That piano entry is exquisite and is the backbone of the song as This Heart Belongs To Me turns into a soft rock masterpiece. It’s certainly reminiscent of the era, and some may suggest it sounds a little dated, but I adore it nonetheless.

Sweet Dreams, by comparison to This Heart Belongs To Me, is subdued, but that need not be a contentious issue for as the song slowly builds, the catchy chorus soars in a manner that only Air Supply can achieve for they are masters of the craft and Sweet Dreams quickly becomes one of the greatest songs of the 80s. 

I Want To Give It All slows the tempo considerably, but the vocal recording and intertwining of harmonies are thoroughly pleasing. While I Want To Give It All was never destined to be a standout tune, it’s songs such as this that make The One That You Love such an exceptional album experience. 

I'll Never Get Enough Of You is another standout that captures the sentiment of endless love. The sincerity of the vocals pairs extremely well with the song’s lyrics. As incredible as Air Supply performs this classic tune, I would love to hear Barbra Streisand cover it, for I feel she would take it to another level entirely.

Tonite is simply gorgeous. While not a standout, per se, as an album-only tune, Tonite is yet another reason why The One That You Love is one of the best albums ever released. 

I've Got Your Love is a brilliant closer that encompasses all elements of each song that came before it. The result is that you’ll feel compelled to play the record again for The One That You Love is one album that could be listened to on repeat indefinitely. 

Overall, The One That You Love is an exceptional album that showcases Air Supply's mastery of crafting emotionally charged soft rock ballads. With a combination of emotions through poignant lyrics, harmonious vocals, and well-orchestrated melodies, listeners will be captivated from the very first note to the last. While some songs stand out more than others, the album as a whole remains a testament to the duo's talent for creating music that is not only timeless but resonates deeply with listeners. If you're a fan of heartfelt ballads and timeless melodies, The One That You Love is a must-listen.

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Air Supply – Lost In Love (Album Review)

Released in 1980, Lost In Love is Air Supply’s fifth studio album. While not an instant chart-topper, and it could be said that Air Supply was more successful as a singles band, Lost In Love is a cohesive piece of musical art that plays as if it were a greatest hits album with a couple of B-sides included for good measure. 

Streaming music fans will note the absence of All Out Of Love on the Apple Music stream. It’s a disappointing omission due to licensing agreements but as Lost In Love is one of my favourite albums of all time, I had no hesitation in purchasing it via Apple’s iTunes Store as All Out Of Love becomes available when the purchase of the album is made. It’s a workaround, for sure, and one that music lovers shouldn’t have to endure, but it isn’t as if Apple Music is alone with regard to this issue as all streaming services suffer the same music industry anomalies. It’s important to note, however, that All Out Of Love can be streamed on Spotify but this is only due to Spotify’s insistence on substituting music from one album to another to solve the issue. In this case, Spotify has taken All Out Of Love from Air Supply’s Ultimate Collection. So, yes, in one way it can be streamed but the variances in mastering still create a sonic shift that can be distracting and I am, therefore, grateful that Apple Music doesn’t apply the same approach for you can very well end up with a version of the song that is quite different to the original album release. Some of you may not be flustered by this process, but for those of us who are, at least due to the iTunes legacy, Apple Music users have options. 

You may, of course, be wondering how the album sounds. Well, it’s quite lovely. It isn’t an Apple Digital Master but it’s an enjoyable digital facsimile with no glaring aspects to be heard. Yes, a (Hi-Res) Lossless Apple Digital Master would be appreciated, but so would a vinyl reissue. Time will tell if either will become a reality, but until then I can assure you that despite being lossy, the iTunes Store edition happily fills the void.

Lost In Love has a gorgeous opening that sets the tone for the entire album. It’s classic Air Supply and while there are stronger songs on this release, Lost In Love is most certainly worthy of the title track position. The vocal harmonies are particularly notable as they have an air of delicacy about them and this is likely a core reason why Lost In Love has been, and will continue to be, appreciated by so many people around the world.

Fans of Air Supply will note that despite this being the title track, this wasn’t the first time we heard Lost In Love for it was initially released on their 1979 release, Life Support. This original recording differs in that the song's focus is more acoustic with a less symphonic style that would have limited radio interest. It’s also a little longer than the newer mix; a further limitation of radio requirements at the time. Regardless, it's still lovely, but once you’ve heard the polish of the 1980 edition, it’s difficult to go back. 

All Out Of Love is one of my all-time favourite Air Supply songs as the entire composition is exceptional. Of particular note is the blending of vocal styles as the song shifts from verse to chorus and back again. It’s simply magical and is one of those songs where I’ll pump the volume and sing along; an addictive tune if there ever was one. 

Every Woman In The World is a lovely ballad and while some may suggest that Air Supply’s songs blend with little separation, to think that is short-sighted as each song is an experience and a story in and of itself. Plus, when music is this good, there’s no need to change a successful formula, is there?

Just Another Woman shifts the tempo of the album a little with disco-inspired styling. It’s solid, and it works, but I’d suggest it isn’t exceptional. Nevertheless, Lost In Love wouldn’t be the same album if it were not for Just Another Woman and when looking at the album from a contemporary perspective, Air Supply most certainly played into the style that was popular at the time. 

Similarly to Lost In Love, Just Another Woman was also originally released on Life Support. It’s considerably different in that this early release is focused on delivering a rock and roll tune with a slight disco vibe. No doubt, some may enjoy it, but I still prefer the latter release from Lost In Love.

Having You Near Me is simply magnificent. 

American Hearts as an album-filling track is solid, but it’s also the low point of Lost In Love. 

Chances is beautiful as it highlights the vocal and musical prowess of Air Supply. They’re simply amazing!

Old Habits Die Hard is a bit of a mixed bag. It isn’t bad but it isn’t great either. Yet, I couldn’t imagine the album sans this tune as it somehow manages to fit the overall style of the band.

I Can’t Get Excited is an energetic tune that gets me going every time I listen to it. While Air Supply is unlikely to make it to your exercise playlist, I Can’t Get Excited is one song that could buck that trend. It reaches into your soul and has an upbeat tempo that will keep you moving. While I don’t take music with me when hiking, this is one song that has played on repeat, in my mind, as I’m hiking up a mountain and it subsequently gives me encouragement and energy to keep going. A great tune!

My Best Friend returns the music to a slower tempo, to close out Lost In Love, and it’s one of the best tunes Air Supply has ever recorded. It’s also the quintessential closer as it allows for contemplation of the music that you’ve just heard while simultaneously encouraging you to play the album again. 

Ultimately, Lost In Love is a timeless classic and while some will dismiss it as merely a soft rock ballad-focused album of love songs, that determination is too limiting. As someone who appreciates music, sans lyrical interpretation, I find that there’s something here for every music lover to enjoy; if you give it a chance, that is! If you do, you’ll no doubt agree that Lost In Love is not only Air Supply’s greatest album but that it's one of the best albums released in 1980.

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