"The Air That I Breathe" is a ballad written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. Originally recorded by Hammond for his 1972 album It Never Rains in Southern California, the song was later covered by Phil Everly in 1973. However, it was The Hollies' 1974 rendition that became the definitive and most commercially successful version, marking their last major international hit137.
Release and Chart Performance
Released in early 1974, The Hollies' version of "The Air That I Breathe" soared to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also performed strongly in other countries, peaking at number 3 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and number 5 in Canada1237. The single was released in the UK on Polydor and in the US on Epic Records6.
Recording and Production
The Hollies' recording was engineered by Alan Parsons at Abbey Road Studios in London. The arrangement featured a lush orchestral backing with strings and brass, arranged by Chris Gunning. According to Parsons, Eric Clapton once remarked that the first note of the song "had more soul than anything he had ever heard"137.
Band Lineup on the Track
- Allan Clarke – lead, harmony, and backing vocals
- Tony Hicks – harmony and backing vocals, electric lead guitar
- Terry Sylvester – harmony and backing vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
- Bobby Elliott – drums
- Bernie Calvert – bass
The production was handled by The Hollies themselves along with Ron Richards1.
Song Meaning and Inspiration
Lyrically, the song expresses a deep, all-consuming love, with the narrator listing things he can live without—cigarettes, sleep, light, sound, food, books—as long as he has the love of his partner. Albert Hammond has explained that the song was inspired by his feelings of loneliness after moving to Los Angeles, as well as a brief love affair and his longing to be with family and loved ones3.
Legacy and Influence
- The Hollies' version is widely regarded as one of the finest pop ballads of its era and became a standard, covered by numerous artists.
- The song's chord progression and melody were notably reused by Radiohead in their 1992 hit "Creep." This led to a legal settlement, with Hammond and Hazlewood receiving co-writing credits and a share of royalties for "Creep"1357.
- The song has been covered by several artists, including Simply Red, whose 1998 version also charted in the UK and Europe1.
Notable Facts
- The song was The Hollies' last major hit before a late-1980s resurgence with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother."
- Its lush orchestration and emotive vocals are often highlighted as hallmarks of the group's mature sound in the 1970s7.
Summary Table: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood |
| Original Recording | Albert Hammond, 1972 |
| Definitive Version | The Hollies, 1974 |
| Chart Peak (UK) | #2 |
| Chart Peak (US) | #6 (Billboard Hot 100) |
| Producer(s) | Ron Richards, The Hollies |
| Engineer | Alan Parsons |
| Notable Covers | Phil Everly, Simply Red |
| Legacy | Inspired Radiohead's "Creep"; last major hit for The Hollies |
Lyrics Excerpt
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes, to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe3.
The song remains a classic example of 1970s soft rock and showcases The Hollies' signature harmonies and emotional depth.
