Olivia Newton-John - The Air That I breathe (1975) | Love Performance, 1981 (*Rare Live, 1976)

This video features two versions of Olivia Newton-John's The Air That I Breathe....one from the 1975 album Have You Never Been Mellow (also included on the remastered ONJ's Greatest Hits, 2022) and the other from the album *Love Performance which is a rare live recording capturing Olivia's 1976 tour in Japan. Love Performance was only released in Japan in 1981. In the concert, Olivia (so bubbly, perky and lovely!) introduces the song by saying, "This next song is one of my very favorite ballads and it's very romantic, I'm not going to say any more about this one."

The Air That I Breathe
The song is a ballad originally written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. It was initially recorded by Hammond on his debut album, It Never Rains in Southern California (1972). Covered by Phil Everly in 1973, it became a major hit for the Hollies in early 1974, reaching #2 in the UK Singles Chart. In mid-1974, the song reached #6 in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In Canada, it reached #5 on the RPM magazine charts. The Air That I Breathe has been covered by numerous artists including Olivia, Julio Iglesias and others. Olivia sings it beautifully in her ballad style.