Air Supply Album: “The Singer And The Song”

Ok so Russel Hitchcock doesn't have the pipes he used to...but boy they can still deliver. This album will go down as a classic Air Supply release. The concept of the album is so simple yet not a lot of artists have actually done it. Listening to the songs, it makes you feel as if it's just you in the room with them singing especially for you. The song choices are obvious (these are songs most people, both fans and well, non fans, might have heard them on the radio at least once in their lifetime) and that's the only downside (except for one, Love and Other Bruises from I believe 1975). One hit they seem to always leave out, even in live album recordings (It Was 30 Years Ago Today) is the song Goodbye, which happens to be one of the best they've ever done! Overall, the album is very good; the sound quality is good; the emotion in their voices is there; it's romantic; it's serene...it's Air Supply.

This CD takes the classic songs to a whole new level. The just voice and guitar showcase the real beauty in both of their voices. This CD is not to be missed.

I am a die-hard Air Supply fan. That being said, I was reluctant to buy this recording for fear of owning yet another compilation of the same songs. I finally made the purchase this year and have been VERY pleasantly surprised and rewarded. These are the same songs, but, they have been made new again via newly-recorded, acoustical versions. Both vocalists are in prime form. All songs are beautifully rendered, familiar, yet, refreshingly-new. Both casual AND die-hard fans will enjoy this recording. Go ahead and buy it: "Don't be Afraid"!

How could I "re-discover" Air Supply? As a fan for over 20 years and having been to many concerts, I thought I had heard it all. After" Greatest Hits" there would naturally be "Greatest Hits--Live." What else could there be?

One year's concert tour was just piano with guitar and their two voices. Graham told the audience that they like to do this every few years to keep the harmony strong and vibrant. Part of the appeal to me of Air Supply has always been the balance between Graham and Russell's voices. The lush orchestrations were like icing on the cake.

But now, the orchestration, the piano, and everything else have been removed. What remains is something new and still beautiful but in a different way. My long-time personal favorite, "The One That You Love", always seemed to stand out from the other songs. Now it is just one of many beautiful canvases painted like gentle watercolors with only two voices and guitar.

The beauty is the simplicity. It reveals what most fans have felt for years but perhaps were unable to explain. The voices, music, and lyrics were individually strong; but the blending is subtle and seems effortless. You can now hear and see how they crafted the songs. And it really seems as if they are enjoying what they do.

I could listen to this over and over and find even more to enjoy. I highly recommend it to both new and old fans. It is also a great way to show the difference between playing notes and creating music.