Introduction
“All Out of Love” is a timeless ballad by the British-Australian duo Air Supply, released in 1980 as part of their fifth studio album, Lost in Love. The song, co-written by band member Graham Russell and music executive Clive Davis, has become one of the group’s most enduring hits, resonating with audiences worldwide.
The origins of “All Out of Love” trace back to 1978 when it was initially released in Australia. Graham Russell composed the song in his Sydney apartment, crafting a poignant melody that showcased the duo’s signature soft rock style. Interestingly, the original chorus featured the line, “I’m all out of love, I want to arrest you,” with “arrest” intended to mean capturing someone’s attention. However, Clive Davis, the head of Arista Records, believed this phrasing might confuse American listeners. He suggested changing it to “I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you,” a modification that Russell accepted, acknowledging Davis’s expertise in the U.S. market. This change not only clarified the song’s message but also earned Davis a songwriting credit.
Upon its international release, “All Out of Love” achieved significant commercial success. In the United States, it climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and secured the number five spot on the Adult Contemporary chart. In the United Kingdom, it reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as Air Supply’s only top 40 hit in that country.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery struck a chord with listeners, leading to its inclusion in various films and television shows over the years.
A notable feature of the track is Russell Hitchcock’s impressive vocal performance, particularly his ability to sustain the final note for an astounding 16.2 seconds. This feat set a record for the longest-held note by a male pop singer at the time, underscoring the duo’s musical prowess.
“All Out of Love” remains a quintessential example of Air Supply’s contribution to the soft rock genre, encapsulating themes of longing and regret that continue to resonate with audiences decades after its release.