The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies | Andy & Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@simonround2439]

The Hollies were Manchester's answer to the Beatles. Very underrated band.

[@Wolverines77]

UGH, underrated my butt... Everyone raves about them, professionals and casual fans... Underappreciated, maybe...

[@steevenfrost]

Their harmonies were brilliant. Have you heard their album Butterfly? It's excellent, but very hard to find except on a box set.

[@davidreed6264]

Long cool woman my favorite

[@bigdave1302]

They have never been underrated! They are one of the BIG sixties and seventies bands.

[@telstar4772]

They were a tight professional band that other musicians held in high regard. They can`t be can`t be compared to the beatles in any way. I`m not a Beatles fan btw but its like comparing chalk and cheese.

[@NorsePJ]

When I was a teenager back in 1974, we thought and expected this kind of musical standard as the norm and that it would just continue. Why wouldn't we? It had been that way for many, many years. Boy, were we ever wrong. Now, I can't even name the top ten songs of last year. Neither can I name the top artists of last year. Not saying there isn't any talent out there or even some good tunes, but for me nothing grabs me.

[@kidpoker007]

This was a monster hit when I grew up in the 70's

[@DavidEveritt74]

The Hollies had top 10 songs ten years in a row. That’s an achievement.

[@marysweeney7370]

Another hit by the Hollies, an early banger is Bus Stop (1966). I still love this song when I hear it on oldies radio, as it has that quintessential 60's sound.

[@TheCornishCockney]

The Hollies were almost as big a presence in 60’s Britain as The Fabs. 2nd only to The Beatles for most top ten hits in the UK.

[@dmacleod3843]

They already reviewed it. They just forgot.

[@pjg58x]

@dmacleod3843 Maybe they forgot because that was early Hollies. The songs they mentioned reviewing are later 70s. Hollies when Graham Nash was no longer in the group.

[@denismansfield8876]

​@@pjg58x Long Cool Woman ... 1972 He Ain't Heavy ... 1969 Air That I Breathe ... 1974 Nash left in 1968 to form CSN

[@mrjoepad1]

Bus stop was written by Graham Gouldman from 10cc

[@CMKseven]

MASTERPEICE. That intro is SO iconic.

[@Gez492]

The brilliant audio engineering for "The Air That I Breathe" was done by Alan Parsons at the EMI studios in London in 1973 In an interview, Parsons mentioned that Eric Clapton said the first note of "The Air That I Breathe" had more soul than anything he had ever heard. This is classy pop from an era when the genre actually meant something

[@sidstewart7399]

Wow didn't know Parsons was involved..Good man!

[@Dreyno]

@@sidstewart7399Nice that he found time what with the laser taking up so much of his time.

[@chriscornelius2518]

You can hear this song in Alan Parsons Project - Don't Answer Me

[@nazfrde]

Criminally overlooked band. Great song.

[@angelaregan475]

You must be kidding. They were and are top of their game.

[@nazfrde]

@@angelaregan475 What part of "Great song" did you not understand?

[@joeslish-p1p]

they were not overlooked

[@Castironcarnivore]

The Hollies, The Byrd’s, and Buffalo Springfield,,, 3 amazing bands that collided to bring us CSNY!

[@kjmorley]

Don’t forget Joni Mitchell. Not in the band, but wrote some of their songs, and was the inspiration for many others. And I think a good friend of fellow Canadian Neil Young sometimes CSN member.

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

@@kjmorley Unless I am mistaken the only Joni Mitchell song recorded by CSNY was Woodstock and you say a good friend of Neil Young, which she was, but it was with Crosby and Nash that she had relationships

[@hollydeitrick2515]

​@@jameswiglesworth5004 I could be wrong, but I believe David Crosby was the one she was with first, and that's how she met both Crosby and Nash. Everyone in that whole Canyon crowd wanted Joni--she just had that "thing" (genius) that everyone wanted to tap...I mean, tap into.

[@truthdweller3454]

Heh, nicely done ;)@@hollydeitrick2515

[@suerogerts4330]

at 64 years old and having listened to this song in many years i have just sang the entire song along with them still remember and forgot how good the song is thankyou for the memory 😂😂😂😂😂

[@dionysiacosmos]

So... I was 15 or 16. I'd just climbed out of our above ground pool, the radio was next to the lounge chair in the shade. I grabbed my great big cup of sweet tea, took a big gulp and laid back to close my eyes, and this song came on. Perfect.

[@kennethjimenez5185]

I remember being a kid in the seventies and this song was a behemoth. It was everything everywhere all at once as a song.

[@valelavidavivir5842]

This is a song that transcends time and generations. I liked it as a teenager and the message and music still touch a nerve 50 years later. Yes, emotional but not cheesy. It is a really cool intro that sucks you in. A+ is cool, but this A+ would exceed many of your earlier Ss, I think.

[@DM-hk4cw]

The way his voice, guitar, strings and horns weave in and out through the music is unearthly. The whole song is almost a religious experience.

[@Wolverines77]

Ethereal, much like the scent of baking bread wafting throughout your house...

[@raymondmassie4898]

It was beautifully arranged and produced

[@markmurphy558]

It's nice to see that Alex is over his allergy to harmony. It takes awhile to rewire your brain from years of abuse from hip hop and modern pop.

[@acb9231]

🤣🤣!

[@WillyJackson-if6zf]

Nice tune.😊

[@karenbautista9236]

😂

[@moonlitegram]

what? Ive never gotten any impression from Alex that he doesn't appreciate harmony.

[@markmurphy558]

@@moonlitegram Early on in the channel, when they reacted to CSNY's Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, Alex complained about "too much harmonies", much to the chagrin of of their audience. Check it out.

[@jeffreyjohnson7359]

I've always loved how they qualify the theme with "sometimes."

[@debsandz]

Yes! That is so important in making the lyrics of this song sound romantic but not too over-the-top.

[@jeffreyjohnson7359]

@@debsandz Exactly! Kind of like "I'll probably feel a whole lot better when you're gone."

[@mojobag01]

The hook is solid gold.

[@michaelmartinelli2258]

Picture it, Summertime in America, 1974 and playing on the radio "The Air I Breathe " by the Hollies. Priceless..

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

People of my generation took great music for granted. We heard it all the time in the sixties and seventies. There were so many wonderful group. So many were British. We realize now that we were so lucky. We live to hear these songs reviewed by you two thoughtful young men. Thank you. Have an enjoyable 2024 celebration! Be safe!🎉

[@757optim]

"People of my generation took great music for granted." Guilty. Looking back, it's humbling.

[@williamstlouis3368]

Disagree. We were listening to great music. It's just that we underestimated how great it still is after 60 years. Peace out.

[@richardlindell9976]

Let's be honest, we were spoiled. New stuff like this weekly and we just waited for more. Awesome!

[@petiteme1960]

THIS!

[@dggydddy59]

I say those exact words often. We did, we just took it for granted in those days that popular music was always going to be fabulous. Boy, were we wrong. Although I must admit to enjoying boygenius, but that's because they're pretty retro musically.

[@shemanic1]

The Hollies vocal harmonies were always moving, no surprise Graham Nash got on so well in C.S.N.Y.

[@EileenHall-j9f]

76 listening with such nostalgia. Love The Hollies and so many other British groups that I went around the country to watch. For music, it was a wonderful time.

[@kathystammen8774]

Truly. Be honest. When’s the LAST TIME that you’ve heard such romantic lyrics. Classic love song!

[@Drummingvulture]

Back in April I contacted my very first girlfriend (Dec. '73 - April '74) via email. We immediately started up a relationship, and even planned on moving in together. Early on she reminded me of the time we were having a party at my best friend's place and I brought this 45. It literally played over and over and over while her and me sat on the couch making out. I had forgotten all about that until she mentioned it. This is the girl I've thought of almost every day for fifty years. The girl I've loved all of this time. A few days ago, on Christmas day to be exact, her and me broke up, probably for good. And then I come here and find that this is the song A&A are listening to. Cue the waterworks. This will always be an emotional S tier song for me.

[@suenobles189]

OH MY GOD! The nostalgia the song invokes has shocked me. This was a hugh song just when I was at that first love. And, while I am reflecting on my long lost youth, you guys are blissing out to the song. This watch was surreal for me. Glad you enjoyed the song!

[@nancy9478]

Yup, my first real crush on my frreinds brother. Too bad he did not feel the same, lol. Looking back, I lucked out.

[@abelincoln3287]

The Hollies were so diverse, never had 2 songs alike. Never even had songs that even sounded like the same group. A highly rated band

[@DrChili44]

The Hollies. Took their name from....Buddy Holly....huge influence on their early Beatles-esque sound....Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks guitars and harmonies....TONS of material to hit. Bus Stop is an great early one to hit.

[@JRoss707]

When I was young, I thought this band was actually Buddy Hollie’s “Crickets” band continuing on without him.

[@themoviedealers]

They actually did put out records for a while after Holly died.

[@johnaldasch9966]

In 73 74 We thought Tony Hicks was about 16yrs old.What a great Musician he is.

[@jennywren7822]

The Beatles the same, John and Paul couldn't wait for Buddy's next release and at the beginning, copied him and the Crickets, before Beatle Mania. 22 years old such a tragedy 💐

[@thatlindgirlinutah5829]

I have this song on my personal playlist and I listen to it so much that my dog goes nuts when those first chords hit. She loves this song almost as much as I have since my mom listened to it when I was a kid back in the 70's. I give it an *S* just for the lyrics alone!

[@billd.4224]

These writers were given a writing credit on "Creep" because it is a direct lift of the verse chords.

[@malcolmnash6023]

Written by one Albert Hammond. I bought the vinyl in my youth. The Hollies brought the song to life, beautifully. Albert Hammond also wrote one of my favourite songs of that era, "The Free Electric Band". Up to you if you want to check that one out. Have fun though, keep up the good work and hope you both, and your families, friends and all who visit here have a fine and happy new year. Be well.

[@kmorri9]

His son is in The Strokes. He also had a solo album in the mid '00s that was really good.

[@malcolmnash6023]

I might have to have a listen to those then. Thanks for replying, be well, and have a very happy new year.@@kmorri9

[@mitchellbeston1033]

Like you blokes, i discovered The Hollies about 5 years ago and i'm 50. Great music, they have a lot of variety, and so many good songs.

[@johnnyd5285]

The 60’s produced so many great bands and songs I don’t think there will ever be another decade like it. Top 40 radio exposed us to all styles of music, unlike today music is fragmented into sections thanks to the internet.

[@MykalNines]

Being in the first half of my 40's I didn't recognize the song. The verse was intense and so crisp, then the chorus kicked in and I immediately knew the song. This one is going on my playlist for sure.

[@klaytaylor7011]

"Bus Stop" will always be my favorite Hollies song. It's micro-storytelling at its finest. : ) I love the ones you've already done and the hits Graham Nash sang lead on as well; like "Carrie Anne" before joining Crosby & Stills.

[@BackdraftB]

That long "...breathe..." note held all the way through the little guitar lead after the chorus. Wow!

[@brendakennedy818]

The ultimate love song! This was one of the first songs I added to my playlist.

[@kenw.1112]

VERY INTENSE SONG EMOTIONALLY. MY FAVORITE TUNE BY THE HOLLIES.

[@iceberg210]

Also Alan Parson was the engineer on this, Creep had to give writing credit on Creep for this, and also Judy Collins did a wonderful cover of this song. really neat history on this one

[@kozzzzer]

Allan Clarke also went on to sing Breakdown on The Alan Parson Project's I Robot.

[@rogervondrasek5677]

Radiohead, not Creep.

[@garymaidman625]

Also the original version by Albert Hammond is pretty good as well.

[@MrThesem]

​@@kozzzzer And Terry Sylvester sang vocals on To One in Paradise from APP's first album.

[@iceberg210]

@@rogervondrasek5677 I blame post holiday brain for that one :P

[@sylvialopez5928]

I agree totally 100%. It’s on my playlist it’s always been on my playlist. I just love this tune

[@catbutte4770]

Can't wait to hear this song again. It's been ages! 😸

[@jvsmith7888]

The Hollies, along with the Kinks and the Rolling Stones, were one of the longest surviving bands from the British Invasion. Formed in 1962, they were a continuous working band and are still out there working today, and had a lot of hits along the way.

[@mikeeckel2807]

"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)" are another two excellent songs by The Hollies.

[@jalontf2]

They did those I think

[@stevetreloar3129]

Those harmonies are gold; "S" for sure!!!

[@MH77391]

One of my absolute favourites. Just lovely

[@nancy9478]

The summer I turned 15. What a summer that was, this song was a big part of it. Glad you liked it!

[@luluadapa5222]

For a blue-eyed-soul version, it was covered in the 1980's by another Manchester group, Simply Red. True to the original, with 80's soul.

[@rachellindsey4212]

I loved jump-roping to "Bus Stop" & "Stop, Stop, Stop"!

[@tomtortolani8082]

The group, with a few of its original members still do gigs, 60 years later... "Bus Stop" is a mid 60s gem.

[@BruceColon-BSides]

So much packed into this perfect pop masterpiece. Still a stunner.

[@cpearson7372]

Long Cool Woman is FANTASTIC fun, too!

[@duanevp]

Love that description of the chorus coming in like waves crashing on the shore. It's exceptionally apt. The deep strings and low drums combine to make a soft, distant sound of thunder.

[@KnitThisOnce]

No cigarettes, no sleep- sleep, silent angel, go to sleep …making love with you has left me…. This is the song inspired by the post-coital glow! You even caught the crashing waves. 😊

[@julienash9470]

What a great band they were, pure class.

[@steverakes6182]

I have never heard a song that better describes the feeling of being madly in love with someone more then this awesome song does.

[@peterbraidwood-ni6di]

Goosebumps and shivers listening to this track. A beautiful song that so many people can relate to

[@peternicholson4839]

The Hollies were huge in the UK, they were invited to Abbey Rd studios for an audition after being seen by a EMI producer at the Liverpool Cavern in 1963, and signed for Parlophone. They had some success in the US too. Great reaction guys.

[@jeancoleman6878]

I remember this from the first time round. It’s so great to see the young uns reactions to the music I listened to in the 70s

[@negf22]

Goose bumps…every time I hear this! The Hollies were one of the best groups from that era, along with Cliff Richard and the Shadows and the Moody Blues and early BeeGees! Great groups , emotion evoking and so smooth! Hollie’s: Try Look Through Any Window , Bus Stop, Carrie Ann…there are bunches.

[@swamprocker5776]

This is a great song, Albert Hammond co-wrote it and recorded it first. His biggest hit was “It Never Rains In Southern California. You guys should react to that one, it’s an awesome song, very catchy!

[@edwardhoward8485]

In 1975, I would hear this song in the car. I used to think when he sang sleep, I thought he said speed. Shows where I was in 1975.

[@ianz9916]

Allan Clarke, the lead singer, released a new album last year and recorded with Graham Nash, another founder member of The Hollies who left to join up with David Crosby and Stephen Stills. Bobby Elliott, the drummer, and Tony Hicks another of the founder members, are still performing and just completed a UK tour as The Hollies, finishing at the London Palladium.

[@jamespuleo3269]

Don't know if anyone mentioned this yet ~~I don't read all the comments before sending mine ~~ but both the Beatles and the Hollies got the inspiration for their names from seminal Texas rock-and-rollers Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Since you liked this one so much, check out the hits of another big hitmaker from my high school years: Bread.

[@bossleonie7658]

Written by songwriting duo Albert Hammond and Mike Hazelwood. First recorded by Albert Hammond as an acoustic ballad in 1972

[@phylliskelly7910]

The Hollies were the first concert I went to 1965, the Stadium Sth. Circular Road Dublin Ireland WoW the memories ☘️🇮🇪

[@silverdye7424]

Lol sometimes y'all remind me of the people listening to music in the late 60s and early 70s, your so into it, eyes closed and head moving to the rythm

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Many thanks to Andy and Alex! 💎 Haven't heard this one in a while... so good.

[@sirfriendzone1228]

I love listening to this song back-to-back with I'm Not In Love, Without You, or both.

[@rickrichardson1141]

Stop Stop Stop with one of the coolest and catchiest banjo licks! 60’s Hollies🎉

[@steveturner3999]

Another band I grew up listening to during my high school years. They are highly underrated. Such a good sound and the harmonies are great. Thanks for hitting this one guys.

[@stupeters8409]

The most underrated band of all time Tony Hicks on guitar is a musical genius

[@beadybaby]

Oh this is one of my favorites from my childhood. Thank you!

[@jeffbrooks8024]

Shows the great place Britain was for music in the sixties. On one side you had the Beatles and Stones, on the other side you had The Hollies, Hermans Hermits, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Dave Clarke Five, The Animals. On another side you had John Mayall, The Yardbirds, Cream and more. Just an insane time

[@willfromyadkinville]

it is just a beautiful song! they were so good!

[@ontheroad5317]

Fantastic song, one my all time favorites. You can’t go wrong with a song about post-coital bliss!

[@rundoetx]

And those bombastic drums!

[@BW-jv6jg]

Wonderful slow dance song... chill bumps still when the horns come in. God we had the best music.

[@gaildevaney6074]

I was surprised to see that Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills & Nash /Young) was one of the original founders of The Hollies. Small world.

[@jons.105]

'90s alt-rock band Redd Kross did their own spin on this song, and did so brilliantly: "Monolith" from their album "Phaseshifter".

[@jeannie177]

Love this song, great reaction as always! HAPPY NEW YEAR Andy, Alex, and the A&A fam! Here's to a happy healthy 2024! God bless❤

[@beverlycoulston8058]

I love this song. Thanks for reminding me how good it is❤

[@waynedavenport6053]

This was produced by Alan Parsons, you know, he did 'Dark Side', 'The year of the cat' plus APP its about time you did more of Alan Parsons Project!

[@gj8683]

Simply great music

[@ricklanders5645]

Early hit by The Hollies "Look Through Any Window" they were great out of the box around 1966. Great harmonies...Graham Nash was a member...the lead singer, picked me up hitchhiking in the '70s in the UK, Alan Clarke....

[@brucewozniak9473]

The "B" side of this 45, "no more riders", is my favorite Hollies song.

[@shauncronin3961]

Perfect 70’s forbidden song

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

Graham Nash of Crosby Stills Nash & Young (CSNY) along with member Allan Clarke, were the 2 original founding members of The Hollies back in ‘62. And according to Graham, “they wouldn’t be “The Hollies” without us”. I agree.

[@EpicFrozenMoment]

Heart on the sleeve naked emotional rawness (especially from male lead singers) is almost non existent now.

[@Luckygirlisjelly]

Great song 💕

[@jennylouwho9303]

I am incredibly embarrassed that I was today years old when I learned that this song was sung by the Hollies and not Air Supply! I feel so much better that it is the Hollies!!😂

[@colindebourg9012]

The Hollies were huge in Britain with their unmistakable harmonies, I would say they were probably 3rd behind The Beatles and The Stones with The Kinks not far behind, it's so good for me to hear the music of my youth and to see its being enjoyed by the youngsters.

[@snotwurfit]

Loved the reaction. You guys are dudes. Love from England dudes ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@SnowEfaust]

How could I have forgotten this song? I played this 45 nonstop when it came out. Thanks for transporting me make in time.

[@blue-sc1se]

Great song from my high school days! Thanks for doing it.

[@deniseculton]

Lots of babies made to this song. Tony Hicks' guitar is awesome. Allen Clarke's vocals are killer.

[@stewartscott9856]

I was 15 when this song was released and they played it on the radio it seemed like 4 times an hour, thanks for the memories of a happy youth.

[@karenglenn6707]

Oh my, I have loved this song for as long as I can remember. Beautiful.

[@sigil5772]

Huge guitar licks, massive drums, entire orchestra, strings, brass!!!!! - Alan: "peace came upon me...."

[@kimmcnear6843]

Wonderful from the very first note

[@alanmatthews9945]

Radiohead did indeed get into copyright trouble with 'Creep'. It all got settled with the writers Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood since receiving a song writing credit on 'Creed' and a small royalty percentage.

[@crystalvision1111]

One of the most beautiful songs EVER. Thanks for the reaction guys!

[@westpoll1]

I was a teenager in England when the Hollies were around. Glad you found them. there are so many more of their songs you can check out.