The One That You Love is a pop‑rock ballad performed by the Australian soft‑rock duo Air Supply. The song was written by composer and producer David Foster, who also produced the track. It was released as the lead single from the group's eighth studio album, The One That You Love (1981), on 15 October 1981 by Arista Records.
Composition and Production
The composition features a piano‑driven arrangement accompanied by orchestral strings and a prominent electric guitar solo. Its lyrical content expresses devotion and emotional yearning toward a romantic partner, employing the refrain “the one that you love” as a central motif. The production was overseen by David Foster, noted for his polished, radio‑friendly sound.
Commercial Performance
Upon release, “The One That You Love” achieved widespread commercial success:
- In the United States, the single reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on 21 February 1982, remaining at the summit for a single week.
- It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart, where it held the number 1 position for three weeks.
- In Canada, the track peaked at number 1 on the RPM singles chart.
- In the United Kingdom, the song entered the top‑40, reaching number 27 on the UK Singles Chart.
The single was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales exceeding 500,000 units.
Critical Reception
Contemporary reviews highlighted the song’s emotive vocal delivery by lead singer Russell Killer and its lush arrangement. Critics often cited it as a quintessential example of early‑1980s soft‑rock, noting its crossover appeal to both pop and adult‑contemporary audiences.
Music Video
A promotional music video was produced, featuring the duo performing the song intercut with narrative scenes of a couple’s relationship. The video received rotation on music television programs such as MTV and Top of the Pops.
Legacy
“The One That You Love” remains Air Supply’s most successful U.S. single and is frequently included on compilation albums and retrospective collections of 1980s pop music. The track is also a staple in the duo’s live concert setlists.
Track Listings
7‑inch single (U.S.)
- “The One That You Love” — 4:08
- “I'll Never Get Over You” — 3:31
12‑inch single (U.K.)
- “The One That You Love” (Extended Version) — 5:12
- “I Can't Let You Go” — 3:49
Personnel
- Russell Killer – lead vocals
- Graham Russell – backing vocals, acoustic piano
- David Foster – keyboards, production, arrangement
- Michael Landau – electric guitar
- Nathan East – bass
- Steve Gadd – drums
- Jerry Heymann – percussion
Chart Positions (selected)
| Country | Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| United States | Adult Contemporary | 1 |
| Canada | RPM Top Singles | 1 |
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 27 |
| Australia | Kent Music Report | 18 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA) | Gold | 500,000+ |
References
- Billboard Magazine archives, 1982.
- The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 8th ed., Joel Whitburn, 2010.
- RPM archives, Library and Archives Canada.
Note: Information compiled from publicly available chart data, recording industry certifications, and contemporaneous music publications.