Rediscovering Romance: Air Supply’s “Even the Nights Are Better”
In 1982, the British/Australian soft rock duo Air Supply released a timeless classic that would captivate audiences and reaffirm their place in the music world. “Even the Nights Are Better” emerged as the lead single from their seventh studio album, Now and Forever. This song epitomized the duo’s talent for blending heartfelt lyrics with soothing melodies, creating an unforgettable listening experience. The track not only highlighted their musical prowess but also solidified their status as icons in the soft rock genre.
Upon its release, “Even the Nights Are Better” quickly climbed the charts, making a significant impact in both the United States and Canada. It debuted on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, where it enjoyed an impressive four-week stint at the coveted No. 1 spot during July and August of 1982. This achievement marked the third time Air Supply had reached the summit of this chart, a testament to their consistent appeal and the emotional resonance of their music. Similarly, the song also claimed the No. 1 position on the Canadian AC chart, reflecting its widespread popularity across North America.
September 1982 saw the song peak at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Air Supply’s seventh consecutive top-five hit on the US pop chart. Despite its rapid rise, the song is perhaps most famously known for its precipitous drop from the top 40. Following its peak, the track slipped to No. 6, and in an unprecedented turn of events, it plummeted to No. 42 in just one week. This dramatic fall set a record for the highest drop from the top 40, a distinction it held for an astonishing thirty years.
Across the Atlantic, Air Supply found their success more tempered. In the United Kingdom, where they did not enjoy the same level of fame as in Australia and the US, “Even the Nights Are Better” narrowly missed the top 40, peaking at No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite this, it became their second-highest charting single in the UK, following their 1980 hit “All Out of Love”, which reached No. 11.
The song’s lyrics tell a poignant yet uplifting story from the perspective of a man who starts in a place of heartache and loneliness. As the narrative unfolds, he finds a new love who shares similar feelings of isolation. Together, they transform their nights, making them brighter and more joyful. This theme of finding hope and companionship in the darkest times resonated deeply with listeners, further cementing the song’s legacy.
Critics and fans alike praised the song for its delicate interplay of solo vocals, piano, and string sections. Billboard highlighted the track’s harmonies and emotional depth, noting its strong connection to Air Supply’s previous hits. This blend of musical elements and lyrical sincerity ensured that “Even the Nights Are Better” would remain a beloved entry in the duo’s impressive catalog.
In summary, “Even the Nights Are Better” stands as a testament to Air Supply’s enduring appeal and their ability to craft songs that touch the heart. Its journey through the charts, marked by both impressive peaks and notable drops, only adds to its storied history. For fans of soft rock and romantic ballads, this track remains a cherished favorite, a song that encapsulates the transformative power of love.
Music Legend