Here I Am (Air Supply song)

Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)

Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You) is a pop rock ballad by Australian soft rock band Air Supply. Released as a single in 1981, the song became one of the band's most memorable hits and remains a staple of their performances. It was featured on their album The One That You Love, which helped solidify Air Supply's international success during the early 1980s.

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Background and Composition

The song was written by Norman Sallitt and produced by Harry Maslin, known for his work with David Bowie and others. It's soft rock and pop elements make it characteristic of Air Supply's signature sound. Here I Am is a song about rekindling love, with themes of emotional vulnerability and the bittersweet realization of unresolved feelings.

The track highlights Russell Hitchcock’s distinctive tenor vocals, supported by Graham Russell’s harmonies, creating a lush, emotive experience for listeners. The arrangement features piano, strings, and acoustic guitar, capturing the tender and reflective mood of the lyrics.

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Release and Reception

Here I Am was released as the third single from The One That You Love in 1981. It achieved commercial success, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charting in several other countries. Its warm reception reinforced Air Supply's position as leading artists in the soft rock genre during the early 1980s.

Critics praised the song's heartfelt delivery and poignant lyrics, often citing it as a highlight of the album. It has since been included in multiple greatest hits compilations and remains a fan favorite.

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Legacy and Cultural Impact

Over the years, Here I Am has been recognized as one of Air Supply’s defining songs. As of Dec. 3, 2024 it has generated the most Spotify plays of any track from the album it was released on.

Air Supply continues to perform the song in their concerts, and it often elicits a strong emotional response from audiences, who associate it with moments of nostalgia and romance.

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Track Information

• Title: Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)
• Artist: Air Supply
• Album: The One That You Love
• Released: 1981
• Genre: Soft Rock, Pop
• Length: 3:50
• Label: Arista Records
• Producer: Harry Maslin

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Chart Performance

• U.S. Billboard Hot 100: #5
• Adult Contemporary (U.S.): #1
• Canada RPM Top Singles: #10
• New Zealand: Top 20

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Credits

• Vocals: Russell Hitchcock
• Harmony Vocals/Guitar: Graham Russell
• Songwriter: Norman Sallitt
• Producer: Harry Maslin

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Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You) continues to be celebrated for its emotional resonance and timeless appeal, making it a beloved piece of Air Supply's rich musical legacy.