Almanac Music: Angels, Devils and Flawed Humanity – Part I: Ten Songs About Angels
Putto che suona, by Rosso Fiorentino, oil on panel, 1518. Uffizi Gallery, Florence. [Wikimedia Commons.]
Almanac Music: Angels, Devils and Flawed Humanity – Part I: Ten Songs About Angels
‘Part 1: Ten Songs About Angels’ is the first article in a three-part piece for The Footy Almanac, to appear over successive weeks. Today, then, the focus is upon songs which are closely connected to angels in some way. Almanac readers are warmly welcomed to add to the list below. As will be seen, angels are represented in numerous ways in the following ten songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era.
‘Blue Angel’, written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, performed by Roy Orbison (1960)
‘Blue Angel’ contains some fabulous singing from the ‘Caruso of Rock’. His vocal range and superlative artistry are apparent in this lovely, dreamy pop/rock song, which was an international hit, and follow-up single to the even more successful ‘Only the Lonely’. The ‘Blue Angel’ of the song’s title is the sad young woman to whom the singer is singing.
‘Angel Baby’, written by Rosie Hamlin, performed by Rosie and the Originals (1960)
This corny 12/8 time doo-wop number, a hit for American teenager Rosie Hamlin in 1960, has a pleasant melody. The lyrics, however, certainly make use of many clichés (but this is nothing unusual in rock songs, of course, particularly those of the 1950s and early 60s). For example, note these words around the mid-point of ‘Angel Baby’: ‘Please never leave me / Blue and alone / If you ever go / I’m sure you’ll come back home // Because I love you / I love you, I do / Angel Baby / My Angel baby …’.
Interestingly, though, John Lennon liked this song enough to record a version in the early 1970s, one which eventually appeared on the posthumous Menlove Ave. album in 1986. (Lennon’s version is fabulous, charged with excitement, and could stun a corpse back into existence; just about every cover he did was much better than its original.)
‘Angel of the Morning’, written by Chip Taylor, performed by Merrilee Rush (1968)
I’ve loved ‘Angel of the Morning’ since I was a kid in the late sixties, and feel the Merrilee Rush version of this often-covered pop tune (actually the third version recorded) is the best I’ve heard. I feel it is considerably better than, for example, Juice Newton’s interpretation (an even bigger hit) from 1981, even if the latter has smoother production values.
‘Send Me an Angel’, written by David Sterry and Richard Zatorski, performed by Real Life (1983)
This synth-pop/new wave song by Australian band Real Life has a strong eighties feel, and was a big hit for the group in Australia, the US, and various other countries. It has also been covered by numerous artists. Personally, I find ‘Send Me an Angel’ musically and lyrically repetitive, and, as a consequence, quite dull and uninspired.
‘There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)’ written by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, performed by Eurythmics (1985)
This is a good, melodic song, I suppose, and its harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder is notable. At the same time, there is a smugness about Annie Lennox in her presentation and vocal delivery that I often find a little irritating, to be honest, and it is evident in this number.
‘Angel of Harlem’ written by U2 (music) and Bono (lyrics), performed by U2 (1988)
‘Angel of Harlem’, about black American blues singing legend, Billie Holliday, is just about my favourite U2 song. Musically, I particularly like the highly effective, yet simple chord structure, the fat, funky horns (supplied by The Memphis Horns) and Bono’s impassioned rendition of the lyrics, especially the chorus: ‘Soul love / This love won’t let me go / So long / Angel of Harlem …’. More than this, this song is from just about my favourite rock ‘n’ roll film ever, Rattle and Hum: in this context, the black-and white sequences are particularly effective, being superbly lit and highly evocative.
‘Token Angels’, written by Roger Mason, performed by Wendy Matthews (1990)
With its shining, bell-like purity, Canadian-born Australian singer-songwriter Wendy Matthews’ voice is a thing of utter beauty in this jewel of a song, which was a modest hit for the artist in Australia in 1990.
‘Angels’, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, performed by Robbie Williams (1997)
With its soaring chorus, this anthemic power-pop ballad is so well suited to evoking major audience-participation singalongs in the kind of stadium concerts Williams has done over many years. ‘Angels’ also happens to be Williams’ best-selling single.
‘Angels Brought Me Here’, written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid, performed by Guy Sebastian (2003)
Since his early days on the Australian Idol TV show, I’ve thought Guy Sebastian is a very talented guy (pardon the pun), and this, his first single, displays those talents well, particularly his clarity of tone, extensive vocal range and ability to sing a difficult melody. The song itself is a very well-crafted piece of work, especially in terms of the lyrics, and deserved its rise to Number #1 on the Australian ARIA Singles Charts.
‘Halo’ written by Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart and Beyoncé, performed by Beyoncé (2009)
How can this song, from Beyoncé’s third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, best be described? Uplifting, transporting and joyful are words that readily come to mind. It’s a power ballad par excellence, gospel-tinged, and sung superbly. Where does the angel come in? In fact, the whole song is the singer singing to her love, her angel; early on, this is made clear: ‘I found a way to let you in / But I never really had a doubt / Standin’ in the light of your halo / I got my angel now …’.
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So, readers, more songs about angels are welcomed in the comments section below, as well as any other points you wish to make in connection with the topic.
[Note: Wikipedia has been a good general reference for this piece, particularly in relation to checking dates and other details.]
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About
Kevin Densley is a graduate of both Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. He has taught writing and literature in numerous Victorian universities and TAFES. He is a poet and writer-in-general. His fifth book-length poetry collection, Please Feed the Macaws ... I'm Feeling Too Indolent, was published in late 2023 by Ginninderra Press. He is also the co-author of ten play collections for young people, as well as a multi Green Room Award nominated play, Last Chance Gas, which was published by Currency Press. Other writing includes screenplays for educational films.
Here’s a few that come to mind:
Thank you for sending me an angel: Talking Heads
We’re no angels: Mondo Rock
Angel don’t cry: Toto
Nobody’s Perfect: Mike and the Mechanics.
A couple of others that include the word “angel” or “angels” are:
Whisper in the night: Electric Light Orchestra
Hanging on a notion: Fleming and John
Centrefold by J Geils Band which I’ve just realised fulfills one of your previous requests Kev, Naha nah nah nah nah et all!
Yes, it does, Ian: ‘Ooby Dooby Shoop Shoop’. Thanks, mate – two ‘answers’ for the price of one, so to speak!
Thanks for your selection, Liam – a fine, diverse bunch of songs. I see you got something by one of your particular favourites, ELO, in there too.
Your inclusion of ‘Thank You for Sending Me an Angel’ by Talking Heads was particularly pleasing to me – I love the song, and it reminded me (as an old bass player myself) what a wonderful bassist Tina Weymouth is.
Thanks Kev
Angel of the Morning – almost the song of 1968
A couple more:
Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground: Willie Nelson
Drunken Angel: Lucinda Williams
Some kind of saviour singing the blues
A derelict in your duct-tape shoes
Sleeps With Angels: Neil Young
Black Angel Blues: Tampa Red
Sweet Black Angel: Robert Nighthawk
from And This Is Maxwell Street recorded at a Chicago street market 1964
Wonderful raw sound
Ask my angel for a nickel
And she gives me a ten dollar bill
Told her I want a small drink of liquor
And she gives me a whole whisky still
Now for the Devils!
(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes – Elvis Costello
Ordinary Angels – Frente!
Gee Angel – Sugar
That’ll do for now
Hi Peter.
Great selection, often into country and blues territory – the last song on your list was particular treat.
(My piece on devils will appear next Friday.)
Thanks, Swish – three beauties! Elvis Costello’s was my favourite of these, if I had to pick one.
Angel from Montgomery by John Prine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6cagWYTGCY&ab_channel=JohnPrine-Topic
As mentioned previously, my choice of Australian album of the year for 2022 was Gang of Youths superb “Angel in Realtime”, featuring the track “the angel of 8th avenue”.
In a remarkable coincidence, my choice of international album of the year, First Aid Kit’s “Palomino”, features the track “Angel”.
However, my favourite “angel” track would have to be the lead-off track on Robbie Robertson’s self-titled album “Fallen Angel”. I believe it was a tribute to his fellow The Band member Richard Manuel.
Thanks for your three selections, Smokie – really like ’em all. I note your choice of First Aid Kit’s ‘Angel’ in particular; as you’d know they do some ripper covers, too, like ABBA’s ‘Chiquitita’.
Thanks, Julian, for your choice of ‘Angel of Montgomery’, an often-covered John Prine classic.
Earlier, I forgot to mention Angel Fingers: by Wizzard.
Also, I feel the magic: by Belinda Carlisle.
Angel, Aretha
Return of the Grievous Angel, Gram
Undercover Angel (guess)
The Angel, Bruce
The Angel of Death, Hank
Wayward Angel, Kasey
Thanks, Liam, for these fab songs – every time I think of Wizzard, the first one I think of is ‘See My Baby Jive’.
Re Carlisle’s ‘I Feel the Magic’ – oh yes, an angel of the ‘guardian’ variety.
Excellent! Thanks, Rick. Great stuff, as usual, including ‘Undercover Angel’ by Alan O’Day.
I have a poem about the ‘Angel of Death’ – the WW2 Nazi one – coming out in a national Oz magazine soon-ish, but even writing those words gives me an awful chill.
Ron Sexmith’s sparse touching “Speaking with the Angel” (that only he can see) was interpreted by Nick Hornby as being a song about the secret inner life of autistic children (like Nick’s son). Hornby wrote a book of short stories using that title to raise funds for autism research.
Thanks for your contribution, Peter. That Ron Sexsmith song you mentioned is an absolute beauty.
The Tom Petty classic Angel Dream is one of his very best ballads.
Thanks for putting forward the Tom Petty song, ‘Angel Dream’, Paul. It’s a lovely little song – and I love Tom Petty’s work, too, in general. He and his band are favourites of mine.
Well, keeping with the Dylan theme (not), there are:
Three Angels
You Angel You
Precious Angel
Angel(ina)
And, one from the Boss:
The Angel
Hi Karl. Many thanks for these wonderful additions. I’ll single out ‘You Angel You’ for particular mention – I was introduced to this great song as a teenager via the Manfred Mann version, which I’ve always liked a lot.
Seven Spanish angels recorded by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles is a beautiful song!
Thanks for this one, Tony. I’ll certainly give it a listen.
Kevin, wholly agree with you. I was given Southern Accents in 1985 when I was studying at RMIT, to write a review for the student magazine. I can’t recall what I wrote, but his music has stuck with me all through the years until his passing. And like all talented musicians, his music lives on beyond his death.
Hi again Paul. What you say about Petty’s legacy is on the money. I liked his work with the Travelling Wilburys, too, as well as his large body of other material. I felt more than just a pang when I heard that he’d passed.
Hey KD – have you noticed we share the same initials as well as a love of Dylan?
Thanks for the reference to Manfred Mann’s Earth Band cover of You Angel You. I am doing a series of charts listing Dylan covers ~ and I’ll be adding this one to a chart. Cheers
Hi Karl. No – I hadn’t noticed the initials thing. Interesting.
I put Lennon and McCartney, and Dylan, in the same rarefied air when it comes to songwriters. Interestingly, around 2007, Dylan was quoted as saying that McCartney was the only other contemporary songwriter he was ‘in awe of’, primarily as I recall, because of McCartney’s melodic gifts, as well as his creative energy over a very long career. I think that McCartney has said words to the effect that he is in awe of Dylan, too.
Hey Kevin
I followed up the reference to Manfred Mann’s Earth Band cover of You Angel You. Turns out that NZ singer/songwriter Chris Thompson is lead vocalist of MMEB between 1975 – 86, including Blinded By The Light & You Angel You. I think Chris is somewhat overlooked ~ he also co-wrote ‘You’re The Voice’ for you know who.
Thanks, Karl. Great info – often, information like this which branches off from a central discussion is highly interesting in its own right.
“Token Angels” by Wendy Matthews is such a great song.
I’ll add “All the Angels” by Catherine Traicos and the Starry Night from their 2013 album “The Earth, The Sea, The Moon, The Sky”.
Thanks, Luke, for your comments. Yes, I love ‘Token Angels’ too, as I’ve indicated.
Thank you, also, for ‘All the Angels’ – I’m pretty sure I listened to it somewhere along the way when doing a little research for this piece. I’ll have to listen to it again.