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Classic rock history is filled with songs about angels. It’s one of the most commonly used words in the English language, for so many different reasons. Of course, there’s the definition of an angel in the holy sense—guardian angels and so forth. And then there’s the use of the word ‘angel’ to describe someone as simply wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous, or loving—all qualities that evoke the most heartwarming feelings. Many women and men describe their lovers as angels, parents describe their children as angels, and sometimes even teachers describe a student as an angel. The list goes on, and so it’s no surprise that there are probably millions of songs that use the word ‘angel’ in the title or are about an angel, whether in a spiritual sense or as a loving tribute to someone. This makes it incredibly difficult to pick just 10 songs, but that’s exactly what we’ve set out to do, and it will be done.”
# 10 – Earth Angel – The Penguins
# 9 – Centerfold – J. Geils Band
The J. Geils Band “Centerfold” was Released in 1981 as the lead single from their twelfth studio album Freeze-Frame, “Centerfold” became one of the band’s most successful songs, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for six weeks. The track was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida.The song’s catchy melody, combined with its cheeky lyrics and infectious energy, made it an instant classic, resonating with listeners across generations.
Lyrically, “Centerfold” tells the story of a man who discovers that his high school crush, whom he idealized as a “homeroom angel,” has become a centerfold model in a men’s magazine. The opening lines, “Does she walk? Does she talk? Does she come complete? / My homeroom angel always pulled me from my seat,” set the stage for a tale of shattered illusions and the collision of past and present. The chorus, “My blood runs cold / My memory has just been sold / My angel is the centerfold,” captures the protagonist’s shock and disillusionment as he grapples with the reality that the girl he once viewed as pure and untouchable has now become a public figure of desire. The song is a playful yet poignant commentary on the loss of innocence and the sometimes jarring transition from youth to adulthood.
The accompanying music video, which features the band performing in a classroom setting surrounded by cheerleaders, played a significant role in the song’s popularity, receiving heavy rotation on MTV and further cementing “Centerfold” as a defining track of the early 1980s.
Read More: 10 J. Geils Band Songs Fans Love
# 8 – Sleeping Angel – Stevie Nicks
# 7 – My Angel Baby – Toby Beau
I’m sure you remember this one. The only question is, when was the last time you heard it? This song was a huge hut in the Summer of 1978. Released in 1978 as the lead single from the band’s debut album Toby Beau, the song quickly became a significant hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, with the production handled by Sean Delaney, a producer known for his work with KISS. The band members contributing to this track included Balde Silva (lead vocals and guitar), Danny McKenna (bass), and Rob Young (drums), with Silva’s gentle vocal delivery playing a central role in the song’s emotional appeal. I love that last note he hits at the end of the song.
# 6 – Angel Of Harlem – U2
“Angel of Harlem,” a standout track from U2’s Rattle and Hum album, is both a tribute to the vibrant culture of Harlem and an homage to the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, often referred to as “Lady Day.” Released in December 1988, the song was recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, a location steeped in musical history that lent its own magic to the track. Produced by the legendary Jimmy Iovine, “Angel of Harlem” combines U2’s signature rock sound with elements of soul and jazz, creating a song that resonates with both musical depth and emotional intensity. The band members, Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums), are joined by the Memphis Horns, whose brass section adds a rich, soulful layer to the track.
Lyrically, “Angel of Harlem” is a love letter to the spirit of Harlem and a reverent nod to Billie Holiday. The opening lines, “It was a cold and wet December day / When we touched the ground at JFK,” immediately set the scene, with U2 arriving in New York City, a place where music history runs deep. The song weaves together references to the city’s vibrant jazz scene, with mentions of “John Coltrane and a love supreme” and “Miles” (Davis), as well as nods to Holiday herself, with lines like “Lady Day got diamond eyes / She sees the truth behind the lies.” Bono’s lyrics capture the essence of Holiday’s life and struggles, painting her as an “angel” who brought beauty and truth to a world filled with hardship.
Musically, “Angel of Harlem” stands out for its blend of rock, jazz, and soul. The Memphis Horns’ contributions, including the powerful trumpet and saxophone sections, give the song a distinct energy and authenticity, paying homage to the sounds of Harlem’s jazz clubs. The Edge’s guitar work is more restrained than usual, allowing the horns and Bono’s impassioned vocals to take center stage. The rhythm section of Clayton and Mullen Jr. provides a solid, driving foundation that keeps the song moving forward with a sense of urgency and purpose. The production by Jimmy Iovine is crisp and clear, ensuring that each element of the song is given space to shine.
“Angel of Harlem” was well-received by both critics and fans, reaching number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became one of U2’s most beloved songs, particularly in live performances, where the band’s energy and the song’s soulful vibe come together to create a powerful experience.
Read More: Discovering The Band U2
# 5 – Send Me An Angel – Scorpions
“Send Me an Angel” by Scorpions is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that encapsulates the band’s ability to blend rock with deeply emotional and introspective themes. Released in 1991 as the final track on their Crazy World album, the song quickly became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, resonating with audiences worldwide. The song was recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands, and produced by Keith Olsen, who also produced other hits from the album, including the megahit “Wind of Change.” The lineup on this track features Klaus Meine on vocals, Rudolf Schenker on guitar, Matthias Jabs on lead guitar, Francis Buchholz on bass, and Herman Rarebell on drums. The song’s ethereal quality is enhanced by the band’s flawless execution, with Meine’s soulful voice delivering the poignant lyrics with heartfelt sincerity.
Lyrically, “Send Me an Angel” is a contemplative journey that explores themes of guidance, hope, and the search for meaning. The song opens with the lines, “Wise man said just walk this way / To the dawn of the light,” setting the tone for a narrative that is both mystical and introspective. The chorus, “Here I am, will you send me an angel? / In the land of the morning star,” is a plea for divine intervention or perhaps a search for inner strength in the face of life’s challenges. The lyrics are filled with imagery that suggests a journey toward enlightenment, with references to the “eye of the storm” and “the land of the morning star,” evoking a sense of both struggle and hope. The song’s message is universal, making it relatable to anyone who has ever sought guidance or a sign during difficult times.
Musically, “Send Me an Angel” is characterized by its serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere, which is achieved through a combination of gentle guitar arpeggios, subtle synthesizer layers, and Meine’s evocative vocal delivery. The arrangement is minimalistic yet powerful, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through. The guitar work by Schenker and Jabs is both melodic and restrained, providing the perfect backdrop for Meine’s vocals. The rhythm section, with Buchholz on bass and Rarebell on drums, maintains a steady, understated presence that enhances the song’s contemplative mood. The production by Keith Olsen is polished and pristine, ensuring that every element of the track is perfectly balanced.
“Send Me an Angel” achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including Germany and Switzerland, and becoming a staple in Scorpions’ live performances. The song’s timeless appeal has led to numerous covers by various artists across different genres, further cementing its status as a classic. Among the notable covers are versions by Australian rock band Real Life and by DJ Antoine, who reinterpreted the song in a more electronic dance style, proving the song’s versatility and enduring popularity.
Read More: Top 10 Scorpions Songs
# 4 – Angel of Mercy – Dire Straits
# 3 – She Talks To Angels – The Black Crowes
# 2 – Angel from Montgomery – John Prine
“Angel from Montgomery,” penned by the legendary John Prine and first released on his 1971 self-titled debut album, stands as one of the most poignant and enduring songs in the American folk and country-rock canon. Recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, and produced by Arif Mardin, the track is a vivid portrait of disillusionment and longing, capturing the emotional landscape of a woman trapped in a life that has not turned out as she had hoped. Prine’s gift for storytelling is on full display here, as he gives voice to a character whose dreams have been eroded by the harsh realities of daily life. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with listeners through its stark imagery and deeply relatable themes.
Lyrically, “Angel from Montgomery” is a masterclass in narrative songwriting. The protagonist, an old woman named after her mother, reflects on her life of unfulfilled dreams and lost youth. The lines, “If dreams were thunder and lightnin’ was desire / This old house would’ve burnt down a long time ago,” capture the intensity of her unmet desires and the weariness that comes with years of resignation. The recurring plea, “Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery,” is both a cry for escape and a wish for something—anything—to give her life meaning. Prine’s use of simple yet evocative language makes the song’s emotions feel universal, speaking to anyone who has ever felt trapped or defeated by life’s circumstances.
Musically, the song is understated yet powerful, with a folk-country arrangement that allows the lyrics to take center stage. The instrumentation features acoustic guitar, piano, and a gentle rhythm section, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Prine’s vocal delivery is tender and unadorned, perfectly suited to the song’s reflective mood. The simplicity of the arrangement serves to underscore the emotional weight of the lyrics, making “Angel from Montgomery” a song that lingers long after it ends.
“Angel from Montgomery” has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to Prine’s timeless lyrics. Bonnie Raitt’s 1974 version is perhaps the most famous, bringing the song to a wider audience and becoming a staple of her live performances. Raitt’s soulful, blues-inflected take on the song highlighted its emotional depth, and her version remains a definitive rendition. Other notable covers include those by Tanya Tucker, John Denver, Carly Simon, and Susan Tedeschi, each of whom found something unique in Prine’s lyrics to emphasize.
Read More: Top 10 John Prine Songs
# 1 – I’m No Angel – Gregg Allman
Gregg Allman’s “I’m No Angel,” was released as the title track on his 1987 album I’m No Angel, the song marked a significant moment in Allman’s career, serving as a commercial comeback after years of personal and professional turmoil. The track was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, and produced by Rodney Mills, known for his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special. The production captures the rawness of Allman’s vocal delivery while infusing the track with a polished, radio-friendly sound that helped it become one of his most successful solo singles.
Lyrically, “I’m No Angel” is a candid self-assessment wrapped in a seductive proposition. Allman, with his signature raspy voice, sings of his flaws and rough edges with lines like, “No, I’m no angel / No, I’m no stranger to the streets / I’ve got my label / So I won’t crumble at your feet.” The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and resilience, as Allman acknowledges his scars and imperfections but also asserts his worth. The chorus, “I’m no angel, ooh / No, I’m no angel,” becomes a powerful declaration, underscoring the theme of redemption and self-acceptance. Allman’s delivery is both gritty and sincere, adding depth to the song’s narrative of a flawed man seeking love and understanding despite his rough exterior. It would only be a few years after the song was released that the Allman Brothers Band would be reunited once again and begin one of the longest and most enjoyable stretches of the best career.
Read More: Top 10 Gregg Allman Songs From His Solo Albums
10 Best Rock Songs About Angels article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
