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“18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic” features music courtesy of Beyoncé, Fall Out Boy, Halsey, Harry Styles, and Troye Sivan among many others.

“Angels We Have Heard on High!” #TheLamestOpeningQuoteEver. Anyways, we have quite an angelic playlist assembled, and it really doesn’t matter whether you identify as a Christian, atheist, or otherwise.  Why? Well, this isn’t really a ‘spiritually-driven’ list, even if the songs feature angel-related vocabulary such as heaven and halos.  No, the artists keep it pretty secular while some are even a bit, um, hellish.  Nonetheless, there truly is something for everybody on 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic.  Artists with songs making this list rock include Beyoncé, Fall Out Boy, Halsey, Harry Styles, and Troye Sivan among many others.

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1. Fall Out Boy, “Heaven’s Gate”

M A N I A • Island • 2018

M A N I A, the seventh studio album by Fall Out Boy, encountered a sizable speed bump before being released – the horrid “Young and Menace”. Arguably, the flop of the aforementioned promo ‘threw a wrench’ into the success of promo campaign as a whole, not to mention the lucrativeness of the album.  Nonetheless, M A N I A has its share of moments including the soulful “Heaven’s Gate.”  In the context of M A N I A, it follows another ‘spiritual’ number, “Church,” ultimately contrasting everything in the FOB catalogue up to this point.  Call this Stump’s stab at R&B within the context of the band.  It’s not soul saving spiritual food, but it definitely nourishes the ears.

 

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2. Julia Michaels, “Heaven”

Fifty Shades Freed • Republic • 2018

“No need to imagine / ‘Cause I know it’s true / They say ‘all good boys go to heaven’ / But bad boys bring Heaven to you.” Pop singer/songwriter Julia Michaels makes two appearances on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. The appearance pertinent to our playlist, “Heaven”, commences enigmatically, matching the vibe and sensibilities of the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise.  Vocally she sings expressively, showcasing the beauty of her voice sans over-singing. The production keeps things light – a selling point.  Another selling point is the memorable chorus, continued from the aforementioned excerpt.

“It’s automatic / It’s just what they do / They say ‘all good boys go to heaven’ / But bad boys bring heaven to you.”

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3. PARIS, “ANGEL”

ONE NIGHT IN PARIS • 300 Entertainment • 2018

Melodic rock-oriented rapper and singer Paris dropped his debut project, ONE NIGHT IN PARIS, in April 2018. Opener “ANGEL” finds Paris keeping things ‘short and sweet.’  He kicks things off with an aggressive, biting chorus:

“You my angel in that Saint Laurent / My Gucci shirt, come and take it off / You too damn good, never last that long / You my angel in that Saint Laurent.”

“Angel” features ‘harsh’ production work with a hard beat, embodying the rock-oriented rap sound. He essentially pop- (or rock-) raps the verse, incorporating ‘dangerous sex’ as part of the script.  Hint: It’s not particularly angelic…

“Scratch marks, nails black, show me you can take that / Bite me, might bury me inside a Maybach / Oh, every time we f**k, it’s for payback…”

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4. Brian Fallon, “If Your Prayers Don’t Get to Heaven”

Sleepwalkers • Island • 2018

“If your prayers don’t get to heaven, I’m gon’ keep them safe for you.” Brian Fallon, the frontman of rock band The Gaslight Anthem, dropped his sophomore solo album, Sleepwalkers, in February 2018.  Among the standouts is the old-school, soulful opener, “If Your Prayers Don’t Get to Heaven”.  Is the scenario suggested by the song title even possible? Perhaps Fallon’s faith is doubtful, but there’s nothing to doubt about the song. “If Your Prayers Don’t Get to Heaven” is chocked-full of goodness thanks to an electric groove, distinct, nuanced vocals, and enthralling, thoughtful songwriting.

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5. Fifth Harmony, “Angel”

Fifth Harmony • Epic • 2017

“Who said I was an angel?” F-bombs don’t make an artist, nor are they synonymous with maturity.  But, the more hard-nosed, unapologetic sound of “Angel” plays into the explicit hands of modern pop music. In the context of the self-titled Fifth Harmony, the edgy “Angel” contrasts a more thoughtful song, “Don’t Say You Love Me.” Perhaps it’s not a knockout punch, but “Angel” possesses a bite, solid vocals, and tight production work.

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6. Chris Stapleton, “Broken Halos”

From a Room: Vol. 1 • Mercury • 2017

“Seen my share of broken halos / Folded wings that used to fly.” Chris Stapleton gets off to a quick start on From a Room: Vol. 1 with the Grammy-winning country performance “Broken Halos.”  Here, Stapleton showcases the sheer power of his voice.  His tone is rich and robust, packing a punch from the get-go.  In addition to a sensational vocal, he delivers authentic country music.  Clearly, Stapleton is a throwback, and that’s part of his charm.  He continues on the refrain, “They’ve all gone wherever they go / Broken halos that used to shine.”

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7. Harry Styles, “Only Angel”

Harry Styles • Columbia • 2017

Harry Styles dropped an excellent debut LP with Harry Styles.  For whatever reason, it seems like only top-five hit “Sign of the Times” has dominated the conversation.  That’s unfair considering the album has many awesome moments.  One is “Only Angel,” whichbegins angelically, before establishing itself as a gritty, hard-rocking record.  Even though “Only Angel” is traditional rock at its core, it’s refreshing because retro-rock seems rarer than at the forefront of the genre these days. Cleverly, Styles references the album’s opening song, lyrically during the second verse:

“End up meeting in the hallway every single time.”

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8. Khalid, “Angel”

American Teen • RCA • 2017

“I’ve been seeing angels / In my living room / That have walked the sun / And have slept on the moon.” “Angels” beautifully concludes American Teen, the Grammy-nominated debut album by gifted teen R&B artist, Khalid.  According to his verified Genius annotations, Khalid wasn’t necessarily in a religious or spiritual mindset: “I know I have someone I can call who will answer me and help me out. These people were placed in my life for some reason. They were there to help me.”

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9. Halsey, “Angel on Fire”

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (Deluxe) • Astralwerks • 2017

“I used to be a darling starlet like a centerpiece / Had the whole world wrapped around my ring / I flew too closely to the sun that’s setting in the East / And now I’m melting from my wings.” If you were frugal and settled for the standard version of Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, there’s a good chance you missed out on “Angel on Fire.” Assuming you purchased the highly-anticipated no. 1 album by Halsey as opposed to streaming or other means.  Anyways, Halsey is dramatic and emotional on “Angel on Fire.”  The chorus says it all: “And I’m faded away, you know, I used to be on fire / I’m standing in the ashes of who I used to be.”

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10.JMSN, “Angel”

Whatever Makes U Happy • White Room, 2017 

“And I got an angel / That’s down to ride for me / Yeah, she believes in me / Ain’t that how it’s supposed to be?” Of course, JMSN, of course.  JMSN flaunts his soulful chops on the enjoyable, radiant “Angel.” Its extends beyond the five-and-a-half-minute mark, but it’s well worth it for the excellent vocals and lush, throwback production.

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11. Marilyn Manson, “Heaven Upside Down”

Heaven Upside Down • Loma Vista • 2017

“I can hear the scream of trumpets / Smell the ash and sulfur / Talons of battalions scratch at the sky / Like black feathers and scorpion eyes.” Marilyn Manson, the ripest of shock rockers, dropped an exhilarating tenth studio album in 2017, Heaven Upside Down.  Despite being past his most lucrative prime, Brian Hugh Warner does his best to keep the controversy alive and well.

There’s plenty to love about Heaven Upside Down, including “Heaven Upside Down” the song.  Arriving as the penultimate track in the context of the album, “Heaven…” has a tough act to follow after “Blood Honey.” While it’s not quite as thrilling as the crème de la crème, it’s consistent and enjoyable – in the most damning way possible.  Yeah, this one’s not very heavenly or angelic to be honest… “Hold my hand and spin around / This is heaven upside down…”

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12. Lady Gaga, “Angel Down”

Joanne • Interscope • 2016 

“Angel Down” is stunning song from Joanne, the 2016 LP by Lady Gaga. Co-written with Nadir Khayat, the songwriting is spot-on, dabbling in racism, social injustice, and gun control.  According to Lady Gaga, the inspiration for “Angel Down” was the murder of Trayvon Martin.  Vocally, she marvelously conveys authenticity, showcasing the utmost passion.  The pre-chorus foreshadows a truly radiant, haunting chorus:

“Shots were fired on the street / By the church where we used to meet / Angel down, angel down / But the people just stood around.”

She “brings it on home” on the chorus:

“I’m a believer, it’s a trial / Foolish and weaker, oh, oh, oh / I’d rather save an angel down / I’m a believer, it’s chaos / Where are our leaders? Oh, oh, oh / I’d rather save an angel down.”

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13. Metallica, “Halo on Fire”

Hardwired…To Self-Destruct • Blackened • 2016

“Oh, halo on fire / The midnight knows it well / Fast, is desire / Creates another hell.” “Halo on Fire” serves as the closer on the first disc of the Grammy-nominated, 2016 Metallica album, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct.  In the context of the album, “Halo on Fire” remains keyed-in, if a smidgen tamer than the songs that precede it (at times).  Still, James Hetfield roars on the chorus, highlighting the conflict of lightness and darkness. Continuing the aforementioned excerpt, “I fear to turn on the light / For the darkness won’t go away / Fast, is desire / Turn out the light / Halo on fire.”

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14. Watsky, “Chemical Angel”

x Infinity • Steel Wool / EMPIRE, 2016

On “Chemical Angel,” Watsky tackles abstaining… from prescription pills of course! “My doctor says I’m being reckless (reckless) / That quitting’s risky for my health (and I’ll f**k up my life real bad).” Watsky claims that the medicine prescribed for his epilepsy affects him as a person, and he’d rather take the risks associated with not using it. A different sort of angel to say the least.

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15. Chance the Rapper, “Angels”

Ft. Saba

Coloring Book • Chance the Rapper • 2016

“You can’t touch me / Na, na, na, na, I got angels / I got angels.” One of the most angelic songs from Coloring Book, the Grammy-winning album (rather mixtape) from Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper is “Angels.” “Angels” is heavenly, and fittingly, features a gospel vibe.  Don’t call “Angels” a sermon, but Chance is grateful for the angels surrounding him – literally his peeps and, of course, up above.

 

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16. Highly Suspect, “Send Me an Angel”

The Boy Who Died Wolf • 300 Entertainment • 2016

“Do you believe in Heaven above? / Do you believe in love / Don’t tell a lie, don’t be false and untrue / It all comes back to you.” On “Send Me an Angel,” Highly Suspect frontman Johnny Stevens contrasts thoughtlessness with thoughtfulness.  Somewhat out of character, Stevens eschews profanity.  Sound, “Send Me an Angel” doesn’t supersede the crème de la crème of The Boy Who Died Wolf: “My Name Is Human”,  “Little One”,  and “Serotonia”. Still, this is a worthwhile listen, even if it falls short of being angelic.

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17. Troye Sivan, “Heaven”

Ft. Betty Who

Blue Neighbourhood • Capitol • 2015

“Heaven” featuring Betty Who is among the deepest songs from Blue Neighbourhood.  It reeks of vulnerability, finding Troye Sivan questioning his sexuality and salvation. “Without losing a piece of me / How do I get to heaven,” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “Without changing a part of me / How do I get to heaven?” Thematically, this is something of a grey area in music – how many songs have been written about this emotion or issue? It’s often discussed, but to be portrayed musically, it’s fresh and definitely piques both brain and heart.

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18. Beyoncé, “Halo”

I Am…Sasha Fierce • Sony Music Entertainment • 2008

“Everywhere I’m lookin’ now / I’m surrounded by your embrace / Baby, I can see your halo / You know you’re my savin’ grace.” Sigh, we conclude this angelic playlist with a Grammy-winning, contemporary classic, “Halo.” Long before Beyoncé became pronouncedly more explicit and unapologetic, she was incredibly refined on this urban-pop standout from her Grammy-winning double album, I Am…Sasha Fierce.  Essentially, this song is about love, specifically one’s significant other being a guardian angel of sorts.  “Baby, I can feel your halo / Pray it won’t fade away.”

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Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, Blackened, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Glassnote, Island, Mercury, Procrastinate! Music Traitors, RCA, Republic, Sony

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