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On this short and sweet eight-song playlist, every song is ‘angelic,’ at least in regards to featuring the word ‘angel’ in their respective song title.

“I Need an Angel.” “Angel of Mine.” “Angels We Have Heard on High.” “Angels from the Realm of Glory.”  Those are just a select few songs that use angel in their song title.  This playlist, as you might’ve guessed, features songs with the word angel in their respective title.  Keeping it short and sweet, there are merely eight songs.  Featured artists on this list are Khalid, Watsky, Fifth Harmony, Lady Gaga, Halsey, Chance the Rapper, JMSN, and Highly Suspect.  Without further ado, here are 8 Angelic ‘Angel’ Songs. 

 

1. Khalid, “Angels”

Album: 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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2. Watsky, “Chemical Angel”

Album: 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*ck 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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3. Fifth Harmony, “Angel”

Album: Fifth Harmony

Epic, 2017

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 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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4. Lady Gaga, “Angel Down”

Album: Joanne

Interscope, 2016

“Angel Down” is a simply stunning song. Co-written with Nadir Khayat, the songwriting is spot-on, dabbling in racism, social injustice, and gun control.  The inspiration for “Angel Down” was the murder of Trayvon Martin.

@joncaramanica how far must ANYONE need to 🎣4 inspiration & write a song re: the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin as I did w/ “Angel Down”.

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) October 20, 2016

Vocally, Lady Gaga marvelously conveys authenticity – she’s clearly passionate here.  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.”

Gaga “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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5. Halsey, “Angel on Fire”

Album: 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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6. Chance the Rapper, “Angels”

Ft. Saba

Album: Coloring Book

Chance the Rapper, 2016 

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 up above.     

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7. JMSN, “Angel”

Album: 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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8. Highly Suspect, “Send Me an Angel”

Album: The Boy Who Died Wolf

300 Entertainment, 2016

On “Send Me an Angel,” Highly Suspect frontman Johnny Stevens contrasts thoughtlessness with thoughtfulness.  Somewhat out of character, Stevens eschews profanity, for once.  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.”

Photo Credits: RCA, Steel Wool, EMPIRE, Epic, Interscope, Astralwerks, Chance the Rapper, White Room, 300 Entertainment

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