"Angel" is a song by American singer Madonna, released as the third single from her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984). Co-written with Stephen Bray and produced by Nile Rodgers, it was released on April 10, 1985, by Sire Records. The track tells the story of a girl who believes she was saved by an angel and falls in love with him, continuing Madonna’s early use of romantic and spiritual themes. Though no original music video was made, a promotional montage using clips from earlier Madonna videos was broadcast in the UK.
Musically, “Angel” is a bright, synth-driven pop song in G major with a tempo of 133 BPM, built around a three-chord sequence (Am7–Bm7–Cmaj7). The song begins with Madonna’s laughter and relies on a looping melodic structure, combining dreamy keyboard layers with echoing vocals. The line “I can see it in your e-e-e-eyes” borrows phrasing from Public Image Ltd.’s 1979 song “Death Disco.” Madonna’s voice spans from G3 to B4, switching registers between verses and chorus, with layered backing vocals creating a celestial feel.
Originally intended as the album’s lead single, “Angel” was delayed when Like a Virgin’s title track was chosen instead. The single’s B-side, “Into the Groove,” was a massive club hit and later associated with the film Desperately Seeking Susan. Together, the tracks made for one of Madonna’s most commercially successful 12-inch releases. A remastered digital edition followed in 2024, including an extended dance remix.
Critics were mixed: some praised “Angel” for its infectious charm, while others found it less memorable than Madonna’s other singles. AllMusic called it “standard Madonna,” and Spin magazine dismissed it as weaker than her other early hits. Still, the song was appreciated for its upbeat innocence and shimmering pop appeal. Slant Magazine later named it a forgotten gem in her catalog.
Commercially, “Angel” reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Madonna back-to-back top-five hits. It hit number one in Australia and also charted in the top five in the UK, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. The track was certified gold in the U.S. for sales over one million units. Madonna performed it live during The Virgin Tour and briefly revived it during The Celebration Tour in 2023, further cementing its legacy as an early fan favorite.
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SINGLES
Like a Virgin
Material Girl
Angel
Dress You Up
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