"Angel" is a power ballad by American rock band Aerosmith. It was written by lead singer Steven Tyler and professional songwriting collaborator Desmond Child.
It was released in 1988 as the third single from the band's 1987 album, Permanent Vacation. It quickly climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late April 1988, which at the time was their highest-charting single ever. The song currently ranks second behind their 1998 smash "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", which was Aerosmith's first (and, as of 2026, only) single to top the Hot 100.
Reception Cash Box called it a "searing rock ballad" on which "Steven Tyler recreates the emotional intensity of the classic 'Dream On.'"
Song structure The song is in E major.Stephenson, Ken (2002). What to Listen for in Rock: A Stylistic Analysis, p.92. .
Personnel
Steven Tyler – lead vocals, piano Joe Perry – lead guitar, backing vocals Brad Whitford – rhythm guitar Tom Hamilton – bass guitar Joey Kramer – drums
Additional musicians
Drew Arnott – mellotron
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1988)PeakpositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)14UK Singles Chart69US Billboard Hot 1003US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)2
Year-end chart Chart (1988)PositionUS Billboard Hot 10034
References