Angel in Blue

J. Geils Band

About Angel in Blue

"Angel in Blue" is a song written by Seth Justman that was first released by the J. Geils Band on their 1981 album Freeze Frame. Released as a single in 1982, the song reached the Top 40. Cissy Houston and Luther Vandross appear on the song as back up vocalists. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine describes the song as "terrific neo-doo wop." Viglione praises it further, stating that it is "arguably the smartest lyric in the J. Geils Band catalogue" with a "strong melody," concluding that it is "four minutes and fifty-one seconds (on the album) of Peter Wolf reading Seth Justman's post-"Centerfold" wet dream. " Music critic Robert Christgau states describes the song as "slick get-'em-off trash" about "a whore with a heart of brass that I'm just a sucker for." Mark Coleman of The Rolling Stone Album Guide finds the song to be "haunting.""Angel in Blue" was released as a single in 1982, following the Top 10 hits "Centerfold" and "Freeze Frame" from the Freeze Frame album. It peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining there for two weeks. It also reached #55 in the UK. The song also made the Billboard Singles Radio Action chart in a number of regions, including Buffalo, New York, Annapolis, Maryland, Nashville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida. "Angel in Blue" was also released on a number of J. Geils Band compilation albums, including Centerfold, The Very Best J. Geils Band Album Ever and Best of The J. Geils Band, as well as several multi-artist compilation albums. 


Year:
1982
48 
#1

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We met in a bar
Out on Chesapeake Bay 
With her white patent boots
And her blouse red lame

A table top dancer
She would smile on cue
Oh those lips of an angel 
Angel in blue

She'd been dancin for ages
Through cities of bars
She was kickin' the habit 
Of scoring in cars

She'd been drained of her spirit
All caged up in this zoo
A wild cat angel
Angel in blue

And as she stared out into nowhere
I thought yes I thought she might break down and cry 
Oh when I whispered I thought I could love her

She just said, "Baby don't even bother to try"
And I watched as she spoke
Her words chilled my bones
All her friends did her favors

That were really just loans
And she never had dreams
So they never came true
Oh the palest of angels
Angel in blue

And the bees they had stung her
The birds they had flown
There were guys she could number
But none had she known

And she never had dreams 
So they never came true
Oh my fade away angel

Angel in blue
Angel in blue
Angel in blue
Angel in blue

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J. Geils Band

The J. Geils Band was an American rock band formed in 1967, in Worcester, Massachusetts, under the leadership of guitarist John "J." Geils. The original band members included vocalist Peter Wolf, harmonica and saxophone player Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz, drummer Stephen Bladd, vocalist/keyboardist Seth Justman, and bassist Danny Klein. Wolf and Justman served as principal songwriters. The band played R&B-influenced blues rock during the 1970s and soon achieved commercial success before moving toward a more mainstream radio-friendly sound in the early 1980s, which brought the band to its commercial peak. They performed a mix of cover songs of classic blues and R&B songs, along with original compositions written primarily by Wolf and Justman, as well as some … more »

1 fan

Written by: MU JIN JANG, SETH JUSTMAN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"Angel in Blue" was released in 1982 as part of the "Freeze Frame" album, which turned out to be the most successful release by the J. Geils Band. The song is often remembered as a fan favourite.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, “Angel in Blue” peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's successful songs.
Band's Evolution
This song represented the band's evolution from a blues and rhythm band to a more pop and rock style.
Song Theme
"Angel in Blue" is a ballad about a melancholic and lonely waitress who dreams of a better life. The song's narrative and emotional depth resonated with many listeners and became a popular song on both radio and record.
Songwriting
The song was written by Seth Justman, keyboardist and principal songwriter of the J. Geils Band.
Song Composition
Justman also composed the music for "Angel in Blue," which helped to deliver the emotional narrative of the lyrics.
Popular Culture
"Angel in Blue" has also been featured in several film soundtracks, cementing its legacy within popular culture.
Music Video
The music video for "Angel in Blue" showcases the band performing in a dark, blue-tinted room, with lead singer Peter Wolf delivering an emotional performance that aligns with the song's lyrics.
Live Performances
"Angel in Blue" has been a regular fixture in the band's live performances and has often been a highlight of their shows.
Legacy
Even though the J. Geils Band disbanded in 1985, "Angel in Blue" continues to be played on classic rock radio stations, demonstrating its enduring popularity and influence.

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    Angel in Blue

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

    Billboard #40


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