Angel (Madonna song)

Last updated

"Angel"
Angel Madonna.png
Single by Madonna
from the album Like a Virgin
B-side
ReleasedApril 10, 1985
Recorded1984
Genre
Length3:56
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Nile Rodgers
Madonna singles chronology
"Crazy for You"
(1985)
"Angel"
(1985)
"Into the Groove"
(1985)
Licensed audio
"Angel" on YouTube

"Angel" is a song by American singer Madonna from her second studio album Like a Virgin (1984). It was released on April 10, 1985, by Sire Records as the album's third single. Written by Madonna and Steve Bray, it was one of the first songs developed for the project and, according to Madonna, was inspired by a girl who is saved by an angel, and she falls in love with him. "Angel" was released as a 12-inch single with "Into the Groove" in some countries and charted likewise. A music video was not filmed for "Angel", and instead, a promotional clip comprising segments of her previous videos was released in the United Kingdom.

Contents

Musically "Angel" consists of three chord ascending hook, which serves for the verse and chorus. It has vocal harmonies beneath the main chorus and the lyrics repeat the angel-like image of Madonna's saviour. Critical response to the song varied, with some music critics calling it a classic and others deeming it sub-par compared to Madonna's previous singles. "Angel" became the singer's fifth consecutive top-five single on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top of its dance charts. It was also able to reach number-one in Australia and the top-five of the charts in Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom. Madonna has performed the song during the Virgin Tour in 1985 and The Celebration Tour in 2023. The song was used on the soundtrack of the third season of Stranger Things .

Recording and release

"Angel" was written by Madonna and Stephen Bray and released worldwide on April 10, 1985. [3] The song first began as a demo and was recorded as early as April 1984 for her second studio album, Like a Virgin. However, the whole project was held off, much to Madonna's frustration, by the continuing sales of her self-titled debut album, which had by then sold over a million copies in United States. [3] She had decided to release "Angel" as the initial single from the album, but changed her mind, after the recording of the title track "Like a Virgin" was complete. "Angel" was an ode to "a heavenly love" and inspired from Madonna's Catholic upbringing with the singer saying, "I think it's important to call angels to you to protect you... That's part of the ritualistic moment. The calling of angels." [4] The track was ultimately released as the third single, and included the song "Into the Groove", from Madonna's 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan , on the B-side of the 12-inch maxi-single. [3] The single was released digitally on April 10, 2024, with a remastered edit of the dance remix. [5]

A music video was initially planned for "Angel", but it was later canceled due to multiple Madonna videos already airing and competing for broadcast time. [6] A promotional video, containing scenes from the music videos of "Burning Up", "Borderline", "Lucky Star", "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl" was made by Warner Bros. Records and aired in the United Kingdom. The video was included on the promotional-only video compilations It's That Girl and She's Breathless. [7] [8]

Composition

"Angel" begins with a laugh and an echo, panning from left to the right. [9] The song is built on an ascending hook consisting of three chord sequence, which serves for the verse and chorus. It consists of a constant 8th rhythm throughout the song, making it sound similar to the songs of the band Machine. [9] Vocal harmonies are also added beneath the main chorus. It is a two-bar phrase song, and laughter is again added as the song slowly fades out. [9] Madonna sings in her lower register at the beginning, and shifts to the higher one in the line "I can see it in your e-e-e-eyye-e-s". The line was taken from the song "Death Disco" (1979), by the British musical group Public Image Ltd. [10] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com, by Alfred Publishing, the song is set in common time, with a medium tempo of 133 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of G major, with Madonna's voice spanning from the low-note of G3 to the high-note of B4. The song has a basic sequence of Am7–Bm7–Cmaj7 as its chord progression. [11] The lyrics continuously repeat the angel-like image of Madonna's savior. [9]

Critical reception

Rikky Rooksby, author of Madonna: The Complete Guide to Her Music, commented that "Angel" is a song "that is less than even the sum of its parts". [9] Santiago Fouz-Hernández and Freya Jarman-Ivens, authors of Madonna's Drowned Worlds: New Approaches to Her Cultural Transformations, felt that "the pizzicato synthesizer line that opens 'Angel' was indeed classical Madonna". [12] John Leland from Spin called it a rehash of Madonna's previous single "Lucky Star" (1984), with "an even lamer melody and punch. [...] 'Angel' is Nile Rodgers doing what he does best: turning crass product into cash product". [13] Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called the song "excellent standard-issue dance-pop". [14] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine called the song sugary. [15] Also from Slant Magazine, Eric Henderson opined it was "the ultimate 'this is better than I remember it' single of Madonna's career, 'Angel' is best half-remembered, the better by which to keep rediscovering it again and again". [16]

Billboard 's Joe Lynch deemed it a "a sadly undervalued gem from her second album [...] this ineffably charming dance-pop lark also features some of Madge's cutest come-ons". [17] Also from Billboard, Nancy Erlich called the song "romantic, uncontroversial techno-pop. [...] [Madonna's] reign continues as '85's premier media obsession". [18] Cash Box said "Less here to hold on to than the LP's title track or 'Material Girl' but still right up the commercial alley." [19] While reviewing Like a Virgin in 1995, Dave Karger from Entertainment Weekly felt that the song comes off as a bit repetitious and immature. [20] Alfred Soto of Stylus Magazine commented that "'Angel' is a particular stunner, certainly the apex of Rodgers' post-Chic skills. [...] It does a better job than the two big singles of delineating the boundaries of Madonna's determined shallowness, an act that confounds Philistines today and made the appreciation of her musical skills a lot harder than it took these critics to dismiss Cyndi Lauper as the real charlatan". [10] From The Guardian , Jude Rogers felt it was "an early pass at religious-ecstasy pop, but needing bigger wings". [21]

Chart performance

After its release, "Angel" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 48 on the issue dated April 27, 1985, while her previous single "Crazy for You" was at number-two on the chart. [18] After ten weeks, "Angel" reached a peak position of five on the chart. The song tied Madonna with Olivia Newton-John, as the female artist with the most consecutive top-five hits on the Hot 100 at that time. [22] [23] "Angel" debuted on the Adult Contemporary chart for the issue dated May 11, 1985, and reached a peak of five. The song debuted at number 40 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart on June 1, 1985, and reached the top after three weeks. [22] [24] It also charted on a number of Billboard charts, such as reaching the top of the Hot Dance Singles Sales and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at position 71. [24] On July 30, 1985, "Angel" and "Into the Groove" were together certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for the shipment of one million copies across United States—the requirement for a gold single prior to 1989. [25] [26] It was the first 12-inch single to be certified gold, since Frankie Smith's "Double Dutch Bus" (1981). [27] "Angel/Into the Groove" placed at number 81 on the year-end chart for 1985, with Madonna becoming the top pop artist for the year. [28]

In Canada, the song debuted at number 80 on the RPM issue dated May 4, 1985. [29] After eight weeks, the song reached a peak of five on the chart. [30] "Angel" was present on the chart for 25 weeks and ranked at number 56 on the 1985 RPM Year-end chart. [31] [32] The song was released in the United Kingdom with "Burning Up" as its B-Side, and debuted at number ten on the UK Singles Chart on September 9, 1985. [33] It reached a peak of five next week, and was present for a total of 12 weeks on the chart. [34] According to the Official Charts Company, the song has sold 205,000 copies there. [35] In Australia, "Angel" charted as a combined single with "Into the Groove" and topped the Kent Music Report chart for four weeks. It was the second highest selling single of 1985 in Australia. [36] The song reached the top 20 in the charts of Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the European Hot 100 Singles. [37] [38] [39] [40]

Live performance

The song was performed as part of Madonna's The Virgin Tour in 1985, and was the fifth song of the setlist. Madonna wore a blue see-through crop-top, revealing her characteristic black bra. She also had lacy leggings and crucifixes around an ear and her neck. [41] As she finished the vigorous performance of "Everybody", the lights were dimmed and the introduction music of the song started. Rotating lights fell on the stage. Madonna appeared sitting on top of the stairs and gradually descended. During the intermediate bridge, she and her dancers moved energetically around the whole stage, as white balloons fell on them from above. [41] Madonna continued singing as the lights were dimmed again. She finished the performance and disappeared behind the wings for a costume change. [41] "Angel" did not appear in the final home video release Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour .[ citation needed ]

She included a brief sample of the song on The Celebration Tour in 2023 during her tribute to Michael Jackson. The interlude featured two impersonators, one dressed as Madonna and the other like Jackson, dancing to a medley of "Like a Virgin" and "Billie Jean" behind a white screen, revealing only their silhouettes to the audience. The sample of "Angel" is played at the end of the performance as the two embrace and the words "Never can say goodbye" appear on the screen. [42]

Track listing and formats

Personnel

Personnel are adapted from the album and 7-inch European single liner notes. [52] [53]

Production credits

Charts

Certification and sales

Certifications and sales for "Angel"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan (Oricon Charts)20,190 [73]
United Kingdom205,000 [35]
United States (RIAA) [25]
With "Into the Groove"
Gold1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Material Girl</span> 1984 single by Madonna

"Material Girl" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna for her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984). It was released on January 23, 1985, by the Sire label as the second single from Like a Virgin. It also appears slightly remixed on the 1990 greatest hits compilation, The Immaculate Collection, in its original form on the 2009 greatest hits compilation, Celebration and Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones (2022). The song was written by Peter Brown and Robert Rans, while Nile Rodgers produced the track. Madonna explained that the concept of the song was indicative of her life at that time, and she liked it because she felt it was provocative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dress You Up</span> 1985 single by Madonna

"Dress You Up" is a song by American singer Madonna from her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984). It was released as the album's final single on July 24, 1985, by Sire Records. Written by Andrea LaRusso and Peggy Stanziale, and produced by Nile Rodgers, who also played guitar on the track, it was the final song to be added to the album. Rodgers had asked the writers to compose something similar to the work of his band Chic but, due to LaRusso and Stanziale being busy with other projects, the composition took time. When the lyrics were submitted, the producer initially rejected them, as he felt there was no time to compose a melody; Madonna, however, liked the lyrics and convinced him to include the song on Like a Virgin. Musically, "Dress You Up" is a dance-pop song whose lyrics are an extended metaphor for fashion and lust, comparing dressing up with passion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like a Virgin (song)</span> 1984 song by Madonna

"Like a Virgin" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna from her second album of the same name. The song was written and composed by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, and it was released as the album's lead single on October 31, 1984. A dance song with two hooks, Madonna sings in a high register while a continuous arrangement of synths are heard along the bassline. The song's lyrics are ambiguous, consisting of hidden innuendos and open to various interpretations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spotlight (Madonna song)</span> 1988 single by Madonna

"Spotlight" is a song by American singer Madonna from her first remix album You Can Dance (1987). It was released as a single in Japan on April 25, 1988 by Sire Records and Warner-Pioneer Japan. Initially rejected during her True Blue album recording sessions, the song was written by Madonna, Stephen Bray and Curtis Hudson who had presented the original to the singer. The song was remixed by John "Jellybean" Benitez.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Causing a Commotion</span> 1987 single by Madonna

"Causing a Commotion" is a song by American singer Madonna from the soundtrack album to the 1987 film Who's That Girl. It was released as the album's second single on August 25, 1987, by Sire Records. Its Silver Screen Single Mix later appeared on the EP The Holiday Collection (1991). Written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray, the song was inspired by her relationship with then-husband Sean Penn, and his abusive and violent nature. Containing a dance-oriented, up-tempo groove, the song begins with the chorus and is accompanied by a four-note descending bassline and staccato chords in the verses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crazy for You (Madonna song)</span> 1985 single by Madonna

"Crazy for You" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna for the film Vision Quest (1985). It was released on March 2, 1985 by Geffen Records as the lead single from the film's soundtrack album. Film producers Jon Peters and Peter Guber, along with music director Phil Ramone, decided to use Madonna after listening to her previous recordings, employing John Bettis and Jon Lind to write the song. After reading the script of the film, Bettis and Lind wrote the song about the situation in which the lead characters meet at a nightclub. Initial recording sessions did not impress Bettis and Lind, and they felt that "Crazy for You" would be dropped from the soundtrack. However, a new version was recorded to their liking.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Into the Groove</span> 1985 single by Madonna

"Into the Groove" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna, and featured on the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan. Written and produced by both Madonna and Stephen Bray, the main inspiration behind the song was the dance floor; the singer wrote it while watching a Latin American man whom she was attracted to. Its instrumentation features synthesizers and drum machines, with Madonna's voice being double tracked on the chorus. Sexual innuendos and undertones are present throughout the lyrics, which are written as an invitation to dance with the singer. Originally written for her friend Mark Kamins, Madonna later decided to use it on the film, as one of the scenes needed a dance song. It was later added to the 1985 international re-issue of her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984), and remixed for her compilations You Can Dance (1987), The Immaculate Collection (1990), and Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">True Blue (Madonna song)</span> 1986 single by Madonna

"True Blue" is a song by American singer Madonna from her third studio album of the same name (1986), released as the third single on September 10, 1986, by Sire Records. Written and produced by Madonna and Steve Bray, the song deals with Madonna's feelings for her then-husband Sean Penn. A dance-pop song, it features instrumentation from a rhythm guitar, a synthesizer, keyboards, and drums. The main chorus is backed by an alternate one, incorporating a chord progression generally found in doo-wop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rescue Me (Madonna song)</span> 1991 single by Madonna

"Rescue Me" is a song by American singer Madonna from her first greatest hits album, The Immaculate Collection (1990). Written and produced by Madonna and Shep Pettibone, the song was released as the second single from The Immaculate Collection on February 26, 1991, in the United States, and as the third single on April 7 in the United Kingdom. A dance-pop and gospel-house track, the song is accompanied by the sound of thunder and rain, with the lyrics talking of romantic love rescuing the singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cherish (Madonna song)</span> 1989 single by Madonna

"Cherish" is a song by American singer Madonna from her fourth studio album, Like a Prayer (1989). It was written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, and was released by Sire Records as the album's third single on August 1, 1989. "Cherish" was built around the themes of love and relationships, with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet being one of the major inspirations. The track also included a line from "Cherish" by the 1960s band the Association. Musically constructed as a doo-wop-style pop song, it is regarded as a light-hearted track by critics and includes instruments such as a drum machine, percussions, keyboards and a saxophone. Lyrically, it speaks of Madonna's devotion to her lover, and her promise to be always by his side. "Cherish" was included on Madonna's greatest hits compilations The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambler (song)</span> 1985 single by Madonna

"Gambler" is a song by American singer Madonna from the soundtrack album to the 1985 film Vision Quest. The song was written solely by Madonna, while the production was handled by John "Jellybean" Benitez at her request. It was released as the second single from the film's soundtrack album on October 3, 1985, by Geffen Records. "Gambler" was never released as a single in the United States, at the request of Madonna's own Sire Records. The music video of the song is an excerpt from the film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keep It Together (song)</span> 1990 single by Madonna

"Keep It Together" is a song by American singer Madonna from her fourth studio album, Like a Prayer (1989). It was released as the fifth and final single from the album in the United States, Canada and Japan on January 30, 1990, by Sire Records. Written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray, the main inspiration behind "Keep It Together" was Madonna's relationship with her family—whom she dearly missed during her divorce from Sean Penn. The song was dedicated to the American band Sly and the Family Stone. The lyrics deal with the realization of how important Madonna's family has been to her life. A pop, funk and deep funk song consisting of an upbeat rhythm and groove, "Keep It Together" features instrumentation from percussion, banjo and a conga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sidewalk Talk</span> 1984 single by John Benitez

"Sidewalk Talk" is a song by American record producer John "Jellybean" Benitez from his first extended play, Wotupski!?! (1984). It was released on October 21, 1984, by EMI Records as the first single from the EP. The song was written by Madonna and produced by Benitez. They had initially met in 1983 and Benitez worked as a producer on Madonna's self-titled debut album. When he started work on his debut EP, Wotupski!?!, Madonna wrote "Sidewalk Talk" for him. The song features bass and electric guitars, synthesizers, piano, and drums. Lead vocals are by Catherine Buchanan with additional chorus vocals by Madonna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold Hearted</span> 1989 single by Paula Abdul

"Cold Hearted" is a song by American singer Paula Abdul, released in June 1989 as the fifth single from her debut album, Forever Your Girl (1988). It was written and co-produced by Elliot Wolff and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's third song to top the US chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rush Rush (Paula Abdul song)</span> 1991 single by Paula Abdul

"Rush Rush" is a song by American recording artist Paula Abdul, taken from her second studio album, Spellbound (1991). It was released on April 24, 1991, by Virgin Records as the lead single from the album. Written by Peter Lord and produced by Peter Lord and V. Jeffrey Smith, the song achieved success in the United States, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100, and became a worldwide hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Love Is for Real</span> 1995 single by Paula Abdul

"My Love Is for Real" is a song by American singer and songwriter Paula Abdul with backing vocals from Israeli singer Ofra Haza. It was released on May 30, 1995 by Virgin and Captive, as the first single from Abdul's third studio album, Head over Heels (1995). Intended as Abdul's comeback single, "My Love Is for Real" reached number one in Hungary and the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, but it stalled outside the top 20 in the United States, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, and failed to make a major impact in Europe. The song's music video was directed by Michael Haussman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do You Feel Like I Feel?</span> 1991 single by Belinda Carlisle

"Do You Feel Like I Feel?" is a song by American singer Belinda Carlisle, released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Live Your Life Be Free (1991). It became Carlisle's last single to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 73.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Each Time You Break My Heart</span> 1986 single by Nick Kamen

"Each Time You Break My Heart" is a song recorded by British singer Nick Kamen, for his eponymous debut studio album (1987). It was released by Sire Records on 2 November 1986 as his debut single in 7-inch and 12-inch maxi formats. Kamen had gained popularity by starring in a 1985 Levi's television commercial, later deciding to delve into the music business and signed a record deal with Sire. "Each Time You Break My Heart" was the lead single from his album, written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray. It was originally set to be included on Madonna's third studio album, True Blue (1986), but failed to make the final tracklist. Madonna also provided background vocals on the track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Were You (k.d. lang song)</span> 1995 single by k.d. lang

"If I Were You" is a song written by Canadian songwriters k.d. lang and Ben Mink and performed by lang. It was the first single released from lang's third studio album, All You Can Eat (1995), by Warner Bros. on 18 September 1995. The single reached number 24 on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart and number four on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart. On the US Billboard charts, the single reached number 15 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and was lang's second and final number one on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. Overseas, "If I Were You" peaked at number 23 in Australia, number 50 in New Zealand, and number 53 in the United Kingdom. In 2017, Billboard named "If I Were You" k.d. lang's sixth-best song.

<i>Like a Virgin & Other Big Hits!</i> 1985 EP by Madonna

Like a Virgin & Other Big Hits! is an EP by American singer and songwriter Madonna, released on February 10, 1985 through Sire Records. It was originally only available in Japan, but was reissued in North America and Europe in 2016 for Record Store Day. The EP includes four tracks—"Like a Virgin" from the singer's 1984 album of the same name, and "Holiday", "Lucky Star" and "Borderline" from her eponymous debut record.

References

  1. Pitchfork Staff (September 10, 2018). "The 200 Best Albums of the 1980s". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 24, 2023. She was only a year removed from the effervescent electro-pop of her debut, and singles like "Dress You Up" and "Angel" revisited that sound...
  2. Molanphy, Chris (April 14, 2023). "The British Are Charting Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate . Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Rooksby 2004 , p. 15
  4. Kreps, Daniel (July 28, 2016). "Madonna's 50 Greatest Songs: 'Angel' (from 'Like a Virgin,' 1984)". Rolling Stone . Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  5. https://open.spotify.com/album/1AyCx0WQX2pRFTQdbicwcK?si=MpLQryi4SmW8uNxnPUKAHA
  6. Bego 2000 , p. 186
  7. Madonna (1987). It's That Girl (VHS). Warner Home Video.
  8. Madonna (1990). She's Breathless (VHS). Warner Home Video.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Rooksby 2004 , p. 17
  10. 1 2 Soto, Alfred (October 23, 2007). "Madonna – Like a Virgin / The Immaculate Collection". Stylus Magazine . Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  11. "Digital Sheet Music – Madonna – Angel". Musicnotes.com. November 13, 2007. Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  12. Fouz-Hernández & Jarman-Ivens 2004 , p. 60
  13. Leland, John (August 1985). "Singles". Spin . Vol. 1, no. 4. p. 36. ISSN   0886-3032 . Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  14. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (November 12, 2001). "Like a Virgin > Overview". Allmusic . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  15. Cinquemani, Sal (September 9, 2001). "Madonna: Like a Virgin (Remaster) Review". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  16. Gonzalez, Ed (August 1, 2018). "The Beat Goes On: Every Madonna Single Ranked". Slant Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  17. Lynch, Joel (August 15, 2018). "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  18. 1 2 Erlich, Nancy (April 27, 1985). "Billboard Review: Pop Singles". Billboard . Vol. 97, no. 17. pp. 60–68. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  19. "Single Releases" (PDF). Cash Box. April 27, 1985. p. 9. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  20. Karger, Dave (November 10, 1985). "Madonna – Like a What?". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  21. Rogers, Jude (August 16, 2018). "Every one of Madonna's 78 singles – ranked!". The Guardian. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  22. 1 2 Grein, Paul (June 29, 1985). "Chart Beat: Another Milestone For Madonna". Billboard. Vol. 97, no. 26. pp. 4, 55. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  23. Bronson 2003 , p. 351
  24. 1 2 Chin, Brian (June 15, 1985). "Dance Trax". Billboard. Vol. 97, no. 24. p. 58. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  25. 1 2 "American single certifications – Madonna – Angel". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  26. Grein, Paul (May 14, 1989). "New Golden Rule: 500,000 Sales Mark for All Singles". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 22, 2010.
  27. Grein, Paul (August 10, 1985). "Hot Madonna: July Fills Her Coffers With RIAA Metal". Billboard. Vol. 97, no. 32. p. 7. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  28. 1 2 "Top Pop Albums 1985". Billboard. Vol. 97, no. 52. December 28, 1985. ISSN   0006-2510.
  29. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0518". RPM . RPM Music Publications Ltd. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  30. 1 2 "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0539." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  31. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0588". RPM. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  32. 1 2 "RPM's Top 100 Singles of 1985". RPM. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  33. "Archive Chart: 1985-09-21". Official Charts Company . Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  34. 1 2 "Madonna: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  35. 1 2 "Madonna: The Official Top 40". MTV. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
  36. 1 2 3 4 Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 . Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  37. 1 2 "Madonna – Angel" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  38. 1 2 "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Angel". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  39. 1 2 Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  40. 1 2 "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Vol. 97, no. 33. New York. July 27, 1985. p. 57. ISSN   0006-2510.
  41. 1 2 3 Clerk 2002 , p. 41
  42. "Madonna Celebrates Michael Jackson during her Celebration Tour". October 15, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023 via YouTube.
  43. Angel (US 7-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 7-29008.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  44. Angel (Australian 7-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 7-29008.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  45. Angel (US 12-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 9 20335-0 A.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  46. Angel (Australian 12-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 0-20335.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  47. Angel (UK 7-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 928 881-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  48. Angel (European 7-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 929 008-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  49. Angel (UK 12-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. W 8881 T.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  50. Angel (European 12-inch Single liner notes). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 928 881-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  51. https://open.spotify.com/album/1AyCx0WQX2pRFTQdbicwcK?si=MpLQryi4SmW8uNxnPUKAHA
  52. Like a Virgin (LP, Vinyl, CD). Madonna. Sire Records. 1984. 9 25157-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  53. Angel (LP, Vinyl, CD). Madonna. Sire Records. 1985. 929 008-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  54. "European Airplay Top 50" (PDF). Eurotipsheet . October 7, 1985. p. 2. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  55. "Madonna Chart History". RÚV. March 22, 2016. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  56. "Madonna – Angel" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  57. "Madonna – Angel". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  58. "Madonna – Angel". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  59. "INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERS: United Kingdom" (PDF). Cash Box . October 5, 1985. p. 42. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  60. "Madonna Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  61. "Madonna Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  62. "Madonna Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  63. "Madonna Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  64. "Madonna Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  65. "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles". Cash Box. June 29, 1985. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  66. "Madonna". Radio & Records . Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  67. "Offiziellecharts.de – Madonna – Angel" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  68. "Kent Music Report No 599 – 30 December 1985 > National Top 100 Singles for 1985". Kent Music Report . Retrieved January 23, 2023 via Imgur.
  69. "Top Selling Singles of 1985". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  70. "Top 100 Singles (January 5–December 28, 1985)" (PDF). Music Week. January 18, 1986. p. 10. ISSN   0265-1548 via World Radio History.
  71. "YEAR-END CHARTS: ADULT CONTEMPORARY SONGS 1985". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 7, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  72. "Top 100 Singles: YEAR END POLLS — 1985" (PDF). Cash Box. December 28, 1985. p. 43. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  73. Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005. Roppongi, Tokyo: Oricon Charts. 2006. ISBN   4-87131-077-9.

Bibliography