Angel (Halle Bailey song)
"Angel" is the debut solo single by American singer-songwriter Halle. The song was released on August 4, 2023, as the lead single from her upcoming debut studio album.[1][2] The song was nominated at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song.[3]
Background and release[edit]
Halle first teased her solo song on December 31, 2022, for Genius.com through her Instagram Stories. She posted a clip from the studio, where she sang along to the dreamy instrumental on the track.[4] On July 31, 2023, Halle posted a short clip for “Angel” to her YouTube channel and social media, which featured a montage of childhood home videos and clips of recent solo performances set to the track's instrumental. The teaser closed with the quote, “Angels make a way somehow.”[5][6]
Reception[edit]
"Angel" was met with critical acclaim. Clash's writer Robin Murray defined the song as a "gorgeous R&B ballad" with "emotive piece of music", making "full use of her incredible voice with its subtle rises, and stunning falls".[9] Alex Gonzalez of Uproxx wrote that the singer "reflects on growing up in the spotlight", singing "over a piano-and-string-driven ballad" in which "she rises above the heartache, and encourages others to follow".[10]
In a review of the song, HotNewHipHop found that "Neffu’s bridges together Halle’s powerful vocal performance with ghostly harps, setting up the song for a steely build-up that emotionally unloads at its peak", pointing out that it focused "more insight into her personality" and showed "where she and her sister, Chloe, differ musically" [11] Shelby Stewart of Essence wrote that the production of the song infused "R&B and gospel with cinematic elements" defining the singer's vocals "mesmerizing", which "passionately delivers lyrics". The writer described the song as "an anthem to affirm women and a note to self that her work matters, and holds value".[7]
Music video[edit]
The music video for "Angel”, directed by Wendy Morgan, premiered via the singer YouTube channel on YouTube at the same time of the song's release.[12][13]