Angel

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Angel," the iconic power ballad by Aerosmith from their 1987 album Permanent Vacation. This track, a cornerstone of the band’s comeback, was co-written by lead singer Steven Tyler and professional songwriter Desmond Child. According to interviews, Tyler was initially skeptical about working with outside writers, but Child’s influence was undeniable. The song’s creation began when Tyler played the chords of Aerosmith’s classic "Dream On" for Child, sparking a collaboration that birthed "Angel" in just 45 minutes, as noted by a fan comment on Songfacts. The result was a soaring ballad that hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, Aerosmith’s highest-charting single at the time, only surpassed later by "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing."

Despite its success, "Angel" stirred some controversy among hardcore fans. Guitarist Joe Perry recalled in a 1990 Guitar World interview that some accused Aerosmith of “selling out” with the polished ballad, to which he countered, “What about ‘Dream On’?” Tyler himself expressed mixed feelings, admitting in the band’s autobiography, Walk This Way, that he felt A&R executive John Kalodner “ruined his career” by pushing him to write "Angel" with Child. Yet, the song’s emotional depth, with lyrics pleading for love to “come and save me tonight,” resonated widely, earning heavy MTV airplay. The music video, directed by Marty Callner, blended 1988 tour footage with surreal imagery, including Tyler searching for an ethereal woman, cementing its place in ’80s rock culture.

Another tidbit from the r/Aerosmith subreddit reveals why "Angel" is rarely played live today. Fans speculate that Tyler considers it too “sappy” for Aerosmith’s gritty image, and the band often opts for their bigger hit, "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing," as the setlist’s slow ballad. However, Tyler has occasionally teased snippets of "Angel" during piano intros to "Dream On" at concerts, like a 2020 Vegas show, delighting dedicated fans. The song’s legacy endures, with Aerosmith’s X account celebrating Permanent Vacation’s release in 2024, noting its role as the band’s true comeback album after years of struggle.

Aerosmith, formed in Boston in 1970, began when Steven Tyler, born Steven Tallarico in 1948, crossed paths with guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton. Tyler, a drummer in earlier bands, insisted on being the frontman when he saw Perry and Hamilton perform in their group, the Jam Band, at a 1969 rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire. Struck by their raw energy, Tyler joined forces with them, recruiting drummer Joey Kramer and initially guitarist Ray Tabano, who was replaced by Brad Whitford in 1971. The band moved into a shared home in Boston, honing their bluesy, Rolling Stones-inspired sound. Their self-titled debut album in 1973, featuring "Dream On," launched them into the rock scene, followed by multi-platinum hits like Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976).

Known as the “Bad Boys from Boston” and “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” Aerosmith’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. By the late ’70s, drug addiction and internal conflicts led to Perry and Whitford temporarily leaving the band. A pivotal moment came in 1986 when Tyler completed rehab, followed by the rest of the band, paving the way for their resurgence with Permanent Vacation. Their collaboration with Run-D.M.C. on a rap-infused “Walk This Way” that year introduced them to a new generation, solidifying their comeback. Aerosmith’s influence spans decades, with over 150 million records sold and a 2001 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Stay connected with Aerosmith through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into the Blue Army community via the official fan club, Aero Force One, or join discussions on the r/Aerosmith subreddit. For those craving more, check out fan-driven sites like AeroForceOne.com or connect with fellow Zoo Freaks in Facebook groups like Aerosmith Fans, where the love for the band’s legacy lives on.