Angel

The song Angel, released by Madonna in 1985, draws from a very particular idea: that of an almost celestial love. The inspiration, as it is told, stems from the experience of a person who feels saved by an angelic figure and, as a result, develops deep feelings for her. This notion of an idealized and protective love is reflected in the lyrics, which repeat the image of a savior with divine qualities. Musically, the piece is built on an ascending three-chord hook that repeats in both the verses and the chorus, creating a solid and catchy structure. The recording included vocal harmonies that intertwine with the main melody, and it is said that Madonna's voice transitions between low and high registers, adding nuances to the performance.

The production of Angel was handled by Nile Rodgers, who had already worked with Madonna on her debut album. The recording sessions took place in 1984 at the Power Station studio in New York, and the mixing was done by Jason Corsaro. Originally, Madonna considered releasing Angel as the first single from her second album, Like a Virgin, but she ultimately decided that the title track of the album would have that distinction. The idea of Angel as a "celestial love" also connects with the artist's Catholic upbringing, as she has mentioned the importance of invoking angels for protection. Although a music video was planned, it was canceled. Instead, a promotional clip was created that compiled fragments from Madonna's previous videos, such as Burning Up and Like a Virgin, and was distributed in the United Kingdom. The single was officially released on April 10, 1985, and in some territories it was included along with Into the Groove on the 12-inch vinyl format.