The Angel of 8th Ave.
"The Angel of 8th Ave." (stylised the angel of 8th ave.) is a song by Australian alternative rock band Gang of Youths, released on 15 June 2021 as the lead single from their second EP, Total Serene (2021). The track also features on the band's third studio album, Angel in Realtime (2022). It was the band's first original release in four years, and was regarded by many outlets as their "comeback". Frontman David Le'aupepe said the song was inspired by "falling in love and finding a new life in a new city together."[1]
| "The Angel of 8th Ave" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Gang of Youths | ||||
| from the EP Total Serene | ||||
| Released | 15 June 2021 | |||
| Length | 3:58 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Gang of Youths | |||
| Gang of Youths singles chronology | ||||
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It peaked at number 48 on the ARIA Singles Chart. At the 2021 ARIA Music Awards, the song earned the group a nomination for Best Group.[2] At the APRA Music Awards of 2022, the song was nominated for Most Performed Rock Work.[3]
Music video
The music video was released on 16 June 2021.[4] The video was directed by Joel Barney and filmed in the Angel area of London.[1]
Critical reception
Al Newstead from Triple J called it a "big, cathartic rock number."[1] Emmy Mack from Music Feeds said, "it's made of the same poetic, life-affirming, retro-infused indie rock that fans have grown to know and love from Gang of Youths".[5]
Chart performance
On 23 June 2021, Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) released their mid-week chart report, which stated that the song was likely to debut within the top 50 on the ARIA Singles Chart later that week.[6] On 25 June, "The Angel of 8th Ave." debuted and peaked at number 48 on the ARIA Singles Chart, surpassing "Let Me Down Easy" (which peaked at number 49 in February 2018) as their highest peak in the region.[7]
Credits and personnel
Gang of Youths
- David Le'aupepe – writing, vocals, rhythm guitar
- Jung Kim – keyboards, piano, guitar
- Max Dunn – bass guitar
- Donnie Borzestowski – drums
- Tom Hobden – violin, guitar, keyboards
Charts
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[8] | 48 |
| US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[9] | 7 |
References
- Newstead, Al (15 June 2021). "Hear new Gang of Youths single "The Angel of 8th Ave" in all its glory". Triple J. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
- Kelly, Vivienne (20 October 2021). "ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- "Nominees Revealed for 2022 APRA Music Awards". The Industry Observer. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- "Gang of Youths - the angel of 8th ave. (Official Video)". Gang of Youths. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2021 – via YouTube.
- Mack, Emmy (16 June 2021). "Listen: Gang of Youths return with heartfelt new single, "The Angel of 8th Ave"". Music Feeds. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
- "Over 30 years in and this US metal group might secure their highest charting album to date". The Music. 23 June 2021. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- "Olivia Rodrigo makes it five weeks at #1 on ARIA Singles Chart with Good 4 U". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). 23 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart for week of 28 June 2021". Australian Recording Industry Association. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- "Gang of Youths Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 November 2021.