Angel

"Angel" is the debut solo single by American singer-songwriter Halle. The song was released on August 4, 2023 as the lead single from Bailey's upcoming debut studio album. Background and release 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. 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.” Composition The song was produced by Theron “NeffU” Feemster and features R&B and gospel sounds. Halle explained the meaning of the song and its writing process:"With everything I’ve gone through the past 3-4 years, suddenly finding myself in this bubble of all these eyes and new opinions, it was easy for me to feel doubt in myself and who I was. This song for me was my climb out of those feelings, a mantra and promise to myself that the work I’m doing here on earth matters and that I matter. I wanted to be able to embrace and be proud of myself and who I am naturally through and through. I hope other brown and Black girls and everyone in general feel embraced, respected, and inspired hearing the words of this song". Reception "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". 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".