"Angel" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, known for its poignant and emotional themes. It first appeared on her fourth studio album, Surfacing, in 1997 and was released as the album's final single in September 1998. The song is often mistakenly called "In the Arms of an Angel" or "Arms of the Angel". McLachlan wrote "Angel" after reading articles about musicians struggling with the pressures of the music industry and turning to heroin, resulting in fatal overdoses. The most notable case was Jonathan Melvoin, the Smashing Pumpkins' touring keyboardist, who died in 1996. McLachlan said writing the song was easy and joyous, with the bulk of it completed in about three hours. She has also expressed that the song reflects trying not to take responsibility for others' problems while learning to love oneself.
"Angel" is arranged sparsely, featuring McLachlan on piano, a drum machine programmed by Pierre Marchand, and upright bass played by Jim Creeggan of Barenaked Ladies. The single peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It also reached number seven in Canada and has charted in several other countries. Despite its somber theme, "Angel" is often played at funerals and memorial services, providing solace after tragic events. Recently, McLachlan performed "Angel" on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert in February 2026, reminding fans of the song's enduring impact.
