Angel of Mine

"Angel of Mine" is a song performed by British R&B girl group Eternal from their first compilation album, "Greatest Hits" (1997). It was written by Rhett Lawrence and Travon Potts, produced by Lawrence, and released on 29 September 1997. The song became Eternal's 12th top 10 hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number four; it spent a total of 13 weeks on the chart, helping their "Greatest Hits" album go three times platinum. "Angel of Mine" was the ensemble's final single as a three-piece, as after its release Kéllé Bryan left the group. In June 2019, "Angel of Mine" was ranked at number 91 on the Official Charts Company's "Top 100 girl band singles of the last 25 years".
In 1998, American singer Monica released a cover version which topped the US "Billboard" Hot 100 chart for four weeks, and peaked at number two on the US "Billboard" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1999.
Critical reception.
"Music & Media" wrote in their review of the song: "With this lush number, Eternal confirm their status as the U.K.'s queens of the R&B ballad, at the same time offering a preview of their imminent "Greatest Hits" album, which is due for release on October 20."
Credits and personnel.
Credits adapted from the liner notes of "Greatest Hits".
Monica version.
In 1998, American R&B singer Monica recorded a cover version of Eternal's "Angel of Mine" for her second studio album "The Boy Is Mine" (1998). On her version, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins replaced Lawrence as the song's producer. Jerkins also oversaw mixing along with Dexter Simmons, while recording was handled by Rico Lumpkins. Still credited as a songwriter, Lawrence slightly altered the lyrics for Monica at the besthest of Arista Records head Clive Davis. Co-writer Potts commented on Monica's rendition: "Rodney [Jerkins] did an incredible job on the production, and then Monica's interpretation, vocally, was incredible as well. She has such a big voice for someone so young." Monica herself described the song about "having a friend that she falls in with, which being human is very easy to do."
Critical reception.
"Angel of Mine" was positively received by Chuck Taylor of "Billboard", who called the song "unbelievable" and "absolutely stunning." He also noted its commercial potential, claiming "this song has #1 stamped across its heart."
Commercial performance.
"Angel of Mine" was released on 17 November 1998 as the third single from "The Boy Is Mine". Following the success of her previous singles, "The Boy Is Mine" and "The First Night", the song became the album's third consecutive release to reach the top of the US "Billboard" Hot 100. It also reached number two on the US "Billboard" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, becoming the seventh domestic top-10 hit of Monica's career. "Angel of Mine" was eventually ranked number three on "Billboard"s Hot 100 1999 year-end charts, and reached number 62 on its decade-end chart. In addition, the song reached number 10 in Canada, the top 20 in Australia, and the top 40 in New Zealand.
Music video.
The accompanying music video for "Angel of Mine" was directed by Diane Martel and features Tyrese Gibson as Monica's love interest.
Credits and personnel.
Credits adapted from the liner notes of "The Boy Is Mine".