Juice Newton – Angel Of The Morning

 A song that has transcended genres and generations, etching itself into the fabric of American popular music. Released in 1981 on Newton’s self-titled album, Angel of the Morning wasn’t originally her own. The song’s journey began in 1967, written by Chip Taylor, a prolific songwriter known for crafting poignant narratives within his music.

Taylor’s original version, however, never quite found mainstream success. It was Peggy Scott, a lesser-known country artist, who first brought the song to the charts in 1968. Her rendition, though a respectable effort, lacked the spark that would propel the song to iconic status.

Enter Juice Newton. With a background steeped in both folk and pop music, Newton possessed a unique vocal quality that resonated perfectly with Taylor’s melancholic lyrics. Her rendition, produced by Richard Landis and arranged by the legendary Charles Calello, took a slightly different approach than Scott’s. Calello’s arrangement incorporated a sophisticated blend of country and pop instrumentation, featuring a gentle yet propulsive drumbeat, a bed of melancholic piano chords, and tasteful flourishes of pedal steel guitar.

But it was Newton’s voice that truly elevated the song. She delivered the lyrics with a blend of vulnerability and defiance. The opening line, sung in a hushed, almost remorseful tone, immediately sets the stage: “I woke up in a cold sweat, heart a-fluttering in my chest” As the song progresses, her voice takes on a touch of defiance, particularly in the iconic refrain: “There’ll be no strings to bind your hands, not if my love can’t bind your heart.” This interplay of emotions perfectly captures the turmoil of a woman wrestling with the aftermath of a passionate but ultimately fleeting encounter.

Angel of the Morning‘s impact was undeniable. It became Newton’s signature song, propelling her to stardom and topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for three weeks. Interestingly, the song also achieved significant crossover success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This mainstream appeal solidified Newton’s position as a bridge between the worlds of country and pop music.

The song’s influence extends far beyond the charts. Angel of the Morning has been covered by countless artists across various genres, a testament to its enduring lyricism and universal themes. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, solidifying its place in pop culture history.

So, when you listen to Juice Newton’s Angel of the Morning, you’re not just listening to a catchy tune. You’re experiencing a masterclass in songwriting, production, and vocal delivery. It’s a song that captures the complexities of love, loss, and regret, all wrapped up in a melody that lingers long after the last note fades away.

Video

Lyrics

“Angel Of The Morning”
(originally by Merrilee Rush And The Turnabouts)