After a period of lackluster album and single sales in the early ’80s, The group Aerosmith was in danger of losing their record contract.

In 1988, Their label, Geffen Records, insisted that they bring in outside writers to help them create some hits–an idea that no one in the group was too keen about…but to keep the “suits” happy, they relented.

Songwriter Desmond Child (who actually helped write Aerosmith’s earlier hit “Dude Looks Like a Lady,”) was called in again to work with Steven Tyler, and the result was “Angel:” this week’s featured Great Song of the ’80s.

Steven was NOT happy with the song…and not only complained about the song’s “wuss factor”, but claimed it ruined his songwriting career.

It all sounded like a wild exaggeration…until hardcore Aerosmith fans AGREED with him!

But then, “Angel” (from the album “Permanent Vacation”) became the group’s biggest hit up to that point…reaching #2 on the Rock Chart and #3 on the Hot 100! Apparently, SOMEBODY liked the song.

And with the song’s success, “Aerosmith’s record contract was saved, and they lived to rock another day!

“Angel” by Aerosmith: regardless of Steven Tyler’s complaints, it was a Great Song of 1988

— Mike Cook