"Angels Among Us" is a song written by Don Goodman and Becky Hobbs and recorded by the American country music band Alabama. The song was released in December 1993 as a Christmas single from the band's 1993 album Cheap Seats. It charted twice on the Hot Country Songs charts. The song features backing vocals from the Sanctuary Choir and Young Musicians Choir of the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne, Alabama.[2] Hobbs also recorded the song on her album The Boots I Came to Town In.
Alabama lead singer Randy Owen has said that the band received "hundreds of letters from all over the world saying that the song was a blessing."[3] Owen performed the song at the funeral of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. in 2001, with whom he shared a personal friendship.[4] A live recording of the song is included on Angels Among Us: Hymns and Gospel Favorites, released in 2014.
Critical reception
Tom Roland of New Country magazine wrote that "even when the members of the band get schmaltzy with the kiddie chorus[…]they stop short of going overboard."[5]
Cover versions
Becky Hobbs included the song on her 1994 album The Boots I Came to Town In.
Chris Rupp released a version on his 2018 A New Day: A Cappella, Vol II featuring Tim Foust from Home Free[9]
Chart performance
"Angels Among Us" debuted on the Hot Country Songs charts dated for the week ending December 25, 1993. The song spent six weeks on the charts and peaked at number 51 in January 1994. On the chart dated for the week ending December 31, 1994, it re-entered and went on to peak at number 28 in January 1995.[1] Despite being charted during the holiday season, it remains one of the group's best-known songs, due to its inspirational content as well as its inclusion at funerals and in tribute videos.
