In the summer of 2015, I found myself on a road trip through the southern United States, the radio tuned to a local country station. Amidst the static and the hum of the engine, Alan Jackson’s “Angels and Alcohol” began to play, its melody weaving seamlessly into the landscape of open roads and endless skies.
About The Composition
- Title: Angels and Alcohol
- Composer: Alan Jackson
- Premiere Date: July 17, 2015
- Album: Angels and Alcohol
- Genre: Country, Neotraditional Country
Background
“Angels and Alcohol” is the title track of Alan Jackson’s twentieth studio album, released on July 17, 2015, under Alan’s Country Records and EMI Nashville. Demonstrating his songwriting prowess, Jackson penned seven of the album’s ten tracks, including this one. The album was produced by long-time collaborator Keith Stegall.
Upon its release, the album received mixed reviews. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, noting that Jackson “thrives on the little telling details, whether they reside within a lyric or the freshening of a familiar three-chord turnaround.”
Musical Style
The song “Angels and Alcohol” embodies the neotraditional country style that Jackson is renowned for. It features classic country instrumentation, including acoustic and electric guitars, steel guitar, and piano. The arrangement is straightforward, allowing the poignant lyrics to take center stage. The melody is both melancholic and reflective, complementing the song’s introspective themes.
Lyrics
In “Angels and Alcohol,” Jackson explores the incompatibility of pure love and substance dependence. The chorus succinctly states, “You can’t mix angels and alcohol.” The lyrics narrate a personal tale of lost love due to the protagonist’s struggles with alcohol, emphasizing the broader theme that certain elements in life cannot coexist harmoniously.
Performance History
While specific notable performances of “Angels and Alcohol” are not extensively documented, the song contributes significantly to Jackson’s live repertoire. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart, selling 46,000 copies in its first week. As of December 2015, it had sold 135,500 copies in the U.S.
Cultural Impact
“Angels and Alcohol” reinforces Alan Jackson’s status as a stalwart of traditional country music. The song’s themes resonate with listeners who appreciate authentic storytelling in music. While it may not have achieved significant crossover success, it upholds the values of classic country music and appeals to its dedicated fan base.
Legacy
Reflecting on “Angels and Alcohol,” it’s evident that Alan Jackson continues to deliver music that speaks to the human experience. The song’s exploration of personal demons and the consequences of choices is timeless, ensuring its relevance for future audiences.
Conclusion
“Angels and Alcohol” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s enduring ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal. Its blend of heartfelt lyrics and traditional country instrumentation makes it a standout track in his extensive catalog. For those looking to explore this piece further, I recommend listening to the official audio available on YouTube
Video
Lyrics
You can’t mix angels and alcohol
I don’t think God meant for them to get along
When it takes control, you can’t love no one at all
You can’t mix angels and alcohol
You can’t blend whiskey with a good woman’s love
They don’t go together, love’s already hard enough
You think you can handle, how it feels or what it does
You can’t blend whiskey with a good woman’s love
You can’t change lonely with a bottle of wine
It might ease the heartache for one short easy time
In the end you have to face what’s hiding in your mind
You can’t change lonely with a bottle of wine
You can’t mix angels and alcohol
An angel once loved me, I traded it all
I let the bottle drive my life into a wall
You can’t mix angels, and alcohol