Roxy Music: "Angel Eyes" Single (1979)

Roxy Music’s "Angel Eyes" backed with "My Little Girl", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Polydor Records (catalog number POSP 66) on August 3, 1979.

The third single from their sixth studio album, Manifesto. Written by Bryan Ferry and Andy Mackay, it peaked at No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the band's notable hits. The single version is a disco-infused re-recording of the original album track, which had a more rock-oriented sound. This re-recorded version, running at 3:06, replaced the original 3:32 album version in later releases of Manifesto. An extended 12" dance mix, lasting 6:39, was also released, reflecting the emerging popularity of the format in 1979.

The song’s lyrics use religious imagery to describe a woman’s captivating gaze, exploring themes of desire and longing. It features uncredited backing vocals by Luther Vandross, who was a sought-after session singer at the time. The single was accompanied by Roxy Music’s first music video, directed by Bill Stewart, featuring Bryan Ferry in a pink suit, dry ice effects, and two female harpists evoking an angelic aesthetic. The video, designed with fashion designer Antony Price, anticipated 1980s music and style trends.

The single included the B-side "My Little Girl" from Manifesto and had a chart run of 11 weeks in the UK, peaking in late August and early September 1979. The original album version, with an additional verse, was later restored in the 1995 The Thrill of It All box set and the 1999 remastered Manifesto album.

Cover art for the UK release of "Angel Eyes" by Roxy Music, under the EG/Polydor label, catalogue number POSP 67 / 2001 900.