Stephen Sanchez’s Angel Face Brings the 1950s to 2023
Angel Face Tracks: Ranked
Emily Zeitz ’25 / Emertainment Monthly Co-President
One of TikTok’s most famous songs of the last few years, “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, has been marked in my book as an instant classic and an unforgettable melody. Its 1950s influence proved a wild success in the single, as well as in its re-release with a feature from Em Beihold. Sanchez brings that inspiration back in his latest album, Angel Face, which was released on September 22nd, 2023.
To me, the album feels like a breath of fresh air in comparison to modern music. Its wholesome love ballads gave me the same joy I always get from listening to 50s music. So, as a frequent listener of that era, I fell in love with this album on the first listen. It has quickly infiltrated all of my playlists, and made its mark as one of my favorite new releases of the year.
Each song is its own brief story, and will make you yearn to live in the 1950s. Each is so incredibly simple, yet so powerful and beautiful. Here’s my ranking of Angel Face’s 13 wonderful tracks:
- High (Track 8)
The eighth track on the album feels like an obvious detachment from the theme. The song isn’t terrible, but very much feels like it doesn’t belong. It doesn’t have a 50s vibe at all, and while it would have higher marks in my head if presented as a modern track, it still wouldn’t be one I return to often. But, saying that this is the worst this album gets is a testament to how great it really is.
- Death Of The Troubadour (Track 12)
It’s got a dramatic vibe, with a bit of Spanish flare, which in itself is not bad. However, this song also does feel a tad out of place. It’s incredibly short, capping out at just under two minutes, and yet it sort of feels like three different songs in one. The same melody is played thrice, each time with a different instrument and level of intensity. While all three are pretty cool independently, they’re a little odd put together. Sanchez only sings in the first part, and probably would’ve been better off developing at least just that section further.
- Doesn’t Do Me Any Good (Track 9)
This song is very solid. It matches the theme, it has a good rhythm, and the vibes are there. It just didn’t stick out to me. It is a really good song, and on its own would not deserve to put so low in any kind of ranking, but all of the rest of the tracks just made more of an impression on me. I still do listen to this song often, and enjoy it each time.
- Caught In A Blue (Track 11)
“Caught In A Blue” is an adorable love song. Its tempo and beat chug along at an uplifting pace, and its melody is super solid. It’s straight out of the 50s, nearly indistinguishable in style, and I love that. It feels a bit like a little filler song, but a reliable one which rounds out the album nicely and further compliments the album’s theme.
- Be More (Track 5)
The last single released before the album, “Be More” has a hauntingly beautiful melody which builds and builds throughout the song. That is, alongside Sanchez’s lyrics sung with increasing intensity. What starts out as a quiet poem transforms into a powerful ballad that I can’t get enough of.
- Something About Her (Track 1)
The first track on the album immediately sets the scene for the rest, introducing its lovesick theme and simple, wholesome beauty. On first listen, I decided that I loved this album after the first track, and I never looked back.
- Only Girl (Track 4)
Released as a single before the entire album was dropped, “Only Girl” slots into its role in the album perfectly. It follows three dramatic and slower paced love ballads, and informs the listener of all of the rest that this album has to offer, namely, some songs that you can groove to. This earworm of a song is the perfect refresher to launch the listener deeper into the album.
- No One Knows (ft. Laufey) (Track 10)
As an album exclusively comprised of love songs, when a duet pops up, it feels just right. Laufey’s gorgeous, 50s-coded voice compliments Sanchez’s beautifully. “No One Knows” is the album’s only song with a featured artist, and it rises to the occasion with an easy grace. It’s the album’s longest track, finishing up at just under 4 minutes, but rightfully so.
- Shake (Track 7)
Who could approach the 50s style without a swingin’ jive? While it’s a bit unorthodox considering the pace of the rest of the album, “Shake” is a wonderful intrusion that I was happy to receive. A very classic jive in style, it feels right out of a 50s dance party. The album’s shortest song, running only 1 minute and 54 seconds, will launch you out of your seat and into a peppy twist!
- Evangeline (Track 2)
The first of Sanchez’s singles released ahead of the album, “Evangeline” is yet another love ballad, but I say that with not an ounce of resentment. It’s so simple, so catchy, and so wonderful. It fits the 50s style wonderfully with its perfect falsetto and relaxed beat. It’s the second track in the album, and if you weren’t hooked by the first, you certainly are now.
- I Need You Most Of All (Track 3)
Moving on to the third track, “I Need You Most Of All” is another love ballad, but again another wonderful one. Each ballad feels so unique and yet they all fit together perfectly, and this one is no different. I could see this being my grandparents’ wedding song, or a slow dance at a 50s high school prom. Each and any of the ballads could be the next “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”.
- Until I Found You (Track 6)
“Until I Found You” holds a special place in my heart. I’ve probably listened to it upwards of 50 times, and it never ever gets old. The chorus was made to be sung; to your partner, with your friends, in the car, for years and years to come. I genuinely think that this song will stand the test of time, just as so many 50s classics like it have.
- Send My Heart With A Kiss (Track 13)
The album, and this review, ends with “Send My Heart With A Kiss”. I accidentally had the album on shuffle on my first listen, and this came on second. I loved the first song and felt really good about the album straight from that, but once this song came on I fell in love all over again. The song is bittersweet, and feels like a natural conclusion to the story that is this album. It’s a wave goodbye to a lover, and a sweet, wholesome, and yet passionate one at that.
A kiss goodbye to the 50s for now, but hopefully not to Staphen Sanchez and his refreshing music. This album has made me a hardcore fan of his, and I can’t wait to see where his music goes next.