Peak
1
Weeks
25
Score
4,262
Chart Year
1977
---
In this song, a lonely guy gets a welcome visitor: an "undercover angel" who makes love to him in his sleep. It might be a dream, or perhaps a vivid fantasy, but it seems very real. Alan O'Day described it as a "nocturnal novelette." Alan O'Day was a successful songwriter before becoming a solo artist and releasing "Undercover Angel" as his first single. He had written hits for Bobby Sherman ("The Drum" - 1971), Cher ("Train of Thought "- 1974), and The Righteous Brothers ("Rock And Roll Heaven" - 1974), but most notably, penned the #1 hit "Angie Baby" for Helen Reddy in 1974. That song also dithers between fantasy and reality. O'Day drew inspiration from a 1975 song called "He Did Me Wrong, But He Did It Right" by Patti Dahlstrom. In that song, a woman falls for a guy with "an undercover double life" who is also "under covers late at night." This gave O'Day the idea to play on the double meaning of "undercover." O'Day was the first recording artist for Pacific Records, a company created by Warner Brothers Music for their composers who also performed. "Undercover Angel" was the first song he wrote for himself to perform. It was a surprise hit. Released in February 1977, it went to #1 in America in July. Some radio stations refused to play it because of its sexual nature, but that helped create a buzz and send it up the charts. Michael Omartian produced this song along with Steve Barri. Some of Omartian's other credits include "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross and "The Next Time I Fall" by Chicago. O'Day's next single, "Started Out Dancing, Ended Up Making Love," stalled at #73. He released a few more singles, including "Soldier of Fortune" and "Satisfied," before mothballing his solo career. He ended up working on music for TV, including some project for Sesame Street and The Muppets.
Yeah yeah Cryin' on my pillow Lonely in my bed Then I heard a voice beside me And she softly said "Thunder is your night light "Magic is your dream" And as I held her She said, "See what I mean?" I said "Whaaaat?" She said "Ooo-ooo-ooo-wee" I said "All right!" She said "Love me, love me, love me" Undercover angel Midnight fantasy I never had a dream that made sweet love to me Undercover angel The answer to my prayer You made me know that there's a love for me out there (Somewhere) Yeah, somewhere Heavenly surrender Sweet afterglow Undercover) Givin' up my heart to you Now, angel, don't go She said, "Go find the right one "Love her and then "When you look into her eyes "You'll see me again" I said "Whaaaat?" She said "Ooo-ooo-ooo-wee" I said "All right!" She said "Love me, love me, love me" Undercover angel Midnight fantasy I never had a dream that made sweet love to me Undercover angel The answer to my prayer You made me know that there's a love for me out there (Somewhere) Oh, somewhere Now you know my story And girl, if it's right I'm gonna take you in my arms And love you tonight Underneath the covers The answer lies Lookin' for my angel In your sweet lovin' eyes She said, "Whaaat?" I said, "Ooo-oo-oo-wee" She said, "All right!" I said, "Love me, love me, love me" She said, "Whaaat?" I said, "Ooo-oo-oo-wee" She said, "All right!" I said, "Love me, love me, love me" Undercover angel Midnight fantasy I never had a dream that made sweet love to me Undercover angel The answer to my prayer Love me, love me, love me Undercover angel Midnight fantasy I never had a dream that made sweet love to me Undercover angel The answer to my prayer You made me know that there's a love for me out there
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 2, 1977 | 98 | 28 |
| 2 | Apr 9, 1977 | 88 | 38 |
| 3 | Apr 16, 1977 | 78 | 48 |
| 4 | Apr 23, 1977 | 67 | 59 |
| 5 | Apr 30, 1977 | 54 | 72 |
| 6 | May 7, 1977 | 40 | 86 |
| 7 | May 14, 1977 | 28 | 98 |
| 8 | May 21, 1977 | 19 | 107 |
| 9 | May 28, 1977 | 14 | 112 |
| 10 | Jun 4, 1977 | 11 | 115 |
| 11 | Jun 11, 1977 | 8 | 118 |
| 12 | Jun 18, 1977 | 6 | 120 |
| 13 | Jun 25, 1977 | 3 | 123 |
| 14 | Jul 2, 1977 | 2 | 124 |
| 15 | Jul 9, 1977 | 1 | 125 |
| 16 | Jul 16, 1977 | 3 | 123 |
| 17 | Jul 23, 1977 | 7 | 119 |
| 18 | Jul 30, 1977 | 15 | 111 |
| 19 | Aug 6, 1977 | 14 | 112 |
| 20 | Aug 13, 1977 | 17 | 109 |