#1 for weeks of February 8, and 15th, 1960.
While this is another new song for me, its tragedy and early death themes are certainly familiar. In fact, this song is similar in theme to, "Last Kiss", originally recorded by Wayne Cochran and later by Pearl Jam. This is actually the third tragedy song in a row, although the previous two songs were based more on historical time periods.
Written by Mark Dinning's sister and her husband, "Teen Angel", is actually quite graphic and morbid lyrically. It involves a couple stuck on the railroad tracks as an oncoming train approaches. The singer pulls her to safety but for an unspecified reason, she runs back and gets hit by the train.
With lines like, "They found my high school ring clutched in your fingers tight" and "They buried you today", this song really is the darkest entry to the list so far. It's no wonder this song was actually banned from some radio stations when it was first released in 1959.
I find I personally prefer "Last Kiss" to "Teen Angel", mostly because the former is not as macabre and is actually more lyrically thorough in describing the final moments of the couple. You actually feel attached to both of them by the end of the song. "Teen Angel", on the other hand, feels a bit abbreviated, poppy, and doesn't really give the girl the singer is mourning much of a personality.
The verses of the song are the most sincere sounding, with just acoustic guitar and sorrow-filled vocals. The laid back, but full band choruses get a bit too cheerful sounding for such a disquieting subject matter. Unless you've lost someone you love this same way, few will be able to relate to the lyrics.
Final Verdict - While there is sincerity in Mark's vocal performance, the song I feel is too lyrically shallow and macabre. Musically, it is too cheerful sounding for such a dark subject. There have been better and more lasting songs written about tragedies that are more universal in lyrical tone, and this isn't one of them. If you can put those complaints aside, the song is sung nice enough to at least deserve a listen, but I personally don't want to play it again.
Coming Up Next - "Theme From A Summer Place" by Percy Faith.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -
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