Host of Angels" is a song recorded by Australian singer and songwriterTaylor Henderson for his second studio albumBurnt Letters. It was released to Australian radio stations on 18 September 2014 as the third single from the album. The song was written by Henderson and Jon Hume, who also produced the track alongside Louis Schoorl. "Host of Angels" is a piano ballad that was written for Henderson's youngest sister to help her cope with the divorce of their parents. The song received positive reviews from critics, who complimented its arrangement and Henderson's vocals. Upon its release as a single, "Host of Angels" debuted at number 55 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Henderson promoted the track with interviews and performances on television and radio programs.
Background and writing
"Host of Angels" was written by Taylor Henderson and Jon Hume, who also produced the track alongside Louis Schoorl. Henderson initially started writing "Host of Angels" when he was 15 years old. While working on his second studio album Burnt Letters, Henderson got Hume to help him finish writing the song. Henderson admitted that "Host of Angels" is "one of the most personal songs" on Burnt Letters and added that "it was probably the most easiest song to write" because of how personal it is to him. "Host of Angels" is a pianoballad that was written for Henderson's youngest sister to help her cope with their parents' divorce. Henderson found out about their divorce at the age of 13, while his sister was five years old at the time. He said, "My sister is now that age and she's dealing with that situation, and working through it from her understanding. I just wanted to hold her hand through this song, to let her know I'll always be there for her, regardless of what happens in her life." In "Host of Angels", Henderson reminds his sister that she will be okay, with lyrics such as "But oh, I know you'll make it through, There's a host of angels watching over, over you."
Release and reception
On 17 September 2014, Henderson announced on his Twitter account that "Host of Angels" would be released as the follow-up to his previous single "Already Gone". The following day, "Host of Angels" was sent to Australian radio stations as the third single from Burnt Letters. Siobhan Graham of Underage.com.au described the song as a "heartfelt ballad", while Q News called it a "gentle ballad" and thought it was one of the great tracks on Burnt Letters. Nathan Pike of Project U wrote that the "beautiful ballad" showcases "the incredible vocals that we've come to love from" Henderson. Take 40 Australia described "Host of Angels" as a "beautiful" and "stunning ballad". Renowned for Sound's Marcus Floyd wrote that "it was nice to hear the piano take the lead" in the song. For the issue dated 13 October 2014, "Host of Angels" debuted at number 55 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
Promotion
Henderson promoted "Host of Angels" with a radio interview on Smallzy's Surgery on 1 October 2014. He then performed the song during the ninth live decider show of the sixth season of The X Factor Australia on 6 October 2014. Henderson also performed "Host of Angels" on KIIS 106.5, Sunrise, at the Channel Seven Perth Telethon and on The Morning Show. The accompanying music video for "Host of Angels" was directed by Matt Sharpe and premiered on Henderson's Vevo account on 13 October 2014.
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Burnt Letters. ;Locations
