Angels Ain't Listening

Basshunter previous single called "Home" was released on 27 September 2019.[1] Basshunter announced his new song "Angels Ain't Listening" and previewed fragment during the interview with Scott Mills in BBC Radio 1 which was published on 24 April 2020.[2] Fragment of the song was played in podcast P3 Musikdokumentär broadcast by Sveriges Radio.[3] Promotional single was released on 27 May 2020 by Central Station Records.[4] Two days later "Angels Ain't Listening" was publicly released by Central Station Records,[5] nextBird Records,[6] Planetworks,[7] PowerHouse,[8] Roton,[9] Teta Records[10] and Yeni Dünya Müzik.[11]

The song two minutes and 49 seconds long has a tempo of 153 beats per minute.[11] "Angels Ain't Listening" was written by Basshunter, Jimmy Joker, Thomas G:son and Bilal Hajji and was produced by Jimmy Joker.[12] Song reveals the emotional side of Basshunter and is inspired by the pop music of the 1980s.[13] It is first song he sings since seven years. Basshunter said that he lost his temper to sing. He didn't have the self-confidence and found the competition so fierce, with other singers who had much more personality and were better at singing than he was. When he recorded "Angels Ain't Listening", he felt that he could actually sing.[14] Basshunter explained that song is about angels not listening and having to find oneself before devoting one's life to another forever. He have realized that find of good relationship with yourself is needed before tie up in a relationship. All people make mistakes and learn the hard way, but it is important to maintain a positive attitude and have fun through life.[15]

A lyric video for "Angels Ain't Listening" directed by Jay Jayveesualz (Jay Vasquez)[12] was published by Basshunter on 29 May 2020.[16] It stars Oskar Sternulf where he try to deal with his loneliness, and attempting to be himself, and love himself for who he is.[12] Jay Jayveesualz was looking for a man aged 35-50 years, who could play a mentally unstable person. The reference was Joker played by Joaquin Phoenix from the 2019 film of the same title. 40 applications was received and Sternulf was chosen by Jay Jayveesualz and record label. Sternulf said that there are many people in society who feel incredibly bad and who put on a mask to pretend to feel good, that they smile, but they are dead inside. He also revealed that director of the video had the hope of being able to alleviate the problem of mental illness in times of COVID-19 pandemic.[17] Filming was made between 15-16 May in Södermalm part of Stockholm.[18]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Mix 1	[19]

The release of "Angels Ain't Listening" was covered by the media including Aftonbladet,[14] Bravo Net,[20] Scandipop[21] and TV4 (Efter fem).[22] Jonathan Currinn from CelebMix was impressed of deep vocal that allows listenners to feel his honesty and integrity. He said that song feels very 1980s and with disco-themed vibes it reminds Pet Shop Boys of a song done by them. Currinn described new side of Basshunter as interesting and he was excited about further development.[12] Mandy Rogers from EQ Music said that the lyrics are quite dark and serious, in comparison to the light-hearted topics covered on previous songs. Rogers said that song picks up on themes of acceptance and lonelinessIn addition she said that she really like this more daring approach and it shares a huge, empowering message. In addition she said that she really like this more daring approach.[23] The track was also added to the Swedish top download and stream playlist on 5 June 2020.[24][25] "Angels Ain't Listening" became one of the most downloading foreign track by the radio stations in Russia.[26] It was also added to one of the best songs of the week by Dagens Nyheter and Zero Music Magazine.[27][28]

Thomas G:son was one of the writers of "Angels Ain't Listening".

Credits

• Writer – Basshunter, Jimmy Joker, Thomas G:son and Bilal Hajji
• Producer – Jimmy Joker

• Official website