My 100 Favorite Charted Pop Songs: Undercover Angel

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Here we are at song #89 on the alphabetical list. That means you’re almost done with the torment. If your head isn’t done spinning with the switch between the Clash and the Platters, let’s try this one on for size. The Hot 100 side of this list is nothing if not entertaining for the diversity, right? Undercover Angel - Alan O’Day Alan O’Day pulled something off that not too many people have been able to do: he wrote a #1 song, and he sang a #1 song. The chart-topping tune that he wrote was Helen Reddy’s spooky “Angie Baby.” Here, singing his song himself, he also hit #1. (By the way, Alan O’Day also wrote another classic: “Rock and Roll Heaven.” That didn’t hit #1, though.) The first person I can think of who also pulled that off was Neil Sedaka (writer of the #1 “Love Will Keep Us Together” and owner of three #1 hits of his own.) This is a fun little song, danceable without being disco. I bought the 45 when it was a hit, and I still love this song. Undercover Angel Written by Alan O’Day Recorded by Alan O’Day From Appetizers, 1977 Peak chart position: #1 Today’s country song: “What Am I Worth” Sweet afterglow: