Experience a fan-created visual interpretation of a classic power ballad.
Overview
The video "Scorpions - Send me an Angel ★ShivaCosima★" is a fan-made creation that sets the iconic Scorpions power ballad "Send Me an Angel" to a new visual narrative. Rather than the official music video, this rendition, attributed to Giuseppe Romano for editing, compiles imagery, notably incorporating scenes from the film Gabriel, La furia degli angeli (likely Gabriel, also known as The Fury of Angels or Gabriel: The Devil and the Angel). This approach offers a distinct aesthetic and thematic exploration that complements the song's ethereal and longing lyrics, presenting a personal vision inspired by the original track.
Background
"Send Me an Angel" is a timeless power ballad by the German rock band Scorpions, featured on their eleventh studio album, Crazy World, released on November 6, 1990. The song was composed by Rudolf Schenker, with lyrics penned by Klaus Meine, and was co-produced by Keith Olsen and the band. It was released as the fourth and final single from the album in September 1991. Alongside "Wind of Change," it became one of the album's signature tracks, showcasing the band's softer, more reflective side while maintaining their signature melodic rock sound.
The track features Jim Vallance on keyboards, providing the song's iconic, atmospheric opening, and Matthias Jabs on acoustic guitar, contributing to its peaceful country-style melody. Klaus Meine's vocals, with their soaring quality, elevate the song's emotional depth, particularly during the chorus, which is enhanced by soothing backing vocals. An orchestral version of the song was later recorded for the 2000 album Moment of Glory, featuring Italian singer Zucchero, and an acoustic version appeared on the 2001 album Acoustica.
Cultural Impact
The original Scorpions song "Send Me an Angel" achieved significant international success, solidifying its place as a quintessential power ballad of the early 90s. While not as politically charged as its album-mate "Wind of Change," "Send Me an Angel" resonated with audiences for its universal themes of hope, longing, and spiritual seeking. The song's enduring popularity is evidenced by its consistent play on rock radio and its inclusion in various media, such as an episode of the TV show Cold Case.
Fan-made videos like the "ShivaCosima" rendition contribute to the ongoing cultural life of a song by reinterpreting it for new audiences or through different visual lenses. These creative works often highlight the song's adaptability and the personal connection fans have with the music. By pairing the Scorpions' classic with movie imagery, the "ShivaCosima" video provides a fresh, often more dramatic or introspective narrative layer that enhances the song's emotional impact for viewers. This form of fan engagement keeps the music relevant and introduces it to diverse online communities.
Fun Facts
- "Send Me an Angel" reached number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number eight on the Mainstream Rock Chart in 1991. It also performed well internationally, reaching number one in Germany, number two in Switzerland, and number nine in Austria.
- The official music video for "Send Me an Angel" was directed by Meiert Avis in 1991. It famously features lead singer Klaus Meine in a desert setting, evoking a spiritual, almost biblical journey.
- The album Crazy World, which includes "Send Me an Angel," was the Scorpions' first album since 1974's Fly to the Rainbow not to be produced by Dieter Dierks, marking a shift with Keith Olsen taking the helm.
- In 1994, Black Sabbath's album Cross Purposes featured a burning angel in its cover design, similar to that used on the "Send Me an Angel" single.
- The "ShivaCosima" video specifically credits Giuseppe Romano for authoring and editing both the audio and video, using images from Gabriel, La furia degli angeli.