Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss’ “The Angels Cried” Underrated Gem

Listen to Alan Jackson's Incredible Duet With Alison Krauss in "The Angels Cried" 
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Alan Jackson is no stranger to creating timeless country hits. Still, one of his most underrated songs is “The Angels Cried,” featuring the angelic vocals of Alison Krauss. Released in 1993 as part of Jackson’s Honky Tonk Christmas album, the song brings a deep emotional touch to an otherwise festive collection. Although it may not be the most well-known track from the album, “The Angels Cried” stands out for its heartfelt narrative and the flawless harmony between Jackson and Krauss.

According to Whiskey Riff, the song, which runs just under three minutes, recounts the birth of Jesus, focusing on the moment angels wept with joy for the newborn Savior. Written by Harley Allen and Debbie Nims, it brings a profound reverence to the holiday season. Its gentle melody and reflective tone create a stark contrast to the more energetic songs that dominate the album, like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and the honky-tonk title track.

A Unique Addition to Honky Tonk Christmas

While “Honky Tonk Christmas” features plenty of boot-stomping holiday favorites, “The Angels Cried” offers a quiet moment of reflection. In the middle of a festive, fun-filled album, this song serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of Christmas. It offers listeners a chance to pause and contemplate the holiday’s deeper meaning, making it a standout track on the album.

Although the song moves at a slower pace than most of the other tracks, it fits perfectly with the album’s overall flow. Jackson’s smooth vocals and the song’s sentimental message create a perfect balance, giving listeners a moment to reflect amidst the cheerfulness of the season.

Alison Krauss Elevates the Duet

Alison Krauss, one of country music’s most beloved bluegrass singers, adds a magical touch to “The Angels Cried.” Her ethereal voice complements Alan Jackson‘s warm baritone beautifully, making this duet memorable. Their harmonies blend effortlessly, capturing the song’s tenderness and drawing listeners into the story of that holy night.

This isn’t Jackson and Krauss’s first collaboration, but their chemistry shines particularly bright in this duet. Krauss’s delicate harmonies enhance the emotional depth of the song, while Jackson’s steady vocals anchor the track. Together, they create a moving rendition that lingers in listeners’ hearts long after the song ends.

Though the track didn’t reach major hit status, it has remained a fan favorite among those who appreciate its simple beauty. Krauss’s angelic harmonies and Jackson’s strong, heartfelt delivery combine to make “The Angels Cried” a special gem in both artists’ catalogs.

A Nostalgic Glimpse into 90s Country

Listening to “The Angels Cried” also brings back fond memories of 90s country music—when Alan Jackson was at his peak, and Alison Krauss made waves with her distinct bluegrass sound. The 90s were a golden era for country music, and this duet perfectly captures that time’s essence.

Everything about this song, from Jackson’s full beard (a rare departure from his signature mustache) to Krauss’s high hair, exudes 90s nostalgia. The duet brings a unique charm, reminding listeners of an era when country music was both heartfelt and timeless.

A Must-Add to Your Holiday Playlist

If you’re looking for a song that adds beauty and meaning to your holiday playlist, “The Angels Cried” is the perfect choice. The duet between Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss captures the spirit of Christmas in a peaceful, reflective, and emotionally resonant way.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of 90s country music or discovering this duet for the first time, “The Angels Cried” will surely become a cherished part of your holiday season. Take a moment to watch and listen to this beautiful performance below—it’s a duet that will leave you feeling the true spirit of Christmas.

Latest Stories

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen isn’t just wowing crowds on his One Night at a Time tour; he’s also rocking the world of music education. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, ...

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

When you think of Brad Paisley, you probably picture the quick-witted country star with a guitar in hand and a string of chart-toppers behind him. But there’s much more to ...

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Elvis Presley’s influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations. His 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” remains a signature track, capturing love, conflict, and heartbreak themes. Decades later, country ...

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

It’s always remarkable when country legends support each other, especially on music’s biggest stages. Alan Jackson’s unforgettable tribute to George Jones at the 1999 CMA Awards was one such moment, ...

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with "Sing Me Back Home"

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with “Sing Me Back Home”

Stepping into the spotlight with a last name like Haggard carries immense weight. Still, Ben Haggard embraces it with remarkable grace and sincerity. As the youngest son of the legendary ...

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss' Soulful Duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You"

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss’ Soulful Duet of “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Heartbreak has never sounded as hauntingly beautiful as when Vince Gill and Alison Krauss come together to perform “Tryin’ to Get Over You.” In this breathtaking live duet, their voices ...

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

On February 14, 2020, Nashville concertgoers were treated to an unforgettable surprise during Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. It wasn’t just Madea that left the crowd ...

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of "Don't Close Your Eyes"

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

In 2015, Allie Colleen—daughter of country icon Garth Brooks—delivered a touching tribute to Keith Whitley with her rendition of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Shared on her Facebook page, the performance ...

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

In 2015, country artist Scotty McCreery took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, four years after winning American Idol Season 10. He captivated the audience with a stunning rendition ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.