The lyrics in the chorus make reference to two Hal David and Burt Bacharach compositions "Walk On By" and "The Look of Love", and quote an entire verse of the Squeeze single "Heartbreaking World".

Some later issues of this single (including all of the US issues) accordingly credit the Squeeze lyricist Chris Difford as a co-author.

"Angel Eyes" reached number five in the UK Singles Chart in January 1988 and also peaked at number nine in Ireland.

Later in the year, the song charted in other countries, becoming a top-five hit in Belgium, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

An earlier version of the song, entitled "Home and Away", was on the 1986 Glasgow band's compilation cassette Honey at the Core.