For this album, Willy DeVille reached deeper into his Latin roots, even recording a salsa number, "Demasiado Corazon."

Two percussionists from the Latin dance/disco band Foxy, Richie Puente and Joe Galdo, played on the album.

A recording of "Stand by Me" was made at this session and released on a 7-inch single along with “Demasiado Corazon” and “Are You Lonely Tonight?” Trouser Press said about the album, "This uncluttered and uncomplicated tribute to DeVille's chosen forebears — Sam Cooke, Phil Spector, the Drifters, Joe Tex, James Brown — also includes forays into Spanish Harlem and other wondrously nostalgic time warps.

DeVille's songwriting and singing have returned to top strength, and the record burns with sincerity and warmth.

"[2] AllMusic said about Where Angels Fear to Tread, "DeVille and his band were burning through the pages of rock and R&B history (there are a couple of doo wop- and New Orleans-flavored cuts as well) with raw swagger and astonishing musicianship.