Elton John and Brandi Carlile reveal joint album release
Elton John and Brandi Carlile have made waves with their collaboration on the song “Never Too Late” last year. The track was featured in the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late and has been nominated for an Oscar. Exciting news has surfaced today revealing that this fruitful collaboration was not merely a one-time occurrence but has blossomed into a full-length album together titled Who Believes In Angels?
Not only do Elton and Brandi feature prominently on the album, but they also enlisted the help of Elton’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and the talented producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Andrew Watt, who all worked together on the hit track “Never Too Late”. The chemistry between these artists is palpable throughout the album.
In a recent interview in the UK, Elton shared that for this project, he decided to work with a fresh group of musicians rather than his usual band. Alongside Elton’s iconic piano playing, Brandi Carlile and Andrew Watt contributed guitar parts, Pino Palladino added a dynamic bassline, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers kept the beat on drums, with Josh Klinghoffer, known for his work with Pearl Jam and the Chili Peppers, adding synth textures to the mix.
Elton also reflected on the energy of bands like the Rolling Stones and The Who, noting that their creativity often stems from a certain level of antagonism. He explained, “To start with, there was a lot of antagonism because I was in a bad place, I was tired, I was irritable, I was full of self-doubt, and I put everyone through the ringer for the first five days [of recording]. And when I got that sorted out, and we’d done two or three tracks, and I knew we were on the right path, I completely relaxed.”
A behind-the-scenes video released captures some of the tension and excitement that went into the making of the album. Elton revealed that the project took shape after the conclusion of his farewell tour in the summer of 2023, explaining, “I’m 76, and I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to coast.” The album was recorded in a swift 20 days in October of 2023, with Elton candidly admitting, “The reality is, I was exhausted, I had a lot of doubt… I was a nightmare.” This honesty and vulnerability in the creative process only serve to deepen the connection between the artists and their work.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s upcoming album promises to be a unique, dynamic, and heartfelt collaboration that dives into new sonic territory. With a stellar lineup of musicians and a wealth of experience and creativity, Who Believes In Angels? is set to be a standout release in the music landscape. Music lovers can anticipate a blend of soulful harmonies, captivating melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics that showcase the true essence of these iconic artists.