Elton John and Brandi Carlile Team Up for New Album
Elton John and Brandi Carlile have recently unveiled their upcoming joint album titled “Who Believes In Angels?” Following the success of their collaboration on “Never Too Late” for the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, which has been nominated for an Oscar, the two artists are teaming up once again for a complete album project.
This new endeavor is not just a collaboration between Elton John and Brandi Carlile but also includes Elton’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Andrew Watt, who also participated in the creation of “Never Too Late.” In a recent interview in the UK, Elton shared that instead of working with his regular band, he chose to work with different musicians on this album. Elton took on the piano, Brandi Carlile and Andrew Watt on guitars, Pino Palladino handling the bass, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums, and Josh Klinghoffer on synthesizers, adding a unique mix of talents and energy to the project.
Elton John drew inspiration from rock legends like the Rolling Stones and The Who, pointing out that their energy often derives from a sense of antagonism within the band. Elton admitted to feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and filled with self-doubt at the start of the recording process, putting his collaborators through a tough time during the initial days of recording. However, as they started to develop a few tracks and Elton saw the direction the project was heading towards, he was able to relax and fully immerse himself in the creative process, leading to a more harmonious working dynamic.
The album’s creation coincided with the end of Elton John’s farewell tour in the summer of 2023, prompting him to want to explore new and different musical avenues at the age of 76. Elton expressed a desire not to coast on previous successes but to challenge himself artistically and push beyond his comfort zone. The recording of the album took place over a span of 20 days in October 2023, capturing a moment in time when Elton was grappling with exhaustion and self-doubt, describing himself as a bit of a nightmare during the recording process.
The tension and dynamics of the creative process are vividly depicted in a behind-the-scenes video released by Elton and Brandi, offering viewers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that unfolded during the making of the album. The journey of crafting the music showcased in “Who Believes In Angels?” is a testament to the commitment and passion that Elton John and Brandi Carlile bring to their craft, as they endeavor to create an album that is both artistically fulfilling and emotionally resonant.