In the twilight of his illustrious career, Elton John has teamed up with Brandi Carlile on a new collaborative album titled Who Believes in Angels?. This marks John’s 33rd studio album and Carlile’s eighth, showcasing the dynamic synergy between two musical powerhouses. The album, released under Island EMI Records, has been met with enthusiastic reviews, earning an impressive 8 out of 10 rating from critics.
The collaboration follows their successful single, Never Too Late, which was released in 2024. Fans eagerly anticipated the album’s release, especially after the duo debuted several tracks live during a magical evening at The London Palladium. This concert, highlighted by the focus track Little Richard’s Bible, received widespread acclaim and will be aired on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and CBS.
John, now 78 years old, and Carlile, an 11-time Grammy winner, have crafted an album that feels like a genuine meeting of minds. The songs pay tribute to musical legends, with tracks like The Rose of Laura Nyro and Little Richard’s Bible echoing the influences of rock’s past. The energy of these tracks is palpable, with John sounding revitalized and Carlile at the top of her game.
The album features 10 tracks, which have been ranked from worst to best, illustrating the varied musical landscapes explored within. The opening track, The Rose of Laura Nyro, sets the stage with an epic instrumental introduction, building anticipation for the collaboration. The song showcases the perfect harmony between John and Carlile, blending their unique styles seamlessly.
Following this, Little Richard’s Bible evokes the spirit of one of rock’s greatest musicians. John’s powerful vocals shine through, while Carlile’s presence, though subtle, adds depth to the track. The song’s lively piano and brass riffs create a vibrant homage to Little Richard, a pivotal figure in rock history. John described the track as a breakthrough moment, stating, “When I heard it, I thought ‘God Almighty, this is incredible.’ The frost melted.”
Track three, Swing for the Fences, showcases Carlile’s strengths as an artist, with its lively twang and folk sensibilities. This song serves as a love letter to LGBTQ youth, reflecting Carlile’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. She expressed her desire for this song to resonate with John, stating, “It was the only song that felt like an assignment to me, you know? And I just wanted him to love it so bad.”
As the album progresses, the slower, more introspective Never Too Late allows for a moment of reflection. This duet emphasizes the emotional depth both artists bring to the project. The transition from upbeat tracks to this slower tempo can feel jarring, but once the listener adjusts, the thunderous voices of John and Carlile captivate the audience.
Other notable tracks include Who Believes in Angels, the title track, which serves as a significant turning point in the album. The song’s instrumentation and vocal interplay between John and Carlile create a powerful moment that resonates deeply with listeners. The album reaches its emotional peak with When This Old World is Done With Me, a poignant reflection on mortality. John described the experience of recording this track as deeply moving, stating, “I broke down. Then I composed myself.”
Despite the album’s overall success, not every track has been received equally. You Without Me, sung entirely by Carlile, has been labeled as a sub-par number by some critics. However, even this track showcases Carlile’s emotional delivery and songwriting prowess, proving that even the less favored songs have merit.
Creating this album was not without its challenges. John and Carlile faced self-doubt during the recording process, with John admitting, “The fear led to me having self-doubt about my writing.” Initial sessions were described as disastrous, but the duo persevered, ultimately creating an album that felt authentic and true to their artistic visions. Carlile remarked, “You can hear it in the recording, and you don’t hear that kind of thing anymore because things can get really synthetic in studios, but not with Elton John there.”
The creative process was documented in a 30-minute film series titled Who Believes in Angels? Stories From the Edge of Creation, providing fans with an unprecedented look into the making of the album. This film captures the raw emotions, breakthroughs, and challenges faced by John and Carlile, offering a searingly honest insight into their artistic journey.
In summary, Who Believes in Angels? is a triumphant collaboration that showcases the strengths of both Elton John and Brandi Carlile. The album is a testament to their enduring creativity and ability to push each other to new heights. As John reflects on the project, he calls it “one of the greatest experiences that I've had in recent years in the studio.” With its blend of rock, pop, and country influences, the album stands as a remarkable addition to both artists’ legacies, reminding listeners that they are far from finished.
