Elton John and Brandi Carlile are set to release their highly anticipated joint album, "Who Believes In Angels?", on April 4, 2025. This collaboration marks a significant moment in both artists' careers, especially following John's retirement from touring in 2023 and a serious health scare involving his vision last year. The album, crafted in just 20 days, features ten tracks that echo the classic sound of John's mid-1970s golden age while also infusing fresh, reflective themes.
In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, John and Carlile discussed the album's lead track, "Someone To Belong To," which was inspired by John’s husband, David Furnish. Carlile penned the lyrics, capturing a heartfelt essence that resonated deeply with John. "It's a song about David that she wrote, and David's been waiting for about 30 something years for someone to write a song about him… And finally, it happened, but it’s just so beautiful," John remarked. He further elaborated, "A bit Everly Brothers. Very simple. Just a beautiful simple love song. Again, very easy to write because I love him so much and if there’s gold, still gold in those hills, I owe it all to you." The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last year, having been together since the early 90s.
Reflecting on his relationship with Furnish, John shared, "I got sober in 1990. I met David in 1993. I don’t think he saved my life, but he made me have the life that I’ve always wanted. I didn’t have a life. Before I met David, I was alone. I had nobody." He described Furnish as the sensible one in their relationship, humorously adding, "I’m the fucking stupid one." Their shared experiences, including sobriety and parenthood, have been pivotal in strengthening their bond.
Carlile, who has been a pivotal figure in John's recent musical journey, expressed her own admiration for him. "He was with me before and he'll always be with me. He's locked into my soul. His songwriting and his spirit is locked into my soul. I'll always have Elton when I write," she said. This deep connection is evident in their collaborative efforts, where Carlile shared lyric-writing duties with Bernie Taupin for the new album, alongside producer Andrew Watt.
Among the ten tracks, the album includes songs like "Never Too Late," "Who Believes in Angels," "The Rose of Laura Nyro," and "Little Richard's Bible." The latter showcases John's signature boogie-woogie piano style, while "You Without Me" reflects Carlile's indie folk influences. The closing track, "When This Old World Is Done With Me," poignantly addresses themes of mortality and legacy, with John singing, "When this old world is done with me, just know I came this far to be broken up in pieces, scatter me among the stars." This heartfelt approach encapsulates the album's essence, which balances nostalgia with a forward-looking perspective.
Critics have already begun to weigh in on the album, with some noting that it captures the struggle of outsiders and advocates for the LGBT community—a cause both John and Carlile passionately support. The album opens with "The Rose of Laura Nyro," a tribute to the undervalued singer-songwriter, and continues with tracks that reflect on musical heroes and personal experiences.
In a light-hearted moment during the interview, Carlile humorously stated, "It's really hard when you've written with Elton John to go back to writing G-C-D chords over and over again." To which John replied, "You do yourself an injustice. I think working with her would be a privilege to do again, but she needs to go off and do what she's learned on this record and put it into her solo stuff." This exchange highlights the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other's artistry.
Elton John, who has always been known for his work ethic and collaborative spirit, continues to embrace new music and artists. His previous album, "Lockdown Sessions," featured various collaborations, including one with Carlile. As he embarks on this new chapter with Carlile, he emphasizes the importance of not coasting through his career. "I have to say this, but my voice on this record is probably the best it's ever been," he noted, showcasing his enthusiasm for this new project.
The release of "Who Believes In Angels?" promises to be a significant moment not only for John and Carlile but also for their fans, who have eagerly awaited this collaboration. With its blend of heartfelt lyrics, classic melodies, and contemporary themes, the album is poised to resonate with a wide audience. As the music world anticipates its arrival, both artists are already considering a follow-up record, hinting at the enduring partnership they've forged through their shared love of music.
As they prepare to launch this exciting new project, fans can look forward to the album's release this Friday, April 4, 2025, and the opportunity to witness the next chapter in the careers of Elton John and Brandi Carlile. With their undeniable chemistry and shared vision, this collaboration is set to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
