{"id":115421,"date":"2025-04-04T19:40:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T19:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/elton-john-and-brandi-carlile-collaborate-on-new-album-who-believes-in-angels\/"},"modified":"2025-04-04T19:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T19:40:30","slug":"elton-john-and-brandi-carlile-collaborate-on-new-album-who-believes-in-angels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/elton-john-and-brandi-carlile-collaborate-on-new-album-who-believes-in-angels\/","title":{"rendered":"Elton John and Brandi Carlile Collaborate on New Album ‘Who Believes in Angels?’"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the significance of the album title \u201cWho Believes in Angels?\u201d? How does the collaboration between Elton John and Brandi Carlile challenge typical genre boundaries? In what ways do the different vocal styles and songwriting approaches of John and Carlile contribute to the album’s overall sound? How do the themes of connection and friendship manifest in the collaborative process of creating this album? What role does Andrew Watt play in shaping the dynamic of this partnership?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The album title \u201cWho Believes in Angels?\u201d may or may not be a rhetorical question, but it\u2019s OK to stick with that lofty circumlocution long enough to consider the idea that Elton John and Brandi Carlile may actually be a match made in heaven, figuratively or otherwise. These longtime friends share that sense of being touched by virtuosity and endless melodic capability on a level few of their pop-rock peers ever could be. And it\u2019s just sort of the gay cherry on top that, incidentally, both of them can be said to be the gay icons of their respective generations with the most naturally broad mass appeal across vastly different demographics, respected, if not beloved, by nearly every rocker, queen or grandma who falls within the sound of their voices.<\/p>\n

Those voices are conjoined at length for the first time on \u201cWho Believes in Angels?,\u201d a 10-song collection that comes out today. Of course, the public has had a chance to see or hear them together before. (He sang backup on one of her earliest albums, in his boost-the-youngsters mode; she came in for a duet on his last record; and they sang \u201cDon\u2019t Let the Sun Go Down on Me\u201d during his televised last touring stand at Dodger Stadium.) But they took a big chance and tested that mutual chemistry with an Andrew Watt-produced album that defies a lot of the rules of these kinds of collabs \u2014 never settling into any single routine about what genre the songs should be in, or how the vocals should be shared. If it doesn\u2019t redefine the collaborative album (and it might), it sure at least gives it a kick in the pants, highlighting both their strengths on the way toward taking some alchemic risks.<\/p>\n

So, who believes in angels? Maybe any fan of either artist who didn\u2019t imagine that we\u2019d ever get to hear a single album with first-hand echoes of both \u201cFuneral for a Friend\/Love Lies Bleeding\u201d and \u201cThe Joke.\u201d After talking with John and Carlile together last fall about their soon-to-be-Oscar-nominated song \u201cNever Too Late,\u201d Variety<\/em> spoke with them again on the verge of their doing a joint show at London\u2019s Palladium, which was filmed for a CBS special this Sunday night. As part of their media blitz, you can also catch them this weekend on \u201cSaturday Night Live.\u201d<\/p>\n

The album cover and the first video for this project had very colorful, lively imagery \u2014 very un-sedate and not sepia-toned in any way. There are reflective, serious songs on this album, but it looked like you wanted to send a message out, even visually, about what this album would be. What was that message you wanted to get across?<\/p>\n

Elton John:<\/strong> When I sat down and planned this album, or booked the dates for it, I knew what kind of album I wanted to make. I wanted to make a fresh, really exciting, vibrant record. You can\u2019t always plan that; that\u2019s not always gonna happen. But I had a whole new lineup: I had Bernie (Taupin, his longtime lyricist), I had Brandi (who also wrote lyrics), I had Andrew Watt, and I thought, \u201cThere\u2019s a real powder keg here. Let\u2019s hope that it kicks in and we can make the record that we really want.\u201d With what you said about the sepia thing, yeah, we could have easily had Brandi and I with a sepia cover, like the Leon Russell one [\u201cThe Union,\u201d from 2010], and that wasn\u2019t the way this album was.<\/p>\n

It starts off with \u201cThe Rose of Laura Nyro,\u201d \u201cLittle Richard\u2019s Bible\u201d and \u201cSwing for the Fences,\u201d and you think, \u201cOh, this is not what I was thinking it was gonna be.\u201d And right from the word go, that\u2019s how we felt. The energy in the studio from all four people was incredible. My mood was really<\/em> miserable the first few days. I was tired \u2014 exhausted. I didn\u2019t know whether I wanted to put an album out at this time because of what was happening in the world. But Brandi, as she always does, talks me around and wrote some lyrics, and Bernie gave me \u201cLaura Nyro\u201d and \u201cLittle Richard\u2019s Bible,\u201d and boy, we were off to the races. And I\u2019ll tell you, I\u2019ve worked with the most brilliant producers ever, and I\u2019ve never worked with someone as enthusiastic as Andrew Watt, who pushes and pushes and pushes and is so musical. Bless his heart.<\/p>\n

Brandi Carlile:<\/strong> Andrew\u2019s so musical. He couldn\u2019t push as hard as he does if he wasn\u2019t as musically talented as he is. He really rises to the occasion and sets a few bars himself.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing pro forma about the way the album plays out from song to song. Each one is a little bit different, just stylistically, or in having lyrics by Brandi on one number and Bernie on another. But most of all, it\u2019s inventive or ever-changing in who\u2019s doing the singing, whether it\u2019s true duet singing or harmony singing, or a lead vocal with background, or even just unadorned solo vocals over an entire song. You don\u2019t quite know what it\u2019s going to be from one song to the next. How did you solve those basic questions of who is going to sing what, and when and how?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> Well, that\u2019s a very Elton John formula, which is no formula at all. If you look at the track listing on some of the great, great Elton John albums from 1969 all the way through into recent days, they sound like a place and a time, but they\u2019re not genre-cohesive. You\u2019ve got an album with \u201cFuneral for a Friend\u201d on it, and then also \u201cSweet Painted Lady\u201d and then also \u201cJamaica.\u201d So there are always these really erratic twists and turns. And I had that in mind, and Andrew had that in mind, with this album. But it\u2019s holding on for dear life and following Elton, because the chords and the rhythm that he decides to play each song in sort of dictates genre and tone.<\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> Also, if we\u2019re gonna do a proper duet album, I didn\u2019t want to do one line here, then the next line there. I wanted to do a harmony album. And that was what I found the most difficult: singing to Brandi\u2019s phrasing. The harmony was fine, but singing to her phrasing was really, really difficult. Every artist sings in a different phrasing way. John Lennon (an Elton vocal collaborator in the mid-\u201970s) did, and Brandi\u2019s phrasing was, to me, really complicated. It frustrated me, and you can see it on film. We\u2019ve got it all on film. [A 30-minute documentary, \u201cStories From the Edge of Creation,\u201d premieres on YouTube Saturday.] But the thing is, if we\u2019re gonna make an album together, don\u2019t do Steve and Eydie \u2014 do Brandi and Elton together, right on top of each other. You know, just go in hell-for-leather.<\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> There were moments in the phrasing where I thought<\/em> I was being really Elton. So many moments come to mind, but like in \u201cNever Too Late\u201d when I\u2019m like [she sings], \u201cDon\u2019t let it cross your mind\u201d<\/em> \u2014 to me, that was just pure Elton. And I sang the vocal first and then he had to match up to it, and he was like, \u201cWhat is this?\u201d And I\u2019m like, \u201cI\u2019m doing you!\u201d<\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> [Laughs.] I\u2019ll tell you what it was \u2026 [He sings.] \u201cIf I had an easy life, would I still choose you? Would I still fall on the same knife?\u201d And I\u2019m going, \u201csame knife,\u201d and she\u2019s going \u201csame knife\u201d\u2026 And I think that\u2019s when I ripped the lyrics off the piano and said, \u201cI can\u2019t fucking do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> Yeah, yeah. Joni (Mitchell and her phrasing) crept in and did some of that, I think, a little bit.<\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> We were challenging each other. She\u2019s musically so challenging and brilliant, and I was pushing her, she was pushing me, Andrew was pushing me, Bernie was pushing her to write\u2026 It was just four people in the studio just going hell-for-leather and not knowing what was gonna come out. And after three weeks, we had this album finished, and another four tracks done [that didn\u2019t make the final album cut], when we went in with nothing.<\/p>\n

The \u201cStories From the Edge of Creation\u201d documentary is said to include some candid, tense moments from when things weren\u2019t gelling at first in the studio. There\u2019s always that thing where people who are friends are considering the jump into becoming lovers, and it\u2019s like, oh, will this ruin the friendship? You guys have been friends for so long, but you haven\u2019t worked together in concentrated form. And it sounds like it was volatile at first. Did you worry at all that maybe you shouldn\u2019t do such an intensive project because it could ruin a beautiful friendship if things got tense?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> Good question.<\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> It never occurred to me that it would ruin our friendship. I love her so much. It brought us closer together, if anything, because we found our sensitive spots. We found out when we needed help. We found out when we needed each other. And so the difficult things brought us closer together. It\u2019s a bit like the Rolling Stones and the Who, those kinds of bands. They always argue and then the dynamism between them and the acrimony sometimes helps you produce a much fresher record.<\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> I wasn\u2019t worried it would ruin our friendship, either, because I was under no illusions about who Elton is and just how he lives his life, which is, I think, really beautiful. As much as we talk about it in kind of a tongue-in-cheek way, I actually think it was really beautiful, the way Elton acted on impulse and behaved the way he was feeling. In fact, I can\u2019t think of anything more musical.<\/p>\n

But I think if I was worried about anything \u2014 and I was<\/em> worried \u2014 it was that if he didn\u2019t like my lyrics or we couldn\u2019t write together, it would say something about my artistry that I was going to have a hard time with. Because I really wanted him to be able to write to my words and I wanted us to connect musically. We knew we were friends, but that was a big test for me. And maybe it shouldn\u2019t have been, but it had me feeling very insecure.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk about the themes. The average person is probably not going to give this a first listen and say, \u201cWow, this is full of queer content,\u201d at all. But from some talking you\u2019ve already done, it\u2019s clear that in some ways it is. You start off with songs with Laura Nyro and Little Richard in the title, both gay icons, followed by \u201cSwing for the Fences\u201d \u2014 again, not a song somebody will listen to at first and say, \u201cOh, this is an LGBTQ+ anthem,\u201d but I know you were thinking of that in some ways, Brandi, writing the lyrics. Do you think that content is important right now for people to hear from you two? Even if it wasn\u2019t necessarily deliberate that you\u2019re gonna have the \u201cLaura Nyro\u201d song and combine that with \u201cSwing for the Fences\u201d somehow and have this theme running through it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> No, but it started to kind of create a roadmap. You started to see those things falling into place, especially as a lyricist, that started to become thematic to me. And I couldn\u2019t help really but project some of my own childhood onto this, because of how important Elton \u2014 and, honestly, Elton and David \u2014 were to me as a young person, and thinking, \u201cWow, I wonder if we could make this a multi-generational salve for some of these young gay kids and some of these young queer kids that just wanna have a great rock record.\u201d And I don\u2019t know how it\u2019s gonna land on those people. But I know that if I had had \u201cSwing for the Fences\u201d \u2014 song or video \u2014 when I was 13, 14, 15 years old, I think I would\u2019ve found it really nice, because it paints a roadmap for the future in a really good way, that you\u2019re gonna be all right and we\u2019re gonna be all right.<\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> Yeah, I just think the first three songs were sort of an accidental start to the album, with \u201cLaura Nyro\u201d and then \u201cLittle Richard\u201d and then \u201cSwing for the Fences,\u201d and yes, that song certainly gives the LGBTQ+ community a hope.<\/p>\n

But there are other songs on the album that give everybody hope, like \u201cA Little Light,\u201d which says you can change the world if you just\u2026 You know, Brandi wrote that song when I was in a terrible mood and I was depressed about Israel, Gaza, all that stuff, and we recorded it the same day. And I think with \u201cYou Without Me\u201d and \u201cWhen This Old World Is Done With Me,\u201d it\u2019s things that touch people about death, about children moving away, and things that everybody goes through. And I think we touch on so many subjects. It\u2019s not just LGBTQ. And I love that stuff. But Brandi is that kind of lyricist where she gives hope to everyone, and Bernie does too. So I feel, if I\u2019m singing the love song to David, \u201cSomeone to Belong To,\u201d it\u2019s a song that everyone can feel; with their partner, they can sing it. But I do think the first three tracks are phenomenal in the way that they just steamroll over everything.<\/p>\n

The two of you have this London Palladium gig together. And, Elton, we see you\u2019re playing a benefit coming up in May at Petco Park in San Diego. So how are you feeling about playing right now, and doing these occasional things after your retirement from touring? We have to guess that your eye condition is such that it\u2019s not getting in the way of live performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> Well, live performing \u2014 I\u2019ve already done one show with the band, last year in Costa Mesa, and it was a real test, because I wanted to see whether I could see the piano and see the microphone. And I could. It was fantastic, and the show was wonderful because my band is wonderful. I couldn\u2019t see the band [laughs], but I could see the piano and the microphone. And the thing at the Palladium, it\u2019s a television special as well. It\u2019s gonna air on CBS in America. Yeah, I look forward to playing. I can see the piano and I can sing, so I love playing. I probably won\u2019t be playing publicly, but I\u2019ll be playing privately, and might do a few shows in the future with Brandi just to celebrate the album, if it does well. Who knows? But as far as playing goes, I can do it.<\/p>\n

We saw both of you on Oscars night, first at the show itself, where you were nominated, of course, and afterward at Elton\u2019s AIDS Foundation Oscar-viewing party. Being at the Oscars is old hat for Elton, but still a new experience for you, Brandi. How was it sharing being on different levels of the Oscar experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> Oh, for me it was unbelievable. I\u2019d never gotten to go to the Oscars; it\u2019s something that you sit at home and watch. And I got to wear a Valentino suit, and [at the AIDS Foundation benefit] I got to watch Chappell Roan honor Elton in the most beautiful way. And it was just an amazing night. I had a blast. I had a cheeseburger. [There were signs of In-n-Out wrappers left behind, presumably accumulated at a stop between the Oscars and the party, on the tables amid the finery.] It was wild.<\/p>\n

John:<\/strong> I mean, yeah I\u2019ve been to the Oscars; this is the third time I\u2019ve been there. And it\u2019s good to know that you\u2019re not gonna win, because you\u2019re not so disappointed. And as soon as the \u201cEl Mal\u201d song [from \u201cEmilia Perez\u201d] won and they were so excited and they were so thrilled \u2014 bless them \u2014 we shuffled off to Buffalo to the AIDS Foundation party, and we had a blast.<\/p>\n

I cannot tell you how exciting the evening was because we raised a lot more money than I thought we would in these times, with the fires and people being careful about what they spend. [The annual event raised $6.8 million overall.] And Chappell was otherworldly. [Roan\u2019s performance at the benefit included duets with Elton on \u201cDon\u2019t Let the Sun Go Down on Me\u201d and \u201cPink Pony Club.\u201d] It was just one of the most life-affirming things. I left that party exhausted and so did David. We didn\u2019t go out to anything else; we were just plum exhausted because it was so much fun. I was jumping up and down when she was playing, and I\u2019ve seen her before, but she really pulled out all the stops for us.<\/p>\n

Carlile:<\/strong> Yeah, you were great [joining in on vocals] on \u201cPink Pony Club,\u201d too. It was perfect, with her putting the cowboy hat on you. Even I didn\u2019t even win an Oscar, I saw you in a cowboy hat.<\/p>\n

Elton John and Brandi Carlile Collaborate on New Joint Album ‘Who Believes in Angels?’<\/h3>\n

In an exciting union of legendary and contemporary talent, Elton John and Brandi Carlile have teamed up to produce their highly anticipated joint album, "Who Believes in Angels?" This unique collaboration marries John\u2019s extensive legacy as one of pop music\u2019s greatest icons with Carlile\u2019s modern folk sensibilities and poignant songwriting. Set to be released in early 2024, the album is already stirring up excitement and curiosity among fans and critics alike.<\/p>\n

A Meeting of Generations<\/h4>\n

Elton John, whose career spans more than five decades, is renowned for his rich discography, energetic performances, and incredible ability to forge connections through music. From "Rocket Man" to "Candle in the Wind," John has crafted anthems that resonate with millions, bridging gaps between generations. His return to the music scene continues to captivate audiences, particularly with his recent collaborations, which reflect a willingness to innovate while paying homage to his roots.<\/p>\n

Brandi Carlile, on the other hand, burst onto the music scene with her distinctive voice and heartfelt storytelling. Over the last two decades, she has established herself as a formidable presence in the realm of Americana and folk rock, earning multiple Grammy Awards and accolades for her work. Her unique ability to infuse emotional depth into her songs makes her a fitting collaborator for John, whose own work often explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.<\/p>\n

The Concept Behind ‘Who Believes in Angels?’<\/h4>\n

The album’s title, "Who Believes in Angels?" hints at themes of hope, spirituality, and human connection that permeate both artists’ music. In a recent interview, Carlile described the concept as "a journey through light and darkness, a celebration of the human experience." The collaboration was born out of mutual admiration and respect, with both artists drawn to the idea of creating something that transcends their individual styles.<\/p>\n

Sessions for the album took place in various locations, infusing a sense of adventure and spontaneity into the collaborative process. With John’s elaborate piano arrangements and Carlile’s raw emotional vocals, the music reflects a melding of their distinct sounds. John brings a wealth of musicality and experience, while Carlile adds a fresh perspective and energy that resonates with audiences today.<\/p>\n

An All-Star Team<\/h4>\n

To bring their vision to life, John and Carlile brought in an impressive supporting cast of musicians and producers. Veteran producer T Bone Burnett, known for his work with artists ranging from Bob Dylan to Alison Krauss, was enlisted to guide the album\u2019s sonic direction. Burnett\u2019s signature style complements both artists, allowing the record to shine while maintaining an intimate, stripped-down quality that underscores the raw emotion of the songs.<\/p>\n

Additional collaborators include musicians steeped in Americana and rock traditions, ensuring a diverse yet cohesive sound palette. The album features a variety of instrumentation, from lush orchestral arrangements to minimal acoustic frameworks, creating a dynamic listening experience.<\/p>\n

Themes and Musical Style<\/h4>\n

"Who Believes in Angels?" is poised to tackle a range of themes that resonate deeply with contemporary issues while retaining a timeless sensibility. From explorations of identity and belonging to reflections on love and hope, the lyrics are expected to deliver poignant narratives that both artists excel at weaving. Carlile’s skill with storytelling pairs naturally with John’s flair for melody, resulting in an album that promises to touch hearts and inspire listeners.<\/p>\n

Musically, fans can expect a blend of pop and folk elements, with John’s signature piano-driven sound interlacing seamlessly with Carlile’s guitar work and rich harmonies. The duo’s vocal interplay is one of the exciting features of the collaboration, allowing them to showcase their strengths while creating a sound uniquely their own.<\/p>\n

Anticipation from Fans and Critics<\/h4>\n

As the release date approaches, anticipation builds among fans eager to hear what this remarkable collaboration has produced. Early singles from the album are expected to drop as teasers, giving listeners a glimpse into the magic created in the studio. The combination of John\u2019s enduring icon status and Carlile\u2019s rising prominence creates significant buzz within the music community.<\/p>\n

Both artists have expressed excitement about the project, highlighting their shared musical philosophy and commitment to authenticity. As Elton John embarks on his final Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, "Who Believes in Angels?" stands as a testament to his enduring creativity and passion for music, while also solidifying Carlile\u2019s place as one of the era’s defining singer-songwriters.<\/p>\n

A Vision for Change<\/h4>\n

At a time when the world is grappling with challenges, John and Carlile\u2019s album offers a beacon of hope. With their combined influence, they aim to inspire not just their listeners, but also a new generation of musicians. "Who Believes in Angels?" promises to be more than just an album; it is a celebration of love, artistry, and collective resilience, reminding us all that we have the capacity to uplift and believe in each other, even through the darkest times.<\/p>\n

As fans eagerly await the release, one thing is certain: "Who Believes in Angels?" is set to make an indelible mark on the music landscape, showcasing the power of collaboration and artistic expression across generations.<\/p>\n

Elton John and Brandi Carlile have collaborated on a unique project titled “Who Believes in Angels?” This joint album showcases their talents and brings together a blend of musical styles that highlight their individual strengths while creating a harmonious sound. The collaboration reflects themes of hope, love, and resilience, resonating deeply with fans of both artists. Their chemistry in songwriting and performance is evident, making this album a celebration of their artistry and a meaningful contribution to contemporary music. Both artists share their personal experiences through the songs, creating a connection with listeners that goes beyond just entertainment. The project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in music, where diverse influences can come together to create something truly special.<\/p>\n

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