Elton John & Brandi Carlile – Who Believes In Angels?
Two of the most successful and inspiring musical artists of our time, Elton John and Brandi Carlile, have collaborated (with producer Andrew Watt) in the making of what John has labelled “a proper duet record”, Who Believes In Angels? – called by many his best album in 25 years. The work is a homage of love to their mutual affection and admiration, to those struggling in the LGBTQIA+ community, to the devastation in Gaza, and to their devotion to their families.
The stellar accompanying band includes Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist/instrumentalist and drummer Josh Klinghoffer and Chad Smith, with Pino Palladino (The Who, Jeff Beck, Adele) on bass.
A tribute to Laura Nyro – who had a huge influence on John’s early songwriting – opening track The Rose of Laura Nyro builds with stirring, soft, otherworldly chords. The intro is long – as was habitual decades ago in music – but it is lovely, uplifting, and not repetitive. Becoming driving hard rock with outstanding guitar and synth, the song transitions to a keyboard solo by John, a choral accompaniment, and then a lively duet with Carlile.
Little Richard’s Bible is rollicking rock and roll, slightly country with gorgeous piano. Put together on Little Richard’s birthday, the piece honours a man who called himself “the architect of rock and roll”, but who struggled with accepting his sexual orientation. As John has explained, “Little Richard was a gay man…we owe him radical self-acceptance.”
Continuing the theme, the lively Swing For the Fences, led by Carlile, has a shade of country and showcases the singer’s incredible vocal range. Carlile: “I wanted this anthem for young LGBTQIA+ people so that they can see these other two generations of queers, just kind of like winning.”
Never Too Late expresses John’s attitude of optimism about life. A piano solo, it is classic Elton John; his voice is in top form. And Carlile channels Joni Mitchell with sublime vocals in the gentle, wistful You Without Me.
A moving duet, the title track is about hope and the human condition, alternating gentle melody with soaring rock. With a folk aura, lyrical guitar and Carlile’s serene vocals, The River Man again suggests a Mitchell influence.
John’s inspirational duet A Little Light is the most country of all and quite hymnal in tone; it’s a great song. Romantic duet Someone to Belong to is an ode to gratitude for friends and family: “But if there’s still gold in those hills, I owe it all to you.”
Beautiful ballad When This Old World Is Done With Me is a breathtaking track with a stunning piano finale. It is sure to be a classic.
John is at the top of his game with Who Believes In Angels? and Carlile is an extraordinary artist. Together they are magic. There was clearly tremendous emotion involved in the making of this album. The result is a beautiful, poignant, exceptional work.
Catherine Sedgwick
Who Believes In Angels? is released on 4th April 2025. For further information or to order the album visit Elton John’s website here and Brandi Carlile’s here.
Watch the video for the single Who Believes in Angels? here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS