Elton John & Brandi Carlile Announce Collaborative Album ‘Who Believes In Angels?’

Elton John and Brandi Carlile confirmed details of a previously revealed collaborative album, Who Believes In Angels?, which will be released on April 4 through Interscope Records. The longtime friends and collaborators shared the title track as the album’s lead single.

Who Believes In Angels? was recorded in just 20 days during sessions held at Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studios. Producer/songwriter Andrew Watt worked on the project with John and Carlile. Drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Pino Palladino and multi-instrumentalist Josh Klinghoffer appear on the album.

The 10-song tracklist is made up of John-led songs and Carlile-led songs, featuring lyrical contributions from Carlile, as well as John’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Watt was said to serve as “producer, mediator and creative conduit.”

Describing the experience, Elton John — who released his last studio album of new original material, Wonderful Crazy Night, in 2016 — stated:

“This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. It has given me a place where I know I can move forward. Who Believes In Angels? feels like going into another era and I’m pushing the door open to come into the future. I have everything I’ve done behind me and it’s been brilliant, amazing. But this is the new start for me. As far as I’m concerned, this is the start of my career Mark 2.”

Brandi Carlile also commented on the collaborative record and working with one of her biggest influences and inspirations:

“I’m still reeling from the fact that I got to do it. I think all ships rise with Elton John’s standards for songwriting, and it was an incredibly challenging and inspiring environment to work in, everybody throwing in ideas, everybody listening to everybody else’s ideas. It felt like a family. The world is a wild place to live in right now. It’s hard to find peace and triumph. It’s a radical act to seek out joyful and euphoric happenings. And that is what this album represents to me.”

Watch the lyric video for “Who Believes In Angels?” below:

Elton John wrapped his massive Farewell Yellow Brick Road excursion in 2023 before giving up touring. He and Carlile will perform a special one-night-only concert to mark the album’s release. “An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile” will be held on March 26 at The London Palladium. Those who pre-order Who Believes In Angels? will get access to purchase tickets to the concert.

For the first time in his +50-year career, Elton John allowed video cameras to record his process while making Who Believes In Angels?, which can be viewed in the album’s trailer:

Who Believes In Angels? Tracklist

1. The Rose Of Laura Nyro
2. Little Richard’s Bible
3. Swing For The Fences
4. Never Too Late
5. You Without Me
6. Who Believes In Angels?
7. The River Man
8. A Little Light
9. Someone To Belong To
10. When This Old World Is Done With Me