Elton John describes his new album with Brandi Carlile, Who Believes In Angels?, as "the beginning of a second chapter in my career." The highly anticipated album is set for release on April 4, 2025, under Island EMI Records.
Fans who pre-order the album will gain exclusive access to tickets for the one-night-only performance An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile at the iconic London Palladium on March 26, 2025.
The Making of Who Believes In Angels?
The idea for the album emerged from the collaboration between Elton John, Brandi Carlile, and producer Andrew Watt, aiming to create a collective studio masterpiece.
Recorded from scratch at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles over just 20 days in October 2023, the album features compositions from both artists, with Bernie Taupin contributing lyrics and Andrew Watt acting as the creative glue binding the project together.
The musical ensemble includes some of the industry's finest musicians: Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Pino Palladino (Nine Inch Nails, David Gilmour), and Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck).
A Rare Look into the Creative Process
For the first time, Elton John allowed cameras to document the recording sessions. A short documentary captures thousands of hours of rehearsals, creative challenges, moments of inspiration, and spontaneous reactions, offering an authentic glimpse into the emotionally charged process.
The Album: A Unique Artistic Blend
Who Believes In Angels? blends ballads, rock and roll, pop, Americana, and country, with psychedelic elements adding a fresh dimension to the sound. Elton John sounds revitalized, while Brandi Carlile is at her artistic peak. Their voices intertwine seamlessly, creating tracks that feel both familiar and new.
The title track, Who Believes In Angels?, is already available, offering a preview of the album. It opens with Elton John’s signature piano notes and builds into a powerful chorus, enhanced by synthesizers and modern production techniques.
Never Too Late: An Oscar-Nominated Track
The album also features the Oscar-nominated song Never Too Late, written for Elton John’s documentary, which premiered on Disney+ in December 2024. The song tells a moving story of redemption, love, and self-discovery, accompanying the documentary’s closing credits.
Elton John reflects: "This album has been one of the most demanding yet rewarding musical experiences of my life. I feel like I’m opening a new door to the future. This is the beginning of the second chapter of my career."
Brandi Carlile adds: "Elton John sets the bar incredibly high. This was a unique experience in a demanding yet inspiring environment, filled with creativity and mutual respect. It truly felt like family."
Who Believes In Angels? is an authentic, groundbreaking collaboration that merges Elton John’s seasoned artistry with Brandi Carlile’s vibrant energy. It is an album that honors the past while fearlessly looking toward the future of music.
