Elton John and Brandi Carlile announce new album ‘Who Believes In Angels?’
Elton John and Brandi Carlile have unveiled details of their new collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?, set for release on April 4th through Island EMI Records. They have also shared the LP’s title track.
The album was a joint effort between John, Carlile, songwriter Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt, who notably helmed The Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds which recently won ‘Best Rock Album‘ at the Grammys. Who Believes in Angels? was recorded in only 20 days at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles towards the end of 2023.
For the recording of the album, they were joined by a stellar cast of musicians including Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Pino Palladino, and Josh Klinghoffer. The entire creative process was also captured on film, which marks the first time John has brought cameras behind the curtain in his career while making an album.
In a statement, John said of the forthcoming album: “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.”
The legendary singer continued: “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.”
Meanwhile, Carlile added: “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.”
Although Elton is retired from touring, ruling out the possibility of him hitting the road with Carlile, they will perform a special intimate show at the London Palladium on March 26th, 2025.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.