Elton John considers Brandi Carlile to be the “greatest modern singer in the whole world”
Elton John considers Brandi Carlile to be the “greatest modern singer in the whole world”, according to the producer of the pair’s new joint album Who Believes in Angels?
Producer Andrew Watt was speaking in the new behind-the-scenes dissection series on John’s YouTube channel, Stories from the Edge of Creation, where he appears alongside the ‘Rocket Man’, Carlile, and songwriter Bernie Taupin to discuss their process for the album.
During this, with specific reference to the track ‘Riverman’, written by Carlile, Watt said: “Elton respects Brandi on another level. To him, she’s the greatest modern singer in the whole world.”
John agreed with this sentiment, as he continued: “She is so good at what she does. I know she can do anything she wants – and I just [think] she has the most amazing voice.”
Across the 30-minute mini documentary, audiences see John in perhaps a more vulnerable position during the recording process than ever before, including a moment where he breaks down in tears at the emotional weight and themes of mortality in the song ‘When This Old World is Done with Me’.
John has previously spoken of the fact that he “would’ve killed [himself]” if he hadn’t shared the collaborative load with Carlile on the project, explaining that she has been vital to this most recent part of his career by saying: “I needed her, I needed her talent, her energy, her humour, and her brilliant lyrics. I’ve got two of the greatest lyric writers in the world: Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile.”
In its review of the album, Far Out said Who Believes in Angels? “should have demonstrated the very best of seasoned energy and efficiency, and while this is true in obvious ways, some moments feel a little directionless or unintentionally flat.”
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