The latter half of 2024 was a rough time for Legendary Singer-Composer Elton John, who divulged he lost his sight that summer from an infection she contracted while in Paris. Couple this with his hearing loss from decades of touring he has talked about how it has affected how he hears music, and we could have seen the end of the icon who brought us such hits as 1973’s “Candle In The Wind” and “Bennie and the Jets,” 1994’s “Circle of Life,” among others. On April 4, 2025, Elton John laid those concerns to rest with his new album Who Believes in Angels? with his plus one, Brandi Carlile.
How did these get together from across the pond? Their friendship started when Carlile took the chance and wrote him a letter in 2009 requesting him to play on her song “Caroline.” This led to a collaboration on her album Give Up the Ghost and ultimately, a deep and enduring friendship that Elton John has professed gave him a “fresh start.” They have worked together on several projects since, including the Elton John: Never Too Late documentary before Who Believes in Angels?, which was produced by Andrew Watt (who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne and Lady Gaga).
Recorded in just twenty days, the three pushed each other to explore new musical ground with a from-scratch mentality. Some might believe this means they threw out ideas and laid the tracks warts and all, and they appreciate this transparency. Of course, this style would be considered unconventional, with all the experimenting with styles and pushing each other to create something new.
Elton John described the album as “one of the toughest I’ve ever made” and “one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,” highlighting the challenges and rewards of the collaboration. Again, congratulations to Elton John for not phoning in “just another” Elton John album. With that said, there is no doubt why Who Believes in Angels? explores themes of hope, resilience, and belief in something beyond the everyday. Listening, it is like we are privy to an epiphany.
Brandi Carlile described seeking joyful and euphoric experiences as “a radical act,” and she is absolutely right. We are conditioned to bottle feelings, whether it is putting up a strong front when we are depressed or playing it ‘chill’ when we could and should be happy. Who Believes in Angels? obliterates the suppression of these feelings.
Listening to Elton John is always a masterclass. His emotional depth is unsurpassed, whether he is doing a power ballad like “The Rose Of Laura Nyro,” a tribute to one of his inspirations that features an intro like she would have done, or in-your-face songs like the motivational “Swing for the Fences,” which perfectly encapsulates how both went into the project. No matter the track, Carlile and John complement each other. Their respect for each other comes through.
Who Believes in Angels? is a breezy ten-track listen with everything from power ballads like those above, “The Rose of Laura Nyro,” to upbeat Gospel-esque tracks like “The River Man” and the more so “A Little Light.” Then, “Someone to Belong To” changes as they sing about their mutual respect and spouses. “When This Old is Done with Me” finishes the album in true Elton John style with a thought-provoking ballad about legacy, just him and a piano.
Who Believes in Angels? will end as an endearing collaboration between two artists with similar and differing stories and how said artists pushed themselves creatively in their decades-long careers, which saw Elton John retire from touring in 2023. A testament to the above statement is that it debuted at #1 in the UK and Switzerland, and reached the Top 10 in the US market.
Always transparent, Elton John documented the album as being made in a series, Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge of Creation, offering fans an intimate look at the writing and recording process. The documentary can be seen on YouTube or Elton John’s site, and while it is short, it is nothing but fascinating. All matters considered, Elton John’s teaming with Brandi Carlile is a must-listen, with Cryptic Rock giving Who Believes In Angels? 5 out of 5 stars.
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