Brandi Carlile And Elton John - Who Believes In Angels (2025)

From its cover to its overall mood Who Believes in Angels looks and feels more like a classic Elton John album from the 70s than one from Brandi Carlile. You're in for a surprise if you expect this ten-song set to sound like her breakthrough record, The Story, or any other music she's made.

Even so, don't be deceived. This isn't an Elton John release featuring guest star Brandi Carlile. It's a true collaboration from two artists who truly admire each other and love working together. At no point does the rock icon - age 77 - try to upstage or condescend to his much younger friend (43). She often overpowers his voice on the duets and takes the lead on many others.

Carlile has always been considered an Americana artist, but she has rocked hard in the past and does so here. At the same time John hasn't sounded this interested since his chart-topping days. Who Believes in Angels is much closer to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy than the Lion King. Even the ballads have an edge to them.

Every song lists both stars as composers along with Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt. There are some truly special tracks. Their initial salvo, "The Rose of Laura Nyro," is an excellent tribute to the late, nearly forgotten, singer-songwriter. Taupin's lyrics do her justice, and he name checks four of her more famous songs in his lyrics.

"Little Richard's Bible" is a tribute to the flamboyant, 1950s, hall-of-fame, rock pioneer. I don't believe it's a coincidence that the subjects of the two opening tracks were artists who couldn't openly come to terms with their sexuality like John and Carlile have been able to do because of when they were born. The ghosts of the late protagonists' hover over each song without really delving into the subject.

"Swing for the Fences" is the loudest rocker, and surprisingly it's one of the Carlile led songs. It opens with a message for young people that says, "Go, go, don't let anything hold you back."

"When This Old World Is Done with Me" is Taupin thinking about mortality. He said, "It's sort of a memorial without being a memorial." It's a moving piano fueled ballad and a fitting way to close the album.

Just like Ringo Starr's latest album, this CD comes in a jewel box, a booklet with a complete set of lyrics, and a roll call of all the musicians playing on the set. There are also brief essays discussing the inspiration behind each song. Perhaps it's because classic rockers and their fans still enjoy the total album experience.

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