The highly anticipated collaborative studio album from music icons Elton John and Brandi Carlile, “Who Believes In Angels?Who Believes In Angels?“, is out now via Interscope Records.

The arrival of the album follows a thrilling week that saw Elton and Brandi offer a tantalizing glimpse into their creative synergy. The duo debuted several tracks live during a captivating evening of music and conversation held at the prestigious London Palladium. This special show, which garnered widespread critical acclaim and a slew of 5-star reviews, is set to reach a global audience soon. Mark your calendars: the magical evening will air on CBS this Sunday, April 6th, and for viewers in the UK, it will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player on Saturday, April 19th.

One of the standout moments from their live performance was the unveiling of the album’s focus track, “Little Richard’s Bible.” This compelling song delves into the fascinating journey of the legendary Little Richard, navigating his path from flamboyant rock and roll icon to devout Christian gospel singer and back again. The track is a sonic tapestry woven with frantic piano chords, a powerful blasting brass riff, and a bassline that pays homage to the iconic sound of T Rex. As it turns out, “Little Richard’s Bible” became the pivotal key that unlocked the extraordinary potential of the entire album.

Reflecting on the track, Elton John shared, “I played ’Little Richard’s Bible’ just accompanied by Chad Smith hitting the hi-hat. Then Andrew put the band on it. When I heard it, I thought ‘God Almighty, this is incredible.’ The frost melted. It was a breakthrough: it had so much energy, and it was exactly the energy I wanted. I suddenly thought ‘yeah, this album’s going to be great.’”

The visionary concept behind “Who Believes In Angels?” was born from the close bond and recurring collaborations between Elton John, the eleven-time Grammy-winning American superstar Brandi Carlile, and the Oscar-nominated and multiple Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Andrew Watt. Their ambition was to craft a truly collaborative studio album, seamlessly blending Elton-led and Brandi-led songs. Long-term Elton collaborator Bernie Taupin and Brandi herself both contributed their lyrical prowess, while Andrew Watt took on the roles of producer, mediator, and creative conduit.

In October 2023, the trio, along with a world-class band comprising of Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Pino Palladino (Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan, and David Gilmour), and Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck), entered Los Angeles’ legendary Sunset Sound Studios with a completely blank slate. Over an intense 20-day period, they pushed each other beyond their creative boundaries to write and record an album entirely from scratch.

Adding another layer of intrigue to this creative process is “Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation,” a captivating 30-minute film series. Employing static cameras strategically placed around the studio, thousands of hours of raw footage were captured, meticulously documenting the album’s entire genesis. This unprecedented access offers fans a searingly honest and intimate glimpse into the often emotionally turbulent creative journey – the breakdowns, the breakthroughs, the tears, and the discarded lyric sheets. Notably, “Stories From The Edge Of Creation” marks the first time Elton John has ever allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions during the creation of an album. Fans were able to witness the premiere of this short film this past Saturday, April 5th at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT on YouTube.

The result of this dynamic creative friction is nothing short of stunning. The kaleidoscopic scope of “Who Believes In Angels?” invites comparisons to some of Elton John’s most celebrated works. Within the album’s sonic landscape, heartfelt ballads coexist harmoniously with raw rock and roll energy, infectious pop melodies, and country-tinged Americana, all while venturing into synth-heavy psychedelic territories. It’s an album that defies expectations and ultimately triumphs. Elton John sounds utterly revitalized, while Brandi Carlile shines as a singer-songwriter operating at the peak of her powers, her voice intertwining with Elton’s with seamless grace. The resulting songs are undeniably the work of both Elton and Brandi, yet they forge new sonic pathways unlike anything either artist has created before.

Don’t miss out on experiencing this extraordinary collaboration. “Who Believes In Angels?” is out now – listen today!