Sir Elton John revealed he had deep concerns about working on his new album ‘Who Believes in Angels?’ with Brandi Carlile, believing it felt “inhumane” to focus on music during a time of global turmoil. The legendary musician opened up about his initial doubts in an interview with Rolling Stone UK, explaining that the project’s direction changed after Carlile’s encouragement.
The collaboration, which ultimately became a celebration of resilience and positivity, almost didn’t happen. On the day Israel invaded Gaza, John was deeply affected by the news and questioned whether it was right to continue recording. “Brandi was staying at her house next door, and I had all the newspapers on the table. I said, ‘Why are we doing an album when all this is going on? It seems inhumane to be recording,’” he recalled.
However, Carlile quickly countered his doubts with a heartfelt response. “We’re going to see the positive,” she told him. “We musicians need to bring the world together. That’s our purpose.” Her words resonated with John, sparking a shift in perspective. She went on to write ‘A Little Light’, a song inspired by her belief in music’s ability to uplift and connect people.
John credited that moment as a turning point for the entire album. “That really turned the album around,” he said. From that point on, the project gained momentum, with a renewed sense of purpose driving the music.
When first envisioning the album, John was adamant that he and Carlile avoid the predictable route of dramatic power ballads. “I didn’t want it to be one line her, one line me,” he explained. “I wanted it to be harmonies. I wanted it to be a proper duet record.”
Carlile echoed that sentiment, sharing how John’s determination to defy expectations inspired their creative process. “We kept the ballads to a minimum because he was like, ‘Everybody will expect us to get together and do power ballads. Let’s do uptempo, positive, uplifting songs,’” she said. “And I was like, ‘Well, that’s kind of an amazing assignment.’”
With longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin contributing lyrics and Andrew Watt handling production, the team hit their stride quickly. John described the energy in the studio as electric. “I didn’t want to go back and make an album I’ve done before. I wanted to push Brandi, and she pushed me, and Andrew pushed both of us to an intense degree. Bernie as well,” he said. “And in the end, we were just roaring. We were recording a track a day, and instant first takes.”
The result is an album that captures both artists’ passion and belief in the power of music. Though the world remains uncertain, ‘Who Believes in Angels?’ stands as a testament to resilience and hope — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, creativity can serve as a unifying force.
